Kapaleeswarar Temple Tours and Activities

Kapaleeswarar Temple
Kapaleeswarar Temple
Kapaleeswarar Temple
Kapaleeswarar Temple showing a temple or place of worship
Kapaleeswarar Temple


Marvel at the Dravidian architecture of this centuries-old temple, spot intricately carved figurines, watch devotees pray and experience a lively Hindu festival.

A visit to the beautiful Kapalishvara Temple presents a fascinating glimpse into the life of a working Hindu temple. Admire the striking Dravidian architecture and a sacred tank. Watch as worshippers lay offerings to the deities and be part of a colorful Hindu celebration. Kapalishvara Temple honors the Hindu god Lord Shiva and his wife Parvati. The temple dates back to the 16th century and is the second edition. The original, built around 600 A.D., was demolished by Portuguese colonists.

Major highlights of the temple are the two towering and elaborately decorated gopuram (gateway entrances). The almost 131-foot-tall (40-meter) east gopuram is the most striking and a fine display of Dravidian architecture. Gaze up to see carvings of allegorical figures, gods and mythological creatures. See more detailed artwork on the smaller west gopuram. It faces a sacred lake, where pilgrims throw offerings to a multitude of fish.

Step inside the temple to feel a sense of calm. Observe respectfully as devotees ask for blessings at the various shrines. Look for bronze statuettes of the Nayanars, a group of 63 poet saints devoted to Shiva. Spot sculptures of revered Hindu gods such as Ganesh, Karpagambal, Muruga and Shiva. Visit on a Friday to see the Goddess Karpagambal decorated with garlands of gold coins during a ritual.

The temple hosts several festivals throughout the year, when thousands of pilgrims flock to celebrate Hindu traditions. Attend the Arubathimoovar Festival, a 10-day event held during March and April. It celebrates the Nayanars and includes a lively procession of brightly colored chariots.

Located in the Mylapore neighborhood, Kapalishvara Temple is about a 20-minute drive from Chennai’s city center. Taxis and auto-rickshaws provide easy access to the temple or you can catch a train to nearby Thirumayilai MRTS Station. While here, be sure to wander the surrounding streets to find shops that sell flowers, incense and religious souvenirs.

The temple is open daily, from dawn until dusk. It’s an active place of worship, so dress appropriately. Remove your shoes and leave them at the temple’s entrance. Find the complete opening times and a festival schedule on the temple’s official website.

Plan a trip to see Kapaleeswarar Temple

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Best Lodging Options Near Kapaleeswarar Temple

Pullman Chennai Anna Salai - Premium Brand By Accor

Pullman Chennai Anna Salai - Premium Brand By Accor

4.5 out of 5
Anna Salai, Teynampet, 636, Chennai, Tamil Nadu
Pullman Chennai Anna Salai - Premium Brand By Accor
The Leela Palace Chennai

The Leela Palace Chennai

5 out of 5
175 Sathya Dev Avenue Extn, MRC Nagar, Chennai, Tamil Nadu
The Leela Palace Chennai
Bedroom with Kitchen & Attached Bathroom in Heart of Chennai – AC & WiFi.

Bedroom with Kitchen & Attached Bathroom in Heart of Chennai – AC & WiFi.

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Bedroom with Kitchen & Attached Bathroom in Heart of Chennai – AC & WiFi.
Hotel Savera

Hotel Savera

No.146, Dr. Radhakrishnan Salai, Chennai, Tamil Nadu
Hotel Savera
Hyatt Regency Chennai

Hyatt Regency Chennai

5 out of 5
365 Anna Salai, Teynampet, Chennai, Tamil Nadu
Hyatt Regency Chennai
Welcomhotel by ITC Hotels, Cathedral Road, Chennai

Welcomhotel by ITC Hotels, Cathedral Road, Chennai

4.5 out of 5
10 Cathedral Street, Chennai, Tamil Nadu
Welcomhotel by ITC Hotels, Cathedral Road, Chennai
Stayz Inn near Marina Beach

Stayz Inn near Marina Beach

2 out of 5
9/4 Muthu Pandian Ave Mylapore, Chennai, Tamilnadu
Stayz Inn near Marina Beach
The Park Chennai

The Park Chennai

5 out of 5
601 Anna Salai Road, Near US Embassy, Chennai, Tamil Nadu
The Park Chennai
SUPREME STAY

SUPREME STAY

2 out of 5
NO 21, CN Krishnasamy street, Triplicane, Chennai, Tamil Nadu
SUPREME STAY
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Kapaleeswarar Temple

Near Kapaleeswarar Temple in Chennai, visitors can immerse themselves in local culture by attending the vibrant Arupathimoovar festival and exploring nearby tourist attractions. Theatre enthusiasts will find entertaining performances in the area, while various Chennai tours can provide deeper insights into the city's rich heritage. Take the time to enjoy the lively atmosphere and unique experiences that this historic temple and its surroundings have to offer.

