Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Roughly 1200 years old, this Vishnu temple is a Pallava creation. A passage around the
central shrine has lion pillars and a wealth of weathered wall panels, some showing histor-
ical scenes. The main shrine, uniquely spread over three levels, contains images of Vishnu
standing, sitting, reclining and riding his preferred mount, the garuda (half-eagle, half-
man).
Volunteering
RIDE
(Rural Institute for Development Education; 27268223;
www.rideindia.org
; 48 Periyar Nagar, Little Kanchipuram)
Kanchipuram's celebrated silk-weaving industry has traditionally depended heavily on
child labour. The NGO RIDE has been a leader in reducing child labour numbers in the
industry from over 40,000 in 1997 to less than 1000 by 2010, by its own estimates. RIDE
also works to empower the rural poor through education and women's self-help groups. It
welcomes volunteers from one week to two years to work in a wide variety of projects.
Volunteers pay between ?1500 and ?7000 per week (depending how long they are staying)
for accommodation, food and other costs.
VOLUNTEERING
Tours
RIDE offers original and fascinating
tours
(per person incl lunch half/full day ?600/900)
covering di-
verse themes from silk weaving and temples to released child labour or an Indian cookery
class with market visit.
Sleeping & Eating
RIDE
(Rural Institute for Development Education; 27268223;
www.rideindia.org
; 48 Periyar Nagar, Little Kanchipuram;
s/d incl breakfast ?350/700; )
This NGO has several simple but clean and sizeable rooms for
travellers, at its base in a residential area about 5km southeast of the city centre (signpos-
ted from the main road about 1km past Varadaraja Perumal Temple). Contact them a day
ahead if possible. Home-cooked lunch and dinner are available (?250 each).
GUESTHOUSE
$
GRT Regency
HOTEL
$$
