KANCHI KUDIL "Temples and monuments are an index to the cultural life of the city, the real soul of a place is to be found in its people and their homes" Kanchi Kudil was born of a desire to use an ancestral property to innovatively impart the heritage of Kanchipuram in a manner that would be accessible to tourists visiting such an historic place like Kanchipuram. It provides an opportunity for tourists to understand and grasp how local people lived in a small town like Kanchipuram a century ago. Additionally, Kanchi Kudil provides a place to relax and enjoy a traditionally cooked meal, while also having access to acceptable, standard amenities - especially clean toilets. 1
Within the city limits of Kanchipuram, Kanchi Kudil is conveniently located on the road leading to the Kailasanather Temple. 2
Kanchipuram "Golden City Of Temples" Believed to be the most attractive city of ancient India One of India's seven sacred cities and is considered the second holiest place in India next to Varanasi The Historical Capital of the Pallavas, the Cholas and the Vijayanagar rulers. A center for Tamil Learning and Culture for centuries and gives us a clear picture of the glorious Dravidian Heritage of the Vaishnavites and Shaivites. Description of the house Kanchi Kudil is a 90-year-old house that has been renovated to maintain the authentic, old style architecture and elegant functionality for which it was originally built. 3
Exhibitions are all kept open with suitable period items and explanations so that a visitor can glimpse how an agricultural family lived in a small town not too long ago. The visitor can see: The simple furniture The household effects The master s room The ladies room The children s room The pooja (prayer) room The kitchen The courtyards As traditional music plays in the background, visitors are welcomed into the house. There they are encouraged to read and ask questions concerning the descriptions and writings regarding the rich history of Kanchipuram and its temples. A stock of exquisite handicrafts is available for the tourist to buy. 4
Provided Services Snacks and refreshments are provided from 9 am to 5 pm. Home cooked, hygienically prepared Breakfast \ Lunch \Dinner can be served upon prior order for a maximum of 60 people. Meals and receptions can be eaten as the family originally did in the main hall or in the added, well ventilated space to the rear of the house. This area is comprised of a traditionally designed Tamilian Hall with newly made, handcrafted (by crafts-people, whose families have made such tiles for centuries), tiles. As well, century-old pillars line one wall and were rescued from an historic house at the time of its demolition. Craft exhibitions and live demonstrations by craft persons and weavers are arranged on prior request. Modern, well maintained toilets for men and women, with ample numbers to cater to coach-loads of tourists at one time, are located at the far end of the house. A small entrance fee of Rs. 10 is charged for entrance to Kanchi Kudil. 5
Future Plans To build annexure to the existing establishment to provide ethnically designed air conditioned restaurant, air conditioned rooms for limited number of persons to stay and a court yard to hold live concerts and cultural shows. Location Kanchi Kudil 53A, Sangeetha Vidwan Nayanar Pillai Street (Old Putheri Street) Kanchipuram, Tamilnadu Phone: +91 44 27227680 Information on the Web http://www.indiamart.com/kanchikudil http://www.sulekha2b.com/kanchikudil Bookings and Communication Kanchi Kudil 4, AB Block, Second Avenue, Annanager, Chennai-600040 Phone +91 44 26211123, 26264767 Tele Fax +91 44 26264767 Email: kanchikudil@hotmail.com 6