Shopping

In Chennai, the Kapaleeswarar Temple area offers great shopping. Visit Express Avenue and Spencer's Plaza, both 3.2km away, for a lively mix of family-friendly and entertainment vibes. If you're up for a drive, Ampa Skywalk Mall is 6.4km away, featuring a variety of shops and dining options.

Recreation

Experience the vibrant atmosphere at M.A. Chidambaram Stadium, just 3.2km from Kapaleeswarar Temple, perfect for sports enthusiasts. Enjoy a round of golf at Oz Golf Academy, only 1.6km away, or explore the expansive AKDR Golf Village, situated 14.5km from the temple, offering a stunning outdoor setting.

Adventure

For an adventurous experience near Kapaleeswarar Temple, visit VGP Snow Kingdom, 12.9km away, where you can enjoy indoor skiing. Kart Attack, located 16.1km away, offers thrilling go-karting. For water sports, head to Muttukadu Boat House, 25.7km away, featuring exciting outdoor activities.

Nightlife

The nightlife around Kapaleeswarar Temple is vibrant and diverse. Catch a film at Inox Theatre, just 1.1km away, where you can enjoy a mix of culture and romance. Alternatively, head to Devi Cineplex, 6.4km away, for an entertaining family-friendly cinematic experience.

Find the best attractions near Kapaleeswarar Temple

While visiting the iconic Kapaleeswarar Temple in Chennai, immerse yourself in a rich cultural experience. Explore nearby attractions including beautiful beaches and modern civic buildings, perfect for family outings or a vibrant city experience. Don't miss the stunning architecture of the Kapaleeshwar Temple itself, a must-see for any traveller. Enjoy the blend of tradition and modernity in this bustling area, making it a perfect spot for your vacation itinerary.

  • Marina Beach: Only 3.2km from Kapaleeswarar Temple, Marina Beach offers a vibrant atmosphere with golden sands and lively beach vibes. It's perfect for a leisurely stroll, enjoying local snacks, or simply soaking in the scenic beauty of the coastline.
  • Consulate General of the United States, Chennai: This modern Civic Government Building, located 3.2km away, showcases contemporary architecture and has a professional ambiance. It’s an interesting spot to observe the intersection of culture and international diplomacy.
  • Sankara Nethralaya: Situated 4.8km from the temple, this renowned institute is steeped in art and culture. It serves as a hub for eye care and research, reflecting Chennai's commitment to healthcare and education.

Best time to go to Kapaleeswarar Temple

Visitor numbers around Kapaleeswarar Temple is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. The best time to visit Kapaleeswarar Temple can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Kapaleeswarar Temple falls in May, when visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Kapaleeswarar Temple falls in January, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with no rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January77.4°F (25.2°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
February78.8°F (26.0°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageSlightly High
March82.6°F (28.1°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageAverage
April86.5°F (30.3°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageAverage
May89.6°F (32.0°C)Light RainSunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
June88.9°F (31.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
July86.9°F (30.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly High
August85.6°F (29.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
September84.7°F (29.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly Low
October83.1°F (28.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
November79.7°F (26.5°C)Frequent RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
December77.7°F (25.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Kapaleeswarar Temple

Visiting Kapaleeswarar Temple can be budget-friendly with several saving tips. Enjoy free entry to the temple and explore nearby attractions like Marina Beach and Chennai Citi Center Mall at no cost. Consider visiting during the cheaper months of May to June or September, and aim for Sunday stays to save money on accommodations. Use Expedia to find budget-friendly hotels, and don't forget to combine your hotel with flights for added savings. Look for eco-certified options for sustainable stays and exclusive discounts to maximize your travel budget.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Kapaleeswarar Temple are May to June and September, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to February, July and December, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Kapaleeswarar Temple is Sunday. The most expensive day to stay around Kapaleeswarar Temple is Tuesday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia's search feature lets you choose your budget, desired location, and additional preferences. You can arrange your results to display prices from lowest to highest, allowing you to easily find the most affordable hotels first. Furthermore, you have the option to refine your search by hotel type—selecting the "Eco-certified" filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly accommodations that are available for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay near Kapaleeswarar Temple with your flights and activities through an Expedia package. This is a great way to make the most of your travel budget.