Vellore Travel Guide
Vellore had the previlege of being the seat of the Pallava, Chola, Nayak, Maratha, Arcot Nawabs and Bijapur Sultan Kindoms. It was described as the best and the strongest fortress in the Carnatic War in the 17th Century. It was witnessed the massacre of European soldier during the mutiny of 1806. A strategically located town, it is well connected by Rail and bus routes to major towns of the neighboring states like A.P. Karnataka and Kerala. The History of the district assumes a great significance and relevance, as we unfold the glorious past. It was under the sway of various dynasties and rulers, the prominent among them being the Pallavas , Cholas of Uraiyur, the Rashtrakutaa dynasty of Malkhed, Sambuvarayar, the rulers of Vijayanagarm, Mamathas, the Nawabs of the carnatic and the British. The Monuments found in the district give a vivid picture of the town through the ages. In the 18 th Century Vellore District was the scene of some of the decisive bettles fought in Ambur (1749) A.D Arcot (1751) A.D and Vandivasi (1760A.D) as a result of the long -drawn struggle between the English and the French for Supremacy.

The Jalakandeswarar Temple inside the fort is very fine example of Vijayanagar architecture. The Kalyanamantap, on the left of the entrance, with intricate caring and delicacy of exaction, bears testimony to the engineering marble and advanced state of sculpture of the times. Another land mark that has put Vellore on the center stage of Medical world is the Christian Medical College Hospital. Dr . IDA Scudder, the American lady, with a missionary zeal, started her Medical work in 1900 A.D. by setting up a very small Hospital, which in the last hundred years has grown into a premier Medical Institution of international repute. The central prison in Vellore , set up in 1830 A.D. is another Historically important land mark as some eminent personalities and Freedom Fighters like Thiru. Rajaji, Thiru C.N. Annadurai, Thiru. K. Kamaraj , the former presidents of India Thiru. V.V.Giri, Thiru. R.VenkataRaman had served their prison terms here. The other note worthy monuments are the Mausoleums located in Aruganthampoodi area on the Vellore - Arcot road, where the family members of Tippu Sultan were buried and the Muthu mandapam on the banks of river of palar, a memorial raised by the Tamil Nadu Government to honor Vikarama Rja Singha , the last Tamil King who ruled Kandy (Srilanka ) from 1798 to 1815 A.D. He was imprisoned in Vellore fort for 17 years.

Access
By Air
Banglore in the state of Karnataka is the nearest airport around 103 km away. Flights from all over the country come to Banglore everyday.

By Rail
Katpadi station is the nearest station. Although it is not a very important station but most of the train passing through here, have a 2-minute halt.

By Road
It takes around 2.5 hrs from Chennai and around 3.5 hrs from Banglore to reach here. There are regular transport buses that come here from Chennai and Banglore apart from other main cities of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.

Vellore - The City of Spears
The city of Vellore, situated 145 km from Chennai, is a very calm and subtle place. Vellore is located on the banks of River Palar and is considered a historical city. The name Vellore which means city of spears itself suggests that this city was a battle field and has witnessed many wars. This also means that Vellore has seen many rulers come and go. You will see the evidence in many structures and ruins that are constructed in different styles, although Dravidian civilization is the most prominent of all. Vellore is slowly and gradually picking up paces in its expansion as more and more commercial hubs are coming up. You will get the best infrastructure and accommodation that are there in Tamil Nadu most of which are pure value for money. Apart from the famous Vellore Fort which was considered to be the strongest fortress during the Carnatic War, the city is famous for the CMC Hospital that attracts patients and researchers from all over the world. It is one of the best in India without a doubt and the number of people coming to the hospital is so large that it makes this calm city seem quite lively.

Attractions - Shadows of Glorious Past
Places to Visit in Vellore may be few and far, but whatever this city has to offer to its tourist, has very unique and spectacular appearance which is sure to enthrall one and all. Vellore might not be as naturally gifted as its other counterparts, but man of the bygone era himself has raised wonders that can match any natural splendor. The main attractions of the city are the Vellore Fort, Jalakanteshwara Temple and the Government Museum.

Vellore Fort
Vellore Fort, built by the Nayakar chieftains of the Vijayanagar Empire is completely built of granite blocks. It was built in the 16th century and frequently exchanged hands between various strong empires. But still it holds an aura about its personality that is inferior to none. The fort is now promoted by the state government as a historical tourist destination. This is the main attraction of the Vellore city and sees the maximum number of foot falls to any attraction in the city.

Jalakanteshwara Temple
Jalakanteshwara Temple was built in the year 1550 A.D. The temple is a small architectural wonder of Vijayanagar. The temple is within the fort complex and the walls of the temple are full of carvings of Nandi and small gopuras. You will find amazing work in the corridors as well. The temple was considered a masterpiece at the time of its construction and now it has become a marvel on this land of Vellore.

Muthu Mandapam
Muthu Mandapam is also called the 'Pearl Palace'. This is a memorial, which is built around the tombstone of the last Kandy Tamil ruler, Vikramraja Singh. It is situated just steps away from Vellore town towards north and is built on the bed of River Palar. The memorial is on a major alteration plan and is said that it will be added with a Children park, an aquarium and a lot more.

Government Museum
The Government Museum is situated besides the main bus stand in Lakshmanaswamy Town Hall. The museum is under the watch of Department of Museums. This might be the most unusual museum that you will ever see. It has in its collection, artifacts from many fields like anthropology, art, archeology, pre-history, botany, geology. Except for government holidays, the museum is open on all days from 9a.m to 12 noon and from 2 p.m. to 5p.m.