Places To Visit In Vellore: Your Complete Guide Through The Popular Gem

Wide angle view of the Jalakandeswarar Temple, one of the places to visit in Vellore

Planning a trip to Vellore? All of the places to visit in Vellore cater to both the tastes of history and nature lovers. If historical landmarks, temples, and scenic spots are your priorities, then there are quite a few Vellore tourists. Vellore is a city known for its rich blend of royalty and spiritualism. This blog introduces you to the top tourist places in Vellore. It includes a list of must-visit attractions that will make your tour unforgettable. There’s something that caters to everyone’s interest.

Top 10 Places To Visit In Vellore

Here is a list of the best ten places to visit in Vellore for a remarkable experience on your next expedition in Tamil Nadu:

1. Vellore Fort

An image of the grandeur of Vellore Fort, a must visit place for all history buffs

Photo: Arullura / Wikimedia Commons

Fort Vellore was built in the 16th century during the reign of the Vijayanagara Empire. It is considered a marvel of both architecture and history. This historic fort holds a significant Vellore tourist places list. The fort is surrounded by a deep moat, which, in earlier times, housed dangerous crocodiles for protection. Inside, the fort also houses a prestigious Jalakandeswarar Temple, along with a few other remains of their region.

Major Attractions: Jalakandeswarar Temple, Sufi shrines
Best Time To Visit: November to February
Ideal Trip Duration: 1 – 2 hours
Nearest Railway Station: Vellore Katpadi Railway Station (5 km)

2. Jalakandeswarar Temple

Image of the Jalakandeswarar Temple, an ideal spot for all devotees

Photo: Haneeshkm / Wikimedia Commons

Featured among the most famous Vellore tourist places, Jalakandeswarar Temple is known for its carvings and striking Dravidian architecture. The ancient temple, situated in the vicinity of Vellore Fort, was built for the Christian God Lord Shiva. The gopuram/west tower of this temple is imposing, with beautiful carvings of gods, goddesses, and mythological creatures. Most of the time, it attracts visitors because of the serenity and religious importance of the place; thus, it is a magnet for pilgrims and tourists alike.

Major Attractions: Temple architecture, religious rituals
Best Time To Visit: Early mornings and evenings, October to March
Nearest Airport: Chennai International Airport (130 km)
Nearest Railway Station: Vellore Katpadi Railway Station (5 km)

3. Sri Lakshmi Golden Temple

An image of the Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple, a top tourist place in Vellore

Photo: Sambachennamsetty / Wikimedia Commons

The Sri Lakshmi Golden Temple is the title jewel of tourist attractions in Vellore, sprawling across an area of 100 acres. This magnificent temple is covered with gold foil and is a dedication to Goddess Lakshmi. The shrine is well-known for its exquisite craftsmanship, and this stunning gold work simply gleams under the sun. The peaceful surroundings further enhance the spiritual atmosphere, making it an ideal place for religious purposes and architectural beauty.

Major Attractions: Golden architecture, peaceful surroundings
Best Time To Visit: During religious festivals (January and October)
Nearest Railway Station: Vellore Katpadi Railway Station (9 km)

4. Amirthi Zoological Park

 Small fall between the rocks at Amirthi Falls Zoological Park, one of the best tourist places in Vellore

Photo: V.Jayapriya / Wikimedia Commons

Nature lovers looking for tourist places in Vellore should not miss a refreshing visit to Amirthi Zoological Park to get themselves into the arms of the wild. Located at the foothills of the Eastern Ghats, this zoological park covers an area of 25 hectares and shelters several species of animals, birds, and reptiles. The park has captivating walking trails and one erstwhile picturesque waterfall that quickly makes it apt for nature walks and photography.

Major Attractions: Animal exhibits, nature trails, Amrithi Falls
Best Time To Visit: October to February
Ideal Trip Duration: 3 – 4 hours
Nearest Railway Station: Vellore Katpadi Railway Station (25 km)

5. Yelagiri Hills

Breathtaking views of Yelagiri Hills from the top in morning

Photo: SingaravelanG / Wikimedia Commons

Situated in the Eastern Ghats, Yelagiri Hills forms a quiet hill resort, ideal for those seeking outdoor activities on their Vellore trip. The dense greenery, pleasant weather, and scenic views make it a haven for trekkers and nature lovers. Several small villages dot these hills and offer visitors an opportunity to interact with the local communities. It offers several activities for adrenaline junkies, like paragliding and boating.

Major Attractions: Punganur Lake, Swamimalai Hills
Best Time To Visit: October to March
Ideal Trip Duration: 1 – 2 days
Nearest Railway Station: Jolarpettai Railway Station (21 km)

6. State Government Museum

Inside the State Government Museum, one of the places to visit in Vellore

Photo: SafarNama / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

State Government Museum houses a rich collection of artefacts, including sculptures, coins, and inscriptions of the Pallava and Chola dynasties, among other things. The State Government Museum is lodged inside the historic Vellore Fort along with other places and thus forms an item of unskipped worth in the list of any history enthusiast. This is one of those often-overlooked places to visit on a Vellore trip, and it provides a deeper meaning about the history of this region.

Major Attractions: Bronze sculptures, artefacts from Pallava and Chola dynasties
Best Time To Visit: October to March
Ideal Trip Duration: 1-2 hours
Nearest Railway Station: Vellore Katpadi Railway Station (5 km)

7. Vainu Bappu Observatory

Image of the closeup view of the impressive 40-inch telescope at Vainu Bappu Observatory

Photo: Prateek Karandikar / Wikimedia Commons

Kavalur’s Vainu Bappu Observatory is among the most exciting places any science and astronomy enthusiast could visit. A gigantic observatory in the Asian region, it contains giant, powerful telescopes providing an exceptional opportunity to see the night sky. Besides this, many of its research projects and valuable contributions to space programs occur within the observatory. Sessions on the night sky are available on specific days, giving away an added amount of experience to all those interested in the celestial mechanisms.

Major Attractions: Asia’s largest telescope, night sky viewings
Best Time To Visit: November to March
Ideal Trip Duration: 2 hours
Nearest Airport: Chennai International Airport (160 km)
Nearest Railway Station: Vaniyambadi Railway Station (30 km)

8. Punganoor Lake

View of a Punganoor lake surrounded by beautiful trees

Photo: eberhard grossgasteiger / Pexels / Image For Representation Only

Punganoor Lake is a peaceful man-made lake in Yelagiri that serves as a popular retreat for both tourists and locals. Surrounded by dense greenery, the lake is perfect for boating, walking, and picnicking. Visitors can rent paddle boats and enjoy a tranquil ride while taking in the stunning natural surroundings. The nearby nature park is also a lovely place to relax or enjoy a leisurely walk.

Major Attractions: Boating, scenic views, nearby nature park
Best Time To Visit: October to February
Ideal Trip Duration: 1 – 2 hours
Nearest Railway Station: Jolarpettai Railway Station (21 km)

9. St. John’s Church

Image of the stunning brown concrete cathedral  of St. John's Church, one of the Vellore tourist places

Photo: Robert Stokoe / Pexels / Image For Representation Only

One of the oldest churches in Tamil Nadu, St. John’s Church is an architectural marvel that dates back to 1846. The Gothic-style structure, with its tall steeples and stained-glass windows, adds a touch of colonial charm to Vellore’s cultural landscape. The calm ambience of the church, combined with its historical importance, makes it an essential stop for those exploring tourist places in Vellore. It continues to be an active place of worship, and visitors are welcome to attend Sunday services.

Major Attractions: Colonial architecture, peaceful ambiance
Best Time To Visit: December to February
Nearest Railway Station: Vellore Katpadi Railway Station (7 km)

10. Palamathi Hills

View of breathtaking terraced rice fields at the green Balamathi Hills

Photo: Quang Nguyen Vinh / Pexels / Image For Representation Only

Tucked away in the Eastern Ghats, Palamathi Hills, also known as Balamathi Hills, offers a peaceful getaway for nature lovers. The hills are part of the Palamathi Reserve Forest and are ideal for trekking, bird watching, and photography. The panoramic views of the surrounding landscape are breathtaking, and the cool breeze adds to the tranquillity of the place. This spot is perfect for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and enjoy some peaceful moments in nature.

Major Attractions: Trekking trails, panoramic views, Palamathi Reserve Forest
Best Time To Visit: September to February
Nearest Railway Station: Vellore Katpadi Railway Station (18 km)

With its rich cultural heritage and natural beauty, there are many incredible places to visit in Vellore that cater to all kinds of travellers. From historical landmarks to peaceful lakes, Vellore has it all. Whether you’re a history buff or an adventure lover, these tourist attractions will make your trip unforgettable. Plan your Vellore adventure today with TripXL and explore the magic of this historic city.

Cover Photo: Ssriram mt / Wikimedia Commons

Frequently Asked Questions

Vellore has various shopping options where visitors can purchase local handicrafts, jewellery, and textiles. The CMC Bazaar, located near the famous Christian Medical College, is popular for street shopping, while Vellore’s Gandhi Road is lined with shops selling traditional silk sarees, jewellery, and other local items.
Yes, Vellore celebrates various regional and religious festivals, including Pongal, a harvest festival, and Mahashivratri, dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Vellore offers some adventure activities, primarily in Yelagiri Hills. Trekking, paragliding, and boating are popular outdoor pursuits in Yelagiri, providing an ideal escape for adventure enthusiasts.
Vellore offers a mix of traditional South Indian and Tamil Nadu cuisines. Visitors should try dishes like dosas, idlis, and traditional biryanis.
Yes, Vellore has a variety of accommodation options ranging from budget hotels to mid-range and luxury stays. Many hotels are located near the Vellore Fort and the Golden Temple, offering easy access to the city's main attractions.

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