VELLORE





BEST PLACES IN VELLORE



Vellore Fort

Considered to be one of the finest examples of military architecture in the country, the Vellore Fort was built during the reign of Vijayanagara kings, in the 16th century. One of the most popular places to visit in Vellore, the fort is filled with stories of intrigue, has housed royal POWs, passed hands between various dynasties, seen mutinies and massacres and still stands strong. Well maintained by the ASI, this double-walled granite fort will regale you with its majestic ramparts, impressive bastions and a moat that, legend says, was once filled with crocodiles! Several other structures inside the fort are also worth a visit – Jalakandeshwarar Temple, the ASI Museum, Tippu Mahal, Begum Mahal, Kandi Mahal and St. John’s Church.

Jalakandeshwarar Temple

Periyar Park

Lying on the southern edge of the Vellore Fort is the relatively new Periyar Park; one of the most beautiful places to visit in Vellore. The park is funded by the Department of Tourism of the GOI and has a wealth of attractions within itself – a lush, green lawn filled with flowering plants, a cycling path, a colourful fountain and a reservoir. If you’re traveling with kids, you must definitely make a stop here for its roller-skating rink and battery-operated mini-vehicles for the little ones.

John’s Church

A relic of the British Raj, the Anglican St. John’s Church was constructed in 1846 to service the officers and soldiers of the East India Company occupying the Vellore Fort at that time. Managed by the ASI today, the church is home to a cemetery for the fallen British soldiers of the 1806 Vellore war of Independence. One of the oldest churches in the Vellore Diocese, the St. John’s Church has simple, yet functional interiors and holds within itself many stories, just waiting to be discovered. So if you’re a history buff, this is one of the must-visit places to visit in Vellore for you.

Archaeological Survey of India Museum

Situated inside the Vellore Fort, the ASI Museum occupies space in the Badhusha Mahal and Begum Mahal buildings. Among its many treasures is a stunning revelation (for most people, anyway) – a copy of a report written about the Vellore sepoy mutiny – India’s First War of Independence that preceded the more celebrated one in 1857 by almost half a century! There are more than 2800 exhibits spread across 8 galleries and you must also see the stone sculptures from the Pallava, Nayaka and Chola dynasties and a plaque showcasing the evolution of the Tamil language over centuries and wood and metal artefacts.

District Science Centre

Founded by the Government of Tamil Nadu, the Science Park in Vellore offers four different galleries – Physical Science, Hall of Discovery, Environment and Industry. Not many tourists would put the Science Park on their list of places to visit in Vellore but we’d recommend it, especially if you are traveling with kids. Of note here is the Energy Ball exhibit that will mesmerize you with its workings which explain the conversion of energy. The most enjoyable part for kids, though, would be a visit to the recently opened 3D Science Theatre inside the Industry Gallery – here they can watch science based movies, films on pre-historic times and feature-length shows that explain the science behind magic tricks.   

Sripuram Golden Temple

One of the most impressive places to visit in Vellore is the gilded Sripuram Golden Temple, located at the foothills of the Thirumalaikodi, a small range about 8 km from Vellore. The main attraction here is the lavish Lakshmi Narayan Temple dedicated to Sri Lakshmi Narayani, Vishnu’s consort and the goddess of wealth. No wonder then that a shrine dedicated to her would be literally carved out of pure gold…100 kg of it! A spectacular structure, the temple is adorned with intricate, handcrafted designs made out of gold which makes it a unique attraction in the city.

Sri Rathnagiri Murugan Temple

Dedicated to Lord Murugan or Kartikeya – the son of Shiva and Parvati – and the Hindu god of war, Sri Murugan Temple dates back to the 14th century. An important religious place to visit in Vellore, the temple is believed to be located at the place where Kartikeya resided when he descended from the Mount Kailash. The temple is visited by devotes and tourists both who believe that idol blesses true prayers here. A beautiful and serene shrine, it can be accessed by climbing a set of 150 stairs.