Kanchipuram is synonymous with silk saris whose radiance, grace and beauty are simply par excellence. The producer of the finest and wonderful silk saris, Kanchipuram is known the world over as the “silk city of India”. This city is truly a land of rich culture, which beautifully reflects in its temple's architecture and silk saris. The tradition of weaving silk saris in this city is almost 400 years old. The first weaving communities in Kanchipuram were the Devangas and the Saligars who were actually from Andhra Pradesh, but were transmigrated to this city during the rule of Krishna-Deva Raya in Kanchipuram. These two communities were expert in weaving wonderful silk saris.

The weavers who have long perfected the art of weaving silk saris produce colorful saris from pure mulberry silk. A large percentage of the population of the city are involved in weaving silk saris. Available in numerous colors and various designs, Kanchipuram saris are high on quality and really make a good buy.

The raw material used in making these graceful saris come from the neighboring states. The mulberry silk yarn is brought from Karnataka and the metallic yarn(zari) comes from Gujarat. But the skilled artisans who brilliantly combine all these raw materials to weave silk saris belong to the land of Kanchipuram only. Cotton saris are also made here, which have there own grace and beauty.

The enchanting Kanchipuram silk saris are entirely hand woven, the task which takes a great deal of hard work. The grace of these saris are simply unmatched. Some of the silk saris have borders made of pure gold or silver, which makes them costly.

The best time to go on a shopping spree in Kanchipuram, especially when you want to buy some silk saris, is during the Silk Tourism Festival. It is held in the month of October every year and attracts tourists from far and wide.

One of the best places to buy Kanchipuram silk saris is the Gandhi Road, which is dotted with famous shops such as Prakash Silk Saris, BM Silk saris, Kamatchi Co-optex and Thiruvallur Cooperative society. Other places you can head for are the Babu Shah in Sheikpet, Nadu Street and Nalli Silks on Nellukkara Street.