“Traveling – it leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller.” – Ibn Battuta
Visiting Vellore will turn you into a storyteller for sure. So if you are all set to travel around the historic city, we can give you a map and information about the top 10 must-visit tourist places in Vellore.
The Story of Vellore
Located near the banks of Palar river, Vellore has been a long-standing witness to the passage of time, from battles to cultural exchanges. Every cornerstone and monument reflects the many dynasties’ rule over this land. Beginning with the rule of Pallavas and Cholas, many architectural landmarks were added to the city during this era. The next succession was of the Rashtrakuta dynasty of Malkhed and then the Sambuvarayars. During the final stages of the Vijayanagara empire, Vellore also functioned as the capital city.
When the British East India Company rose to power, Vellore became an important colonial hub. Did you know that in 1806, the famous Vellore Mutiny took place here? It was one of the early acts of resistance against British rule and marked the start of a long struggle for the independence of India.
Today, Vellore is a lively city that beautifully presents its ancient heritage with modern developments. Its historical diversity, cultural representation, and popular educational institutions make it a great destination for tourists and anyone eager about the history of South India. Ready to sightsee Vellore? Then let’s get on to each destination.
Top 10 Tourist Destinations in Vellore
Vellore Fort
Let’s start our journey with the famous Vellore fort. Built in 1526-1595 AD by the ruler Bommu Nayakar and his brother, this fort has seen the rise and fall of various dynasties. It was a residence to many royalties including the Bijapur Sultans and the Marathas to the Carnatic Nawabs. The fort used to be a military base during the colonial period.
Inside the fort, you’ll find the Jalakandeswarar Temple of Lord Shiva—our next stop on the list. There’s also St. John’s Church, and the ASI museum ( our third destination ) were built during the British era. Don’t forget to visit the State Government Museum (4th destination) here as well.
Features:
Vellore fort is an architectural marvel. With its massive granite walls and bastions showcase the defensive capabilities of the fort. In the 17th century, it was regarded as the greatest and most powerful fortress during the Carnatic War. You will also see a water-filled moat that adds an extra layer of protection.
Visitor Information:
Timings – The fort is open to visitors from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily.
Entry Fee – The entry fee is nominal, with discounts available for children and students.
Best Time to Visit – The ideal time to visit Vellore Fort is during the cooler months, from October to March, when the weather is more pleasant.
Jalakandeswarar Temple
As mentioned earlier, our next stop is the Jalakandeswarar Temple, located within the Vellore Fort in Tamil Nadu. The deity here is Lord Shiva. The temple is a stunning example of Vijayanagara architecture. Historically, the temple has hosted religious activities and rituals, with the Brahmotsavam being one of the most significant. This annual festival attracts many devotees and visitors, welcoming them to join the rituals and processions.
Key Features
The deity Jalakandeswarar (Lord Shiva) is surrounded by beautifully constructed pillars and elaborate mandapams (halls). As many other ancient temples, you will also come across
majestic gopurams (towering gateways), detailed carvings of mythological scenes and characters.
Visitor Information
Location: Jalakandeswarar Temple is located within the historic Vellore Fort.
Timings: The temple is open to visitors from 6:00 AM to 1:00 PM and from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
Entry Details: Entry to the temple is free, but donations are welcomed for temple maintenance and activities.
Archaeological Survey of India Museum (ASI)
The Archaeological Survey Of India Museum is located inside the Badusha Mahal and Begum Mahal of Vellore Fort. Catch the sight of many artifacts dating back to several centuries and immerse in the rich history.
Key Features
The ASI museum showcases ancient stones, statues and coin collections some as old as 1000 years representing the past civilizations. The carvings on the stones and statues depict the artisan skills of past eras. There is also a replica of a report on the Vellore Sepoy Mutiny. The museum frequently hosts special collections and temporary exhibitions.
Visitor Information
Timings: The museum operates from 10:30 AM to 5:00 PM. It is closed on Fridays.
Entry Fee: It is a small fee for Indians and varies for foreigners.
Government Museum
The Government Museum is a prominent cultural institution showcasing a diverse range of collections, including art, archaeology, and natural history. It serves as a hub of historical and scientific knowledge.The museum comprises nearly fifty galleries for different fields such as zoology, geology, and fine arts.
Key Features
At the entrance, you will first notice a 16-foot-tall fiberglass replica of a life-sized Tyrannosaurus. Additional galleries and what’s inside are:
- Introductory Gallery – Historical photographs of monuments, tourist spots, and geographical maps of Vellore and Thiruvannamalai.
- Stone Sculptures Gallery – Stone sculptures from the Pallava, Chola, and Vijayanagar dynasties.
- Prehistory and Philately Gallery- Stone Age to Iron Age artifacts, including tools, burial urns, and potteries. Stamps from various countries and wood carvings.
- Art Gallery – 16 artworks made of oil, water, and acrylic paintings by different artists.
- Natural Science Gallery- Specimens of animals, aquatic birds, marine organisms, medicinal plants, rocks, minerals, and fossils samples
- Bronze Gallery – South Indian bronzes artifacts from Vellore, Thiruvannamalai, and the last Tamil king of Kandy, Sri Vikramarajasinga.
- Numismatic Gallery – Collection of South and North Indian coins.
