Kanchipuram is located in the state of Tamil Nadu in southern India. This ancient town - the capital of the Pallava Kingdom from the 4th to the 10th centuries - is full of spectacular architectural treasures, and is most easily accessed from the hub of Chennai (which is about two hours away). The highlight is the Ekambareswarar Temple, an enormous stone edifice featuring intricate carvings, and with a mango tree in its inner sanctuary said to be 3,500 years old. Other key sights include Vaikunta Perumal Temple, which has stunning pillars; Kailasanatha Temple, which has been meticulously restored to give visitors a sense of its original stonework; and the steeply-tiered Kamakshi Amman Temple. Kanchi (as it is popularly known) is also a major silk-weaving centre, which makes it a great place to shop for souvenirs.