Kanchipuram
Kanchipuram silk sarees are India's most celebrated textile tradition — 1,200-year-old weaving techniques using pure mulberry silk and real zari (silver and gold thread) passed through families for generations. Visiting a traditional weaver's workshop and watching the Jacquard handlooms in action — threads interlocking in patterns that take weeks to design and days to weave — is a profound lesson in human craft and patience.
Visit the government silk weaving centre (Tamil Nadu Co-optex) on Station Road for fair prices and guaranteed quality — private showrooms in the temple area can be pushy and prices vary wildly. Even if not buying, the workshop experience is worth it.