Sriperumbudur is a town in Kancheepuram district, Tamil Nadu, about 40 km south-west of Chennai on the Chennai-Bengaluru highway (NH 48). It is best known for the Rajiv Gandhi Memorial, which marks the spot where the former Prime Minister was assassinated on 21 May 1991. The town is also the birthplace of the Vaishnava philosopher Ramanuja and has the Adi Keshava Perumal Temple associated with him. The trip takes 1 to 1.5 hours each way. TNSTC and MTC buses run from Koyambedu toward Kanchipuram for about ₹20 to ₹50, and a taxi costs about ₹1,200 to ₹2,000 one way.
The memorial is a quiet, landscaped site with a memorial structure and a small display relating to the event. Entry is free, though opening hours should be confirmed before travelling. The Adi Keshava Perumal Temple, associated with Ramanuja's birth, is a short distance away in the town and is a living place of worship with traditional dress and footwear rules. Beyond these sites, the area is largely industrial with large manufacturing plants along the highway, so sightseeing options are limited.
Because of the short visit time, Sriperumbudur is best treated as a half-day stop or combined with a Kanchipuram day trip, since the two lie on the same road. A reasonable plan is a morning departure, a visit to the memorial and then the temple, a simple South Indian lunch in town, and a continuation to Kanchipuram or a return to Chennai in the afternoon. Food choices are modest, with basic vegetarian restaurants and tea stalls near the bus stand.
October to March is the most comfortable season, since summers are hot. Visitors should dress modestly at the temple, and carry water. A day budget of ₹500 to ₹1,500 per person covers bus travel and food for a bus-based trip.
| Distance | About 40 km south-west of Chennai |
|---|---|
| Travel time | 1-1.5 hours each way |
| Getting there | Bus: TNSTC/MTC from Koyambedu towards Kanchipuram, about ₹20-50 (approx $0.21-0.52 USD) |
| Cost | Memorial entry is free; confirm opening hours before travelling |
| Difficulty | easy |
| Address | Rajiv Gandhi Memorial, Sriperumbudur, Tamil Nadu 602105, India |
How to get there
- Taxi: about ₹1,200-2,000 (approx $13-21 USD) one way
- Combine with a Kanchipuram day trip
Location
Rajiv Gandhi Memorial, Sriperumbudur, Tamil Nadu 602105, India
12.9654, 79.9461 View on map
Highlights
- Rajiv Gandhi Memorial, marking the site of the 1991 assassination
- Adi Keshava Perumal Temple associated with Ramanuja's birthplace
- Quiet landscaped memorial grounds with free entry
- Easy combination with a Kanchipuram day trip
- Direct highway access via NH 48
Tips for visiting
- Check the memorial's opening hours before travelling, since they may change.
- Take a TNSTC or MTC bus toward Kanchipuram from Koyambedu and alight at Sriperumbudur.
- Combine with Kanchipuram if travelling by taxi along the same road.
- Dress modestly and remove footwear at the temple.
- Carry water, as shade and facilities near the memorial are limited.
When to visit
October to March, in the morning. Late-morning heat is noticeable from April onwards.
Accessibility
The memorial grounds are largely level with paved paths. The temple has steps and requires walking barefoot, which may be difficult for some visitors.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Sriperumbudur from Chennai?
It is about 40 km south-west on NH 48. The trip takes roughly 1 to 1.5 hours each way.
Is there an entry fee for the memorial?
Entry is free. Confirm opening hours before travelling.
Can it be combined with Kanchipuram?
Yes. Sriperumbudur lies on the road to Kanchipuram, and the two are often combined in one day.
How do I get there by bus?
TNSTC and MTC buses toward Kanchipuram from Koyambedu stop at Sriperumbudur, for a fare of about ₹20 to ₹50.