- Anthropology Gallery – Swords, tribal objects, dress materials, ornaments, and Karigiri glazed potteries.
Visitor Information
Timings: Open daily from 9:45 AM to 5:15 PM, with closure on Dhulandi.
Entry Fee: Admission is free for children under a certain age, making it accessible to families.
Sripuram Golden Temple
The Sripuram Golden Temple is the vision of Sri Narayani Peedam, led by spiritual leader Sri Narayani Amma. It is famous for its golden exterior. The statue of the goddess Sri Lakshmi Narayani, is built with over 1,500 kg of gold. The temple is situated in a 100-acre campus.
Key Features
Visitors will be greeted with Sri Chakra, a star-shaped path throughout the temple. It is a symbolism for the journey to enlightenment. The golden-covering also is a feast to the eyes. You can come sit by to relax as this place is ideal for worship and meditation. The temple area also includes amenities like clean drinking water, restrooms, and food stalls.
Visitor Information
Timings: The temple is open from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM for general darshan.
Entry Fee: Entry for general darshan is free. However, there are various paid darshan options available, with tickets priced at INR 100 – 500, offering different levels of access and pooja amenities.
Visitor Guidelines: Visitors are advised to follow the temple’s guidelines. Photography is generally not allowed inside the temple premises.
Amirthi Zoological Park
Next stop on our journey is the Amirthi Zoological Park. Established in 1967, the park spans over an area of 25 hectares. Being a part of the Javadi Hills, it is a home to many animals, reptiles and native birds.
Features
After seeing the mini zoo, you can hop on a safari around the park to enjoy the greenery and get to observe many species in their natural habitat. This is a family-friendly tourist attraction for evening outings. If you have children on board, this place also features a play area and picnic spots.
Visitor Information
Location: Amirthi Zoological Park is located about 25 km from Vellore, Tamil Nadu.
Timings: The park is open daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Entry Fee: The entry fee is affordable. Specific details on the entry fee can be obtained on request.
Yelagiri Hills
If you are a fan of trekking, the next destination on our list is Yelagiri Hills. You get to the top after 14 hairpin bends. There are various trails through Mangalam Village that offer breathtaking views of valleys and hills. Nature lovers, this is a place you don’t want to miss out. This sea of green is the perfect getaway for a day.
Key Features
- Swamimalai Hill: The highest point in Yelagiri, popular among trekkers.
- Jalagamparai Waterfalls: Reached via a trekking route.
- Punganoor Lake Park: A beautiful man-made lake with boating facilities.
- Nature Park: It has a musical fountain surrounded by floral gardens and a children’s play area.
- Paragliding and rock climbing are also available
Visitor Information
Best Time to Visit: The ideal time to visit Yelagiri is from November to February.
Accommodations: Yelagiri has resorts, hotel rooms, and guest houses at budget-friendly prices.
Ratnagiri Murugan Temple
The Ratnagiri Murugan Temple, situated atop a hill was built during the 14th century. There are two deities here, one is Lord Thirukkolam, seen with his wives Valli and Devasena and the other is Lord Gurukkolam. There mainly two festivals celebrated, they are Thaipusam and Panguni Uthiram.
Key Features
The temple features a towering gopuram (gateway tower), symbolizing the beauty of Tamil temple architecture. At the entrance, there are also shrines of Lord Ganesha, Lord Dakshinamurthy, Lord Brahma, and Goddess Durga, among others.
Visitor Information
Timings: The temple is open for Abhishekam from 6:00 AM to 10:30 AM and 5:30 PM onwards.
Entry Details: There is no specific entry fee mentioned
Vallimalai Subramanyar Temple
The Vallimalai Subramanyar Temple is a major pilgrimage site of Lord Murugan. This temple is believed to be over 1,200 years old. To reach the cave from the temple, you have to climb more than 4oo steps. The temple is based on Lord Murugan’s marriage to Valli. Many devotees come here to seek the Goddess’ blessings for better marriages.
Key Features
The temple conducts daily rituals and special poojas, particularly during festivals of Lord Murugan. Major festivals include Thaipusam and Valli Kalyanam where the divine union of Murugan and Valli are celebrated with elaborate ceremonies.
Visitor Information
Timings: The temple is open from 7:30 AM to 12:30 PM and from 2:00 PM to 6:30 PM.
Location: Situated approximately 30 km from Vellore, Vallimalai is easily accessible by road.
French Bungalow
The French Bungalow or French Castle is the last destination on our map. The Castle has a romantic tale to be told. It was built in the 19th century by the prince of Mysore, Srinivasa Iyer. He lived there with his wife, a French woman whom he fell in love with while studying abroad.
Key Features
The French Bungalow was built using imported Glasow. There are many arched windows and balconies with exact symmetry. This is a reminder of the colonial past of Vellore where Indian and French culture exchanges took place.
Visitor Information
- Timings: Open to visitors throughout the day, but specific timings may vary.
- Visiting Tips: Best to visit is during the day time.
Conclusion
So there you have it, the top 10 tourist attractions. Now, these places may not be covered in one day. We recommend that you spend one or two days exploring the city and relaxing during your time off. If you need to book a hotel in Vellore, JK Inn is the best option in the area. With all of the necessary amenities and an affordable price, your stay will be the best you’ve ever had.