Prominent Places To Visit Near Vellore For Culture Enthusiasts

A scenic aerial picture of Vellore, showcasing the top places to visit near Vellore.

There are various cultural places to visit near Vellore in Tamil Nadu, a haven for culture and history enthusiasts. As for the city of Vellore, the famous Vellore Fort stands tall; and those nearby towns derived historical, religious, and splendid archaeological landmarks like the Sripuram Temple popularly known as the Golden Temple, and the Arunachaleswarar Temple situated in Tiruvannamalai. Another is Yelagiri Hills which is a hill station mostly suitable for treks and scenic beauty.

Popular Places To Visit In And Around Vellore

Some of the most common places to visit near Vellore mainly include:

1. Gingee Fort

A picture of a hilltop fortress, one of the prominent places to visit near Vellore.

Photo: RealinRear / Wikimedia Commons

Gingee Fort or Senji Fort is an important and historic site that is nearly 90 km from Vellore. This historically significant 9th-century fort is also known as the ‘Troy of the East’ because of its big walls and its complex system of protection. Assam’s first city The fort that occupies a strategic location on top of three hills comprises citadels where history lovers can glimpse the past through walls and towers.

Best Time To Visit: November to February
Top Tourist Attractions: Kalyana Mahal, Rajagiri Fort, Krishnagiri Fort, Venugopala Swamy Temple
Nearest Railway Station: Tindivanam Railway Station (37 km)
Distance From Vellore: 90 km

2. Tiruvannamalai

A beautiful view of streets and roads, one of the most significant places to visit near Vellore.

Photo: Balu 606902 / Wikimedia Commons

Tiruvannamalai is 85 km from Vellore and is a famous temple town that is home to the largest temple of the Lord Arunachaleswarar temple, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The town also has a rich religious history; The Arunachala Hill is a place to see nearby Vellore of worship for those who believe in spirituality and divinity. Thousands of pilgrims perform the Girivalam or round the hill on foot each full moon night. Locals also have a guide to recreational destinations such as Skandashramam and Virupaksha Cave, which are familiar among faith workers.

Best Time To Visit: October to March
Top Tourist Attractions: Arunachaleswarar Temple, Skandashramam, Virupaksha Cave
Nearest Railway Station: Tiruvannamalai Railway Station (5 km)
Distance From Vellore: 85 km

3. Kanchipuram

A picture of Kanchipuram, which is one of the top places to visit near Vellore.

Photo: Pinakpani / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Kanchipuram is about 75 km from Vellore. It is popularly known as the “City of Thousand Temples” because of the innumerable temples around the city. The city is home to some of the old temples like Ekambareswarar Temple, Kailasanathar Temple, and Kamakshi Amman Temple, the structures of which were designed by the Pallava and Chola dynasties. Also, for shopping, Kanchipuram is especially famous for its venture of silk sarees that are traditional.

Best Time To Visit: November to February
Top Tourist Attractions: Ekambareswarar Temple, Kailasanathar Temple, Kamakshi Amman Temple
Nearest Airport: Chennai International Airport (75 km)
Distance From Vellore: 75 km

4. Mahabalipuram

A picture of rock-cut temples, Mahabalipuram which is best for culture enthusiasts.

Photo: Vyacheslav Argenberg / Wikimedia Commons

The rock-cut temples and sculptures located in Mahabalipuram, a world heritage site located about 120 kilometres away from Vellore, offered a rich experience. Some of the famous monuments of this place are Shore Temple, Pancha Rathas, and Arjuna’s Penance, which depict the work of Pallava artists. It is also a coastal town that boasts pristine beaches, and tourists can take a quiet time enjoying the several cultural sites that surround the town.

Best Time To Visit: October to March (Comfortable weather)
Top Tourist Attractions: Shore Temple, Pancha Rathas, Arjuna’s Penance, Mahabalipuram Beach
Nearest Railway Station: Chengalpattu Railway Station (30 km)
Distance From Vellore: 120 km

5. Yelagiri

A serene hill station, Yelagiri, which is one of the key places to visit near Vellore

Photo: Coolsangamithiran / Wikimedia Commons

Yelagiri is a tiny hill station about 90 kilometres away from the larger town of Vellore and is famous for its pleasant climate and natural beauty. Yelagiri is a picturesque hill island located away from the hustle and bustle of other developed cities. The attractions include hiking in Swamimalai Hill, boating in the Punganoor Lake, and visiting Jalagamparai Waterfalls. It is also a perfect place for adventurers who will be able to go for paragliding and rock climbing.

Best Time To Visit: November to February
Top Tourist Attractions: Punganoor Lake, Swamimalai Hill, Jalagamparai Waterfalls
Nearest Railway Station: Jolarpettai Railway Station (20 km)
Distance From Vellore: 90 km

6. Sripuram Golden Temple

A stunning golden temple, Sripuram is a modern architectural wonder place to visit near Vellore.

