Vellore Travel Guide - The Fort City of Tamil Nadu
Vellore is a famous ancient city situated on the banks of the Palar River. Also named The Fort City, due to the presence of Vellore Fort, it offers tourists an excellent opportunity to learn about Indian heritage and Indian culture.
Did you know Vellore is famous for leather as it contributes about 35-40% of India’s leather exports? Historically, Vellore has been ruled by different dynasties several times, like the Pallavas, Cholas, Rashtrakutas and the list. Keep reading to know more about Vellore and its stunning attractions!
History of Vellore
If we turn back the pages of time, we can trace Vellore's history to the 9th century—the Chola inscriptions found in the Annamalaiyar Temple support this.
Since its beginning, Vellore has seen its fair share of battles. The Vellore Fort was built during the 15th century and is a classic example of military architecture in Southern India. This fort has seen its fair share of blood and dust.
Coming on to the 19th century, one of the most notable places in Vellore was the central prison built in 1830, which, at one point in time, imprisoned many prominent figures like C. Rajagopalachari and Ramaswamy Venkataraman.
Places to Visit Near Vellore
To make your Vellore exploration interesting, you must explore it to the core! Below is the list of the best tourist places in Vellore that are a must-visit:
1. Vellore Fort
Ranked among the top spots for Vellore sightseeing, this fort is a haven for history buffs! Vellore fort was established in the 16th century and is surrounded by a very deep moat. While entering it, one can wonder what kind of grandeur people used to live in ancient times. Moreover, the government will refine this place under the Smart City Initiative. The local authorities plan to develop it with a budget of 33 crores.
2. Kaigal Waterfalls
It is located 2.5 km from Kaigal village and about 90-100 km from Vellore. These waterfalls are of the famous fun places in Vellore where you can indulge in unparalleled experiences. Kaigal waterfalls are beautifully located within the Koundinya Wildlife Sanctuary and are named after Kaigal village. Falling from an approximate height of 40 feet, the torrent is subdivided into three gushing streams, which only makes it more ethereal to witness.
3. Sripuram, Golden Temple
This temple is located on 100 acres of land and is covered with 1500 kg of gold. Sripuram, Golden Temple is one of the best places to visit near Vellore. The detailing of its construction simply wins your heart. It is said that 9-10 layers of gold foil were used in the making of the temple. If you want to see something unique, then don’t miss out on this one.
4. Amirthi Zoological Park
This park is 25-30 km from Vellore and under the hills of the Javadu mountain range, offering tourists a very exuberant variety of fauna and flora. This place is perfect for Vellore sightseeing and was opened in 1967 for the public and is spread over 25 hectares of land. If you want to have a glimpse of Indian wildlife, then visit this tourist attraction.
5. Yoga Narasimha Temple
This temple is situated in the Mandya district. It is interesting to know that one has to climb 1,300 steps to reach this shrine. The architectural beauty of this temple attracts hundreds and thousands of tourists every year. Many wouldn’t know, but this temple still has the huge drum that Tipu Sultan donated.
Things to Do in Vellore
- Explore the historic Vellore Fort and learn about its past.
- Seek blessings at Sripuram Golden Temple and Jalakandeswarar Temple.
- Visit Yelagiri Hills for trekking and adventure activities.
- Enjoy nature and wildlife at Amirthi Zoological Park.
- Shop for traditional silk sarees and handicrafts.
Best Time to Visit Vellore
- Winter (November to February) - Best time to visit with pleasant weather (15°C to 30°C).
- Summer (March to June) - Extremely hot (35°C to 45°C), making sightseeing uncomfortable.
- Monsoon (July to October) - Moderate rainfall; the greenery is refreshing, but humidity is high.
How to Reach Vellore
Vellore is a celebrated travel destination in India that introduces you to the raw culture of our country. The presence of temples, forts, and other travel getaways makes it worthy of your time and energy. It is located about 2,220, 1,203, 1,742, and 213 km from Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Bengaluru. Check out the details mentioned below on how to reach Vellore.
By Air
Vellore does have its own airport; however, at the moment, it is under construction. Thus, if you plan to travel here by flight, then deboard at Bengaluru Airport, aka Kempegowda International Airport (BLR) or Chennai Airport (MAA), depending upon your location and convenience. Both airports are situated at a distance of 217 km and 127 km, respectively.
These airports are well-routed with other Indian cities. You can easily book a taxi from the airport premises or get a bus to travel further and reach your destination.
By Train
Three main junctions mainly connect Vellore to other regions. These stations are Katpadi Junction, Vellore Cantonment and Vellore Town. All three are A-rated stations with massive passenger movements connecting Vellore with nearby areas. From the respective stations, you can easily avail some means of transportation locally available to reach your destination.
By Road
Vellore is well connected by motorable roads and national highways to other regions, cities, and towns. Thus, you can plan on travelling here by booking state-run buses and private buses from nearby cities or booking a cab online. Otherwise, the best way to travel and have fun is to take a road trip with your friends.
- From Coimbatore - 391 km via NH44 and NH48
- From Mysuru - 347 km via NH275
- From Puducherry - 153 km via SH4
Conclusion
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Frequently Asked Questions about Vellore
Q. What are the top tourist attractions in Vellore?
A. Some of the top tourist attractions in Vellore include Sri Lakshmi Narayani Golden Temple, the Vellore Fort, Amirthi Zoological Park, and Jalakandeswarar Temple.
Q. What is Vellore famous for?
A. Vellore is famous for its attractions such as Vellore Fort, Golden Temple of Sripuram, and Christian Medical College.
Q. When is the best time to visit Vellore?
A. The best time to visit Vellore is from October to March. The weather during this period is relatively cooler and pleasant.
Q. What are some good places for shopping in Vellore?
A. You can buy silk sarees, handicrafts, and jewelry at local markets like Long Bazaar and Gandhinagar Market.
Q. Can I visit Vellore as a one-day trip from Chennai or Bangalore?
A. Yes, Vellore is a perfect one-day trip from Chennai (130 km) and Bangalore (220 km), with several attractions to explore.
Q. What are the must-visit attractions in Vellore?
A. The must-visit attractions in Vellore are:
- Amirthi Zoological Park
- Yoga Narasimha Temple
- Golden Temple of Sripuram
- Kaigal Waterfalls
