Things to Do in Vellore

Located at the foothills of the Western Ghats, this temple was built in devotion to Goddess Lakshmi, popularly known as the Goddess of wealth. The temple is built on a massive lush green stretch of land that adds natural appeal to it. The distinct star-shaped path known as the Sri Chakra leading to the temple is a major attraction here. As the name suggests, this temple was built using gold foils and layers worth a thousand crore rupees.

The dazzling glow of the temple because of the gold can be seen even without the lighting during the day time. Apart from being a place with high ritual value, this temple has often attracted tourists because of its extraordinary craftsmanship. From finely inscribed pillars to intricate carvings on the ceilings, this temple is one of the most attractive places to visit in Vellore.

Timings- 8 AM-8 PM on all days except Thursdays.

How to reach- Take a bus or cab from the Chennai or Bengaluru airport located at distances of 145 km and 160 km respectively. 

Entry fees- Rs. 100.

One of the unique structures to have been built in India, the Vellore Fort is the city’s most important historical treasure. Built on an area of 133 acres amidst a broken mountain range during the Vijaynagar Empire, this fort was transferred to the Bijapur dynasty, the Mughals and finally the British.

What makes this fort famous till date is the presence of distinct architectural features of every regime. Not only that, but the fort is also symbolic of secularism because of the presence of a temple, a mosque and a church inside it.

The intensely deep moat, the enormous walls of protection against enemies and the surroundings are what attracts tourists to the place. This massive granite structure exhibits some of the most excellent examples of architectural excellence, science and technology.

How to reach- The fort is open on all days, and you can reach the fort from the Katpadi railway station or the airport through both buses and taxis. It would take you around half an hour to 45 minutes to reach the site, respectively.

Best time to visit- The best time to visit the fort is during November- February because of the pleasant weather, which lets you explore every corner of the fort.

This temple is located inside the Vellore fort. The Jalakanteshwara Temple exhibits some excellent examples of Vijaynagar architecture. The temple has some of the best stone carvings and inscriptions featuring a distinct style of its own.

Starting from beautiful sculptures on the tower to paintings and engravings on the walls and ceilings, this is one of the Vellore tourist places you must visit.

How to reach- located at the heart of the city, you can reach the temple through local buses, taxis or even private cars.

Best time to visit- The best time to visit the temple is during celebrations including Chitra Poornima (a multi-day term in April/May), Surasamharam in Aippasi (October/November), Aadi Pooram (a multi-day duration in July/August), Vinayaka Chaturthi in Avani (August/September), and Navratri (September/October). The specific dates of these celebrations fluctuate as per the lunar schedule.

The District Science Center is an instructive and logical foundation in the Sathuvachari region of Vellore, Tamil Nadu. The centre is around 4. 5 km from the Vellore Town railroad station, and it is indeed one of the most critical Vellore tourist places.

The Vellore District Science Center is one of the four focuses appointed as a feature of the Tamil Nadu Science and Technology focus. The primary objective of this temple is to cultivate an interest in science in young minds, to promote curiosity and innovation. The centre has a few displays inside its premises, including ones fixed regarding the matters of the earth, on calfskin, and physical sciences.

The spot likewise consistently arranges day camps to grant exercises and direct useful examinations on material science, science, science and the ecological sciences, just as, on yoga and brain research. The Science Park was likewise tossed open to general society for a survey of the comet ISON with the assistance of its telescope, in 2013. A splendid 3D theatre which holds screenings of movies on intriguing science-based subjects like ancient dinosaurs and the science behind different natural phenomena has been opened here recently.

The District Science Center is a fascinating spot which may appear to be welcoming to youthful understudies and sprouting researchers travelling to Vellore. The inside is open on all weekdays and ends of the week, including public occasions.

Timings - 10 AM to 5:45 PM except on religious, national or social holidays.

Entry Fee: INR 10

This museum, located within the Vellore fort, is one of the most popular and important museums in the city. Since the area was ruled by the Pallavas, Cholas, rashtrakutas and so on, the museum houses artefacts from all the periods. There are several galleries including the art gallery, the science gallery, the numismatic gallery, the anthropological gallery and many more.

Each of these galleries has distinct exhibits to offer to the tourists. The well-curated galleries have attracted tourists over the years because of the light it throws on each of the empires. If you are fond of history, this is one of the places to visit in Vellore. 

Timings- 8 AM- 6 PM.

Sripuram, a pilgrimage site in Vellore is truly a remarkable place. The golden temple of Sripuram stands tall in the middle of a spiritual oasis with a star path that leads the devotees towards it. The temple is said to have been covered with real gold foil and it happens to be the only temple in the world to have done this.

The primary deity of this place of worship is Sri Lakshmi Narayani, the goddess of wealth. One more significant ritual of this place is that about 1008 lamps are lighted for aarti every morning and evening. Tourists love to come over to this pilgrimage park in Vellore and seek the blessings of the lord that is open all over the year. 

Timings: The temple remains open for visitors and devotees from 4:00 AM in the morning to 7:00 PM in the evening. 

How to reach: The golden temple of Vellore is located at a distance of 6 km from the city centre. In order to reach the temple, you need to book a private rental cab or take direct overnight buses from all nearest major cities.

Also known as the Balamathi hills, this is a site which covers a portion of the Eastern Ghats as it runs through Vellore. This is one of the most popular places to visit in Vellore because of the Otteri lake and Palamathi forest reserve.

The abundant natural resources, the variety of flora and fauna and the scenic beauty of the place is what attracts tourists from all over the world. The site has several trails that help you to explore different sections of the forest and the lake, each of which unfolds new adventures to you.

With impeccable indigenous types of creatures and winged animals, including lavish greenery, Palamathi Hills is the perfect spot to visit for nature sweethearts. One may appreciate different energizing recreational exercises at this site, for example, courageous treks, loosening up promenades, photography, superb picnics, picturesque pontoon rides, winged animal watching, and respecting the most wonderful of nightfalls.

Palamathi Temple is a Hindu sanctuary, devoted to Lord Murugan at the highest point of Palamathi Hill. Venturing out to this consistently visited spot of love is an exciting involvement with itself as one must conquer the test of climbing steep advances.

Palamathi Reserve Forest is a secluded region where natural beauty is at its best. With a vast variety of flora displayed here, the place makes up the perfect vacation spot for nature lovers. Treks are routinely arranged from the Vellore Fort to the Palamathi Hills to fulfil guests’ preference for the experience.

Otteri Lake, situated at the foot of Palamathi Hills, is a counterfeit water body constructed during the British rule in India. This superb lake was set up to fill in as a supply for the city, gathering significant measures of precipitation during the rainstorm season on a yearly premise.

Facilities- The lake draws in a few fledgeling animal varieties, making an open door for winged animal watching and is used for recreational exercises, for example, sailing, a help promptly accessible to guests. The best time to visit Palamathi Hills is during the time of October to March for an encounter joined by a pleasant climate.

The Archaeological Survey of India Museum is located close to the Vellore fort and is known to have ancient artefacts on display in its exhibits. Starting from age-old stones to coins and inscriptions of different civilizations, this museum is an essential source of history.

This site has developed as one of the most popular tourist places in Vellore because of its rich heritage. The museum is also used for carrying out academic research and is one of the most important places to visit in Vellore.

Timings- 10 AM- 6 PM every day.

Located in the Sathuvachari district of Vellore, this place is perfect for spending a quiet and serene holiday. Ensconced by thick trees and bushes, the beauty it beholds is worth watching. The name of this waterfall is attributed to its unique shape that appears as if a cup of water is pouring its contents into a massive saucer.

The gorgeous site can be best enjoyed from atop the hill. To reach the top of the hill, take an exciting and adventurous trek through the lush green forests surrounding the fall.

Best time to visit- The best time to visit the falls is during the summers when you can rejoice the panoramic view of the surroundings while you sit on the multiple platforms located at the top of the falls. This 150m falls in Vellore, away from the hubbub of the city, is one of the most popular places to visit in Vellore.

How to reach- You can reach the spot by bus or cabs from the Vellore cantonment station or the Vellore town station which would take you a maximum of 15 minutes.

The tipu and Hyder mahal are two distinct yet incredibly stunning palaces inside the more enormous Vellore fort. Though the fort was built during the Vijaynagar empire, it was transferred to successive kingdoms who built their distinctive features inside the fort.

Each of the two buildings in the fort has around 180 to 200 rooms which comprise of several artefacts throwing light on the reign of Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan, the two famous rulers of Mysore. The interior of these two buildings exhibit extraordinary architecture with intricate carvings and inscriptions and is one of the most famous places to visit in Vellore.

How to reach- You can reach the spot from the Vellore airport of the Katpadi station. However, since there is no public transport running between these and the site, you have to take a taxi to reach the museum.

Timings- 8 AM-6 PM.

Muthu Mandapam is a tomb built in the memory of Sri Vikrama Rajasingha, the last Tamil king of Sri Lanka. King Rajasingha was exiled by the British to the Vellore fort where he was held captive till he died. Later, this pearl-shaped tomb was built in memory of him.

This site is located at a distance of 1 km from Vellore bus stand. You can either walk to the site or take a bus. You can also get several buses from the Vellore cantonment railway station which would take you to the site in less than 30 minutes.

This park is adequate for all kinds of family outings or picnics, thanks to the dense green cover and peaceful environment. It is one of the most child-friendly places to visit in Vellore and hosts a large number of picnic enthusiasts, especially on weekends. From a variety of migratory birds to endangered species of plants, this park is soothing to one’s eyes. 

Separate tracks for skating and running are built across the park and add both beauty and pragmatism to it. The best time to visit the park is between October and November due to the pleasant weather and bright sunlight. The park is located 1 km from Vellore town railway station. You can reach the spot by bus, cabs or even private cars.

Located at the foothills of Lavadu hills, this forest reserve has a lot to offer in terms of flora and fauna. Starting from a variety of deer, tortoises, squirrels and hedgehogs to parrots, peacocks and eagles, this forest is home to some of the most endangered species of animals in their natural habitat and thus, is one of the most popular places to visit in Vellore.

Not only that, but you would also get to see a variety of endangered plants as you push through the dense greenery and explore the forest. The best time to visit the place is during the beginning of the monsoons where you would see maximum animals, birds and flower blooms.

This temple is located a few kilometres away from Vellore and is devoted to the Vinaygar, known as Shambhu. This temple exhibits beautifully carved walls and bronze statues of the different Vinaygars. There are also unique pillars, colouring, and patterns depicted throughout the temple.

You can visit this temple to explore local religious traditions, gorgeous architectural styles and to offer prayers to the presiding deity of the temple.

This is a famous temple built by Dr Subramaniam and his wife in memory of Shirdi Sai Baba. The temple is built at the foothills of the Nilgiris, a few kilometres away from Vellore among lush green forests. The various galleries with idols of various sages of Hinduism have made it one of the most popular tourist places in Vellore.

Timings- 8 AM-6 PM.

St. John’s church is one of the most famous churches in Vellore because of its heritage and customs. This is not only a distinguished place among the local Christians but also a very prominent among tourist places in Vellore. The Church was founded in 1846 and had a gorgeous interior marked with gothic style decorations. The social work that the Church does with the local hospitals and schools has made it a point of interest for noted philanthropists, politicians, and tourists as well.

This magnificent Church is situated about 1.5 km from the Vellore Railway station. The St. John’s Church is said to have started in 1846. It is said that the Soldiers who lost their lives in the midst of the Sepoy Mutiny have been covered beneath the foundation of the Church. The engravings depicted on the walls of the Church depict the events of the mutiny and pay tribute to the soldiers buried beneath it. 

Situated inside the Vellore Fort premises, it is a peaceful spot with a great parking spot. Being perhaps the most seasoned holy places, the engineering of the structure is from the British period. Colonial style windows, doors and exteriors are prominent across the structure. Directly in the front is a fenced nursery of greenery giving a fragrance of nature before entering the congregation lobby.

A short flight of stairs leads to the central hall of the Church, which in itself is incredibly stunning. It has a peaceful vibe and will certainly calm your soul. The congregation is situated on similar grounds as the Vellore Fort.

How to reach- Vellore Bus Stand is only 5 kilometres from the congregation. Take the bus to get here by road. 

The nearest airport is 12 kilometres away. You can simply take a cab or rent a car to get to the Church directly from the airport.

This temple is devoted to the most important deity of Tamil Nadu, Murugan or Kartik. This is known to be one of the oldest temples built during the 14th century. Situated on the left bank of the Palar River, this temple initially housed only a sand shrine. Over time, the shine is said to have turned to stone and continues to be a centre of religious devotion for the locals. 

If you want to explore the religious customs of this temple at their best, visit during festivals like the Tamil New Year and Panguni Uthiram. During these, fairs and special rites are organized here as a form of celebration.

Timings- 8 AM- 6 PM. 

How to reach- You can reach the site from the Katpadi railway station or the Vellore airport through public transport like buses, taxis or even private rental cars.