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 Vellore, now pulsating with activity as a commercial, administrative
and medical centre, had the privilege of being the seat of the Pallava, Chola, Nayak,
Maratha, Arcot Nawabs and Bijapur Sultan Kingdoms. It grew into a bustling town gradually
since 6th century changing the rules and growing in importance. It has an ancient fort and
a well-preserved temple. The fort constructed around the seventeeth century is one of the
exquisite speciments of military architecture in South India. It was described as the
strongest fortress in the Carnatic in the 17th century and witnessed and ghastly massacre
of European soldiers during the mutiny of 1806. The temple inside the fort is said to
contain sculptures that surpass many others in splendor. Vellore is renowned for its
Christian Medical College and Hospital that attract patients and research scholars from
all corners of the world. North Arcot District abounds in historic monuments from the Old
Stone Age to the present day. They are mute specimens of the culture, religion and
architecture of the past rulers. They are protected and preserved by the Tamil Nadu
Archaeological Department. Some of the monuments worth visiting include the Siva Temple at
Virinchipuram, Jain sculptures and inscriptions at Vallimalai, monolithic rock-cut temple
at Mahendravadi, etc.
Places
of Interest Vellore
Fort:
Dating back to the 13th Century this ancient Fort is the main attraction for tourists. The
historically famous fort retains the past glory with its ramparts, battlements, turrets,
posts, sally gates and has perennial water supply. Double walls fortify it and the main
walls are made of massive granite blocks laid one over the other without using mortar. The
fort houses a Church and many buildings within are now used as Public offices. Muthumandapam
(Pearl Palace):
 This is a memorial built around the tombstone of Vikramraja Singh
the last Tamil ruler. Situated on the bed of the Palar River, it is just one km. north of
Vellore town. To this memorial is going to be added an aquarium, a Chidren's Park, a lawn
and three decorative arches. Jalagandeeswarar
Temple:
The temple inside the fort is dedicated to Jalagandeeswarar and is noted for its
sculptures, which speak volumes of the exquisite craftsmanship of the highly skilled
artisans of that period. The sculputes in the porch on the left of the entrance are
connoisseurs. It has a big marriage hall adorned with elegant engravings and monolithic
sculptures. The temple was used for long as an arsenal and remained without a deity. A few
years back it was sanctified with a deity, Lord Siva that is worshipped by pilgrims and
tourists alike. Government
Museum:
Situated adjacent to the main bus stand in the Lakshmanaswamy Town Hall, this
multi-purpose Museum is maintained by the Department of Museums of the Tamil Nadu
Government. It treasures ancient and present day curios relating to Anthropology, Art and
Archaeology, Botany, Geology, Numismatics, Pre-history, Zoology, etc. The historical
monuments of the erstwhile composite North Arcot District are gracefully depicted in the
Gallery. |
This Museum is kept open all days between 9 a.m. & 12.30 p.m. and 2.p.m. to 5
p.m. except on holidays. Admission is free. Arcot
Fort & Delhi Gate:
In 1751 Robert Clive captured this fort and named the gate, Delhi Gate, as this victory
was the beginning of his capture of Delhi. The entrace was constructed with a Moghul arch.
It is believed that Clive used to take strategic decisions in the upper room. There is a
stone slab with the following inscription near the big doorway. "The gate formed part
of the fortification of Arcot during its memorable defence by Lord Clive in 1751." Amirthi:
Twenty-four km south of Vellore is the panoramic Amirthi forest rich in its variety of
flora and fauna. Half of this jungle has been cleared to serve as a tourist spot while the
other half is developed as a wild life sanctuary. The eco-friendly hillocks, trees,
running brooks and valleys present a scenic canvas to the tourists who come here for peace
and quietuade during their weekends. R.I.C.A:
The Regional Institute of Correctional Administration the first of its kind in India is
situated adjacent to the Central Jail Campus. Service programmes are conducted for those
in charge of prison administration. As a joint venture of the southern states, it was
established in 1979.
Palamathi:
Sandwiched among three picturesque hills is the Palamathi Hill known for its nature's
gift. The natural swimming pool attracts young and old alike that seek this resort for
rejuvenation and relaxation. There is a temple adorning this hill. Arrangement for
trekking and boating can be made.
Virinjipuram:
 This magnificent temple dedicated to Lord Siva is
famous for its devotees, who throng here with ardent belief that a dream on the last
Sundays of the Karthigai month will reveal their forutne of being blessed with an
offspring. The Lion-faced Simmakulam tank is considered to be very sacred.
Elagiri
Hills:
Considered as the Ooty of North Arcot District, this stands eloquent amidst four
mountains, at a height of 920 metres above sea level. A solemn summer resort, this place
has comfortable lodging houses and rest houses. A church with exquisite craftsmanship and
a beautiful park adorn this hill as an ideal tourist spot.
 Jalagampaarai:
The water falls situated 17 km from Tirupattur is a fine picnic spot where the deity is in
the form of a Vel (a kind of spear). The Murugam temple attracts tourists throughout the
year.Javadu Hills:
40 km from Polur is the main village in Javadu hills that is famous for its sandalwood
trees and fruit-bearing trees. Its altitude varies from 300 to 100 mts. The Kavalur
observatory, the biggest in Asia, is worth visiting.
Accommodation
Hotel Prince Manor (3 star)
41-45 Katpadi Road, Vellore - 632 004
Telephone: 0416 -27106, 22926
Hotel River View (2 star)
Hotel River View (P) Limited, New Katapadi Road, Vellore - 632 00
Telephone: 0416 - 22349, 25047, 25060, 25251
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