Vellore, a historic city in Tamil Nadu, India, is home to several iconic landmarks and attractions. From the stunning Vellore Fort to the picturesque Jalakandeswarar Temple, and the tranquil Virinjipuram Temple, there’s something for everyone in this beautiful city. Visitors can also explore the renowned Christian Medical College and Hospital, taste the delicious local cuisine, and shop for traditional handicrafts and souvenirs. With its rich history and culture, Vellore is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Tamil Nadu.
Famous Places to visit in Vellore
1. Vellore Fort
Vellore Fort was built in the 16th century CE by Thimma Reddy Nayaka and Channa Bommi Nayaka, the Chieftains under the Vijayanagara ruler Sadashiva Raya. The Vellore Fort is a well renowned architectural masterpiece known as the ‘Pride of Vellore,’ and visiting the fort is one of the top things to do in the city. The fort is 133 acres in size and contains a mosque, temples, two palaces, and a park. The building is an outstanding example of military architecture. It also has rich ramparts, a wide moat, and solid masonry.
Timings: 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM Daily
Address: Balaji Nagar, Vellore, Tamil Nadu 632004
2. Periyar Park
Periyar Park is a new addition to the city’s wide variety of attractions. Its dense, leafy cover makes for a lovely place to relax in nature. It also contains a bird section with ostriches, ducks, white pigeons, swans, and other species. It features a variety of fun attractions, such as battery-operated bike rides and a separate roller-skating path.
Timings: 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM Daily
Address: Fort Round Rd, Balaji Nagar, Tamil Nadu 632004
3. Tipu and Hyder Mahal
The palaces of Tipu Mahal and Hyder Mahal are located inside the Vellore Fort. The Tipu Mahal, which has 180 rooms and a central pillar hall, is on the same campus as the Hyder Mahal, which has over 200 rooms. You will be mesmerized by the interior and exterior design of the granite walls.
During the war against the British, Tipu Sultan is said to have lived here with his family. The palaces are currently closed to the public since they are used as high-security jails. During British administration, Tipu Sultan’s family was detained here, as was Sri Lanka’s final king.
Timings: 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Address: Balaji Nagar, Vellore, Tamil Nadu 632004
4. Vainu Bappu Observatory
The Kavalur Observatory, also known as the Vainu Bappu Observatory, is one of the entertaining things to do in Vellore. The observatory was founded in 1986 by M.K. Vainu Bappu, the director of the Kodaikanal Observatory. The observatory is located at an altitude of 725 meters. The campus is home to a variety of flora, as well as fauna and birds. The observatory is surrounded by the beautiful greenery of the tropical region, which spans 100 acres of forest land. A 93-inch telescope, Fabry-Perot Interferometer, 1.3-meter J.C Bhattacharya telescope, 1m Carl Zeiss Telescope, and several tiny telescopes are some of the observatory’s features.
Timings: 3:00 PM to 9:00 only on Saturdays
Address: Javadi Hills, Alangayam, Kavalur, Tamil Nadu 635701
5. Amirthi Zoological Park
Amirthi Zoological Park is a 25-kilometer distance from Vellore city. The zoo is located near to a wildlife sanctuary. Inside the park, visitors are welcomed by a seasonal waterfall. Additionally, half of the park has been converted into a tourist zoo, while the other half has been converted into a wildlife refuge. You may go trekking in the park, which is home to a variety of rare and unique wildlife species. Spotted deer, mongoose, tortoises, peacocks, crocodiles, and pythons are some of the park’s various species.
Timings: 8 AM – 5 PM
Address: Kannamangalam, Kathalampattu R.F, Amirthi, Vellore, Tamil Nadu 632102
6. Yelagiri hill Station
Yelagiri is one of those typical, quiet areas that looks ordinary from the outside but gets more interesting as you know more about it. It has everything a great hill station should have, such as sunset points, lakes, and parks. The beauty of Yelagiri, however, lies in everything else it has to offer. Because it is one of Tamil Nadu’s lesser-known hill stations, it is never filled. The environment is beautiful, and the woodlands are home to some rare flora and fauna. Local honey is considered to be one of the cleanest and finest varieties available.
Best Time to Visit: November to February
Address: Yelagiri, Vellore, Tamil Nadu 635853
7. Delhi Gate
The Delhi Gate, one of Tamil Nadu’s most famous historical monuments, served as the entrance to the 18th-century fort built by Daulat Khan Panni, a Mughal Empire ruler. A number of historical battles have taken place here, including the well-known Seige of Arcot, which was led by the well-known British officer Robert Clive. For history enthusiasts, it’s one of the top spots to visit in Vellore.
Timings: Open 24 hours
Address: Arcot – Kanchipuram Rd, Arcot, Vellore, Tamil Nadu 632503