Photo: Ag1707 / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Sripuram Golden Temple is located in Vellore and is around 15 km, this temple is devoted to Goddess Lakshmi. Sited in the middle of a green field, the temple is in star shape and roofed by gold sheets. Now, Rubin’s temple is incorporated in dozens of movies, and millions of people come to him to get a spiritual boost and contemplate his masterpieces. Amrita is a calm and serene campus spread over 100 acres of area where devotees and tourists get the feel of a clean and peaceful mind.

Best Time To Visit: November to March
Top Tourist Attractions: Golden Temple, Star Pathway
Nearest Railway Station: Katpadi Junction (6 km)
Distance From Vellore: 15 km

7. Chittoor

A historical town known for its temples, one of the ideal places to visit near Vellore.

Photo: Rahuljoseph ind / Wikimedia Commons

Chittoor situated 40 km far from Vellore is one of cultural and historical significance located in Andhra Pradesh. It is a popular pilgrim centre famous for the Kanipakam Vinayaka Temple. Located closer to scenic hills it also has the nearby hill station of Horsley Hills. The monuments and Temples of Chittoor give a vivid visual of the mark left by the Vijayanagara Empire on Andhra Pradesh’s architecture. This colourful town maintains time-honoured traditions, the beauty of nature, and history which attract numerous pilgrims and tourists who want to look at a piece of history.

Best Time To Visit: October to March
Top Tourist Attractions: Kanipakam Vinayaka Temple, Horsley Hills, Kalavagunta Temple
Nearest Railway Station: Chittoor Railway Station (3 km)
Distance From Vellore: 40 km

8. Tirupati

A picture of Tirumala Temple, one of the most religious places to visit near Vellore.

Photo: Shishirdasika / Wikimedia Commons

It is about 120km from the district of Vellore and is regarded as an important pilgrimage site in India. The Tirumala Venkateswara Temple is one of the most popular temples in the world. Lord Venkateswara is the deity here, and millions of people pay for their offerings every year. The temple on the Tirumala Hills is special to pilgrimages and is famous for its architectural design. Apart from the temple, Tirupati has stunning mountains, giving the area a beautiful view. The serenity of the place makes it suitable for both pilgrimages and tourism.

Best Time To Visit: September to February
Top Tourist Attractions: Tirumala Venkateswara Temple, Sri Padmavathi Ammavari Temple, Silathoranam
Nearest Airport: Tirupati Airport (15 km)
Distance From Vellore: 120 km

9. Pondicherry

A former French colony with beaches, one of the most unique places to visit near Vellore.

Photo: Gbkrish1 / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Puducherry is somewhere around 160 km from Vellore and is a beautiful union territory that was once a French colony; hence, you could see a French connection mixed with prevailing Indianness. The old colonial buildings, beautiful sands, and hospitable café society undoubtedly make the place a favoured tourist one. Some of the famous tourist attractions near Vellore include Auroville, Promenade Beach, and Sri Aurobindo Ashram to tour the town and sample the historical development of the town.

Best Time To Visit: October to March
Top Tourist Attractions: Auroville, Promenade Beach, Sri Aurobindo Ashram
Nearest Railway Station: Puducherry Railway Station (6 km)
Distance From Vellore: 140 km

10. Vaniyambadi

A peaceful town with scenic hills, one of the most hidden places to visit near Vellore.

Photo: Dineshbabudb / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation

Vaniyambadi, Situated about 65 km away from Vellore, is a beautiful town that is surrounded by magnificent hills that give travellers a peek into the glorious history. The town which is famous for its leather industry is also famous for Vanambadi Mosque which is an archaeological Monument. Tourists can come in and tour the Perumal Temple which is located beside the Vainu Bappu Observatory, one of the biggest in Asia. This observatory is a combined socio-religious cum science site of tourist attractions near Vellore in Tamil Nadu as seen in the case of Vaniyambadi.

Best Time To Visit: November to February
Top Tourist Attractions: Vaniyambadi Mosque, Perumal Temple, Vainu Bappu Observatory
Nearest Railway Station: Vaniyambadi Railway Station (4 km)
Distance From Vellore: 50 km

Discovering other attractions near Vellore creates a perfect ambience for the cultural buffs to appreciate the traditions and cultures of Tamil Nadu fully. These places to see near Vellore offer different perspectives of South Indian culture, making it perfect for anyone who wants to have a rather authentic tour. The places of interest around Vellore include everything from old temples to hills and gorgeous cities, offering people a fantastic opportunity to enjoy exciting cultural tourism. Plan your trip with us and explore places to visit near Vellore seamlessly.

Cover Photo: Ssriram mt / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Frequently Asked Questions

Sripuram Golden Temple is out rightly plated with 1500 kg of pure gold and has a star shape, making it look more ceremonial.
Yes, Yelagiri, 90 km away from Vellore, can be described as a perfect spot for the lonely hearts – the climate is rather mild there, and you can’t only go trekking but boating as well.
Yes, Mahabalipuram is around 100 km, and so is Puducherry from Vellore, so it is possible to fully explore both sites in a 2-3 day trip!
Tiruvannamalai has the Girivalam at Arunachala Hill, where devotees undertake a procession that offers benefits.
Trekking and bird watching can be done at least in the hilly regions around Vaniyambadi Town Council.

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