Vellore

Vellore is a small mountainous town surrounded by the Hills of Western Ghats. It is a semi rural bazaar town. Vellore is famous for its fort and the Christian Medical College. Located on the North of Tamil Nadu, Vellore holds a great historical significance as it has been under the sway of various dynasties and rulers. The Vellore city is the capital of Vellore district located in the Bank of River Paalar.

It has the famous Fort build by Bommi reddy and Dhimmy reddy 500 years ago. And also the famous Christian Medical College, (CMC) located in Vellore. The Jalagandeswara Temple is another landmark of this town.

Vellore had the previlege of being the seat of the Pallava, Chola, Nayak, Maratha, Arcot Nawabs and Bijapur Sultan Kingdoms. It was described as the best and the strongest fortress during the Carnatic War in the 17th Century. It witnessed the massacre of European soldier during the mutiny of 1806.

Vellore District had always been on the fore - front in the struggle for India’s freedom. In fact the Sepoy Mutiny of 1806 A.D. that broke out inside the Vellore fort against the British authority is considered to be a prelude to the Great Revolt of 1857.

Facts

Area : 11.65 sq.kms.
Population : 1, 75,061 (1991 census)
Altitude : 204 above Sea Level
Climate :
Summer : Max. 39.0°C, Min. 29.5°C
Winter : Max. 27.3°C, Min. 17.0°C
Rainfall : 1053cm (average)
Clothing : Tropical Season throughout the year
Language Spoken : Tamil, English and Telugu
STD Code : 0416

Sights

Vellore Fort

Dating back to the 13th century this ancient fort is the main attraction for tourists. This historically famous fort retains the past glory with its ramparts, basements, turrets, posts, and gates with its perennial water supply. Double walls fortify it and the main walls are made of massive granite blocks as the strongest fortress during the Carnatic War in 17th century and witnessed the revolt of Indian Soldiers during the mutiny of 1857. The fort houses of Church, Mosque Temple and many building that are now used as public Offices.

Jalagandeeswarar Temple

The temple stands inside the fort and is dedicated to Jalagandeeswar. The temple is noted for its sculptures, and speaks volumes of the exquisite craftsmanship of the highly skilled artisans of that period. The sculpture in the porch on the left of the entrance is a masterpiece appreciated by the connoisseurs of art and architecture. It has a big wedding hall adorned with elegant reliefs and monolithic sculptures. This temple was used for long as an arsenal and remained without deity. A few years back it has been sanctified with an idol of Lord Shiva.

Government Museum:

This is a multi purpose museum maintained by the Department of Museum Government of Tamil Nadu. It treasures ancient and present day curios relating to Anthropology, Botany, Geology, Numismatics, Pre-history, Zoology, etc. Historical monuments of the erstwhile composite North Arcot district are gracefully depicted in the gallery.

C.M.C. Hospital:

Vellore attracts a floating population of 5000 every day, it is because of the world famous Christian Medical College or CMC as it more familiarly known was founded in the early part of the last century by a dedicated American medical Missionary Dr. Idda Scudder. Besides having the world famous Cancer and Neurological Wards, it also has a Mental Health Hospital and a College of Nursing.

Delhi Gate:

Delhi Gate and Arcot fort is yet another point of attraction, which had been captured by Robