Vellore, located in Tamil Nadu, India, has a rich history dating back to the ninth century, with evidence from Chola inscriptions. The city has seen the rule of various dynasties, including the Pallavas, Cholas, Rashtrakutas, Vijayanagar Empire, and the British. A significant historical landmark is the Vellore Fort, likely built between 1526 and 1595, showcasing Tamil Nadu military architecture and the Vijayanagara-style Jalakandeswarar Temple within. Vellore also played a role in the Carnatic Wars between Britain and France in the 18th century.
The cultural heritage of Vellore is highlighted by its historical landmarks and institutions. The Vellore Fort stands out for its architectural significance and historical importance. Another key landmark is the Christian Medical College & Hospital, founded in 1900 by Dr. Ida S. Scudder, which has become an internationally renowned medical institution. Additionally, the Aruganthampoodi mausoleums and Muthu Mandapam memorial honor historical figures such as the family of Tipu Sultan and Sri Vikrama Rajasinha, respectively, showcasing Vellore’s rich cultural legacy.
Vellore is situated in northeastern Tamil Nadu on the banks of the Palar River, about 137 km west of Chennai. The city lies in the Eastern Ghats region and has a tropical savanna climate, with temperatures ranging from 13°C to 39.4°C. The hottest months are from April to June, while the coolest are from December to January. Vellore receives an annual rainfall of about 1,034 mm, with the heaviest rains during the southwestern monsoon from June to September. The local cuisine offers a variety of traditional Tamil dishes like dosas, idlis, and biryanis, with street food such as paniyaram, vada, and parotta being widely enjoyed, reflecting the city’s cultural diversity and historical influences.
Vellore offers fascinating sites like the Vellore Fort, known for its impressive military architecture and historic moat, and the beautiful St. John’s Church, rich in history and community spirit. Visitors can marvel at the Sripuram Golden Temple’s golden beauty, relax in the green Periyar Park, explore the Dravidian architecture of Virinjipuram Temple, and enjoy the natural serenity of Palamathi Hills with its scenic views and wildlife.
Vellore Fort, built by Channa Bommi Nayaka and Thimma Reddy Nayaka in the 15th century, is a prime example of military architecture in South India. These chieftains served under Sadashiva Raya of Vijayanagara. The fort, massive for its time and unique in design, covers over 500 meters and sits 220 meters above sea level. Located in the city center, it features a large moat that once had 10,000 crocodiles swimming in it.
St. John’s Church, one of the oldest in Vellore, follows the Anglican tradition and is situated within the Vellore Fort complex. Built in 1846, this charming church is a significant religious site for locals. It is closely associated with several community support activities and works with various NGOs. Located about 1.5 km from the Vellore Railway station, the church also holds historical significance, with soldiers from the Sepoy Mutiny buried in its grounds.
The Sripuram Golden Temple in Southern Vellore is a stunning sight, covered in real gold foil. Located in a spiritual park, the temple was inaugurated on August 24, 2007, and is dedicated to Sri Lakshmi Narayani, the Goddess of wealth. Every day, ceremonies are held, and the temple remains open throughout the year, allowing visitors to enjoy its beauty and the surrounding natural park.
Palamathi Hills, part of the Eastern Ghats near Vellore, is a peaceful and scenic spot featuring Otteri Lake and Palamathi Reserve Forest. Best visited from October to March, the hills offer activities like trekking, bird-watching, picnicking, and boating. The area is known for its stunning views, indigenous wildlife, and beautiful sunsets, making it a favorite for nature lovers and those seeking a break from city life.
Vellore offers a variety of comfortable hotels to suit different budgets. Located close to the Vellore Fort and train stations, these hotels provide easy access to the city’s main attractions. You can choose from a relaxed 4-star hotel near the NH38 national highway, a stylish 3-star hotel off the AH45, a cozy hotel just a short walk from Periyar Park and the railway station, or an unfussy hotel along a bustling street near Katpadi Junction. Rates for these hotels range from ₹3,033 to ₹5,053, catering to a range of preferences and needs.
In a commercial area off the NH38 national highway, this relaxed hotel is 1 km from both Vellore Town train station and the 16th-century Vellore Fort, which features a moat.
₹ 3,033
4 Star Hotel
Off the AH45, this upscale hotel is 2 km from both the Vellore Town train station and the 16th-century Vellore Fort.
₹ 5,053
3 Star Hotel
A 6-minute walk from Vellore Cantonment Railway Station, this relaxed hotel is also a 13-minute walk from Periyar Park and 2 km from the Fort Museum.
₹ 3,226
3 Star Hotel
Along a thoroughfare lined with shops, eateries and hospitals, this unfussy hotel lies 2 km from Katpadi Junction railway station and 5 km from the 16th-century Vellore Fort.
₹ 4,115
3 Star Hotel
If you’re looking for hotels near Vellore’s railway stations, there are several great options. These include a budget-friendly 2-star hotel within 4 km of the Vellore Town railway station and the Vellore Fort, and a comfortable 3-star hotel just opposite a major hospital and close to both the fort and Jalakandeswarar Temple. There is also a sleek 3-star hotel 3 km from the fort and temple, and a 4-star hotel just a short walk from Vellore Cantonment train station, providing easy access to key attractions. Rates range from ₹1,598 to ₹2,827, offering various options for travelers.
This unassuming hotel is within 4 km of both Vellore Town railway station and the 16th-century Vellore Fort, and 15 km from the Sri Lakshmi Narayani Golden Temple.
₹1,598
2 Star Hotel
Opposite the CMC Hospital, this laid-back hotel is a kilometer from both the 16th-century Vellore Fort and the Sri Jalakandeswarar Temple, and 2 km from Vellore Town train station.
₹1,900
3 Star Hotel
This relaxed hotel in a sleek building is 3 km from both the Vijayanagaram-style Jalakandeswarar Temple and the 16th-century Vellore Fort.
₹2,466
3 Star Hotel
This unassuming hotel is a 9-minute walk from Vellore Cantonment train station. It’s 2 km from both Jalakandeswarar Temple and the 16th-century Vellore Fort.
₹2,827
4 Star Hotel
Vellore offers a variety of dining options to suit different tastes and budgets. In Katpadi, you can find a popular snacks bar that’s a favorite among locals and visitors alike. For a classic Indian dining experience, there’s an elegant restaurant known for its vibrant atmosphere and award-winning cuisine. If you’re craving a variety of flavors, a 24-hour multi-cuisine restaurant serves Asian, South Indian, North Indian, Continental, and Chinese dishes, offering both buffets and à la carte options.
Darling Namma Veedu in Katpadi, Vellore is a top player in the category Snacks Bar in the Vellore. This well-known establishment acts as a one-stop destination servicing customers both local and from other parts of Vellore.
₹200–600
The Vellore Kitchen is a classic Indian Kitchen. Rooted in classic tradition, we provide customers with an elegant and vibrant dining atmosphere, award-winning cuisine, making every meal with us an unforgettable experience.
₹200–600
“PORSHAE Multi Cuisine Restaurant A 24 Hrs Restaurant with multiple Cuisines availability – Asian menus – South Indian, North Indian, Continental, Chinese and Oriental menus to feed the palates of different guests – believing in the olden say – “Way to someone’s heart is through Stomach”.. Serving all 3 Meals Buffet, Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner, also available is A la Carte for your choice.
₹400–600
We singh saab punjabi restaurant provides consumer an authentic Punjabi food with highly maintained quality.
₹200–400
Vellore is accessible by air, rail, and road. While its airport is not yet operational for passenger flights, the nearest airports are in Tirupati, Chennai, and Bengaluru. You can take a taxi from any of these airports to Vellore. The city has three main railway stations, with Katpadi Junction being the busiest, connecting Vellore to major cities across India. Vellore is also well-connected by road, with several national highways passing through it, making it easy to reach from cities like Bangalore and Chennai.
Traveling to Vellore by train is convenient, with trains connecting to many parts of the country. Vellore has three main railway stations: Katpadi Junction.
Vellore doesn’t currently have passenger flights at its airport, but there are plans to develop it in the future. The nearest airport is Tirupati Airport
Vellore is well-connected by road to major cities in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka. National Highways NH 46, NH 234, and NH 4 pass through Vellore.
Vellore has a good bus service with both government and private buses. These buses connect the city with its suburbs and other nearby places. Main bus stops include the Town Bus Terminus, Central Bus Terminus, Old Bus Stand, New Bus Stand, Katpadi, and Bagayam junctions. From these points, you can catch a bus to travel anywhere in Vellore.
Starting at Only 5₹/KM
Navigating the vibrant city of vellore has never been easier. Whether you’re a resident, a student, or a tourist, TransRentals cab services provide the perfect solution for all your local transportation needs.
Starting at only 9₹/KM
Auto rickshaws are a popular way to travel in Vellore. There are also mobile app-based taxis, share autos, and rented bicycles available. It’s easy to reach major tourist spots like the Sripuram Golden Temple using these transport options.
Auto-rikshaw is starting From 10.Rs/km
You can rent various types of vehicles, including small, medium, and luxury cars, as per your needs. Travel agents can also arrange customized tour packages. If you prefer, you can easily hire a bicycle, moped, or motorcycle for getting around the city.
Starting at only ₹1499.
You can visit Vellore year-round, but winter is the best time due to its pleasant weather, perfect for exploring the city. Summer, from March to May, is hot and dry with temperatures between 29°C and 41°C, making sightseeing a bit uncomfortable. Monsoon, from June to September, brings moderate rainfall, which is suitable for enjoying the city’s sights. The winter season, from October to March, offers mild and ideal weather, with December and January being the coldest months, making it the perfect time for a visit.
The Distance of vellore to Mumbai is (1,195.5 km) via NH 48.
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The Distance of vellore to Delhi is (2,220.9 km) via NH 44.
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The Distance of vellore To Bangalore is (212.3 km) via NH 4/NH 44 and NH 48.
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The Distance of vellore to Chennai is (137.5 km) via NH 4/NH 48 and NH 4.
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When planning your trip to Vellore, booking your accommodations and tickets in advance is essential, especially during the peak winter season. This ensures you have a place to stay and avoid any last-minute hassles. While exploring the city, maintain respect for the local culture and heritage. Avoid any actions that might damage historical sites or monuments, as these are protected by law, and violators may face penalties. For a comfortable experience, dress appropriately, keeping in mind the local customs and weather conditions.
Take care of your health by choosing clean and reputable places to eat. Vellore offers a variety of delicious traditional Tamil dishes, but it’s wise to avoid unhygienic street food and ensure your meals are cooked properly to prevent any stomach issues. Staying hydrated and protecting yourself from the hot sun during the summer months is also crucial. Always carry a bottle of water and use sunscreen to stay safe from the heat.
Safety is paramount, so it’s advisable to explore Vellore in groups rather than alone. This is especially important when visiting less crowded areas or traveling late at night. Many of Vellore’s attractions, like the Vellore Fort and Sripuram Golden Temple, require entry tickets. Ensure you purchase these tickets from authorized sellers to avoid any legal issues. Respect the rules and regulations at these sites to enjoy a smooth and pleasant visit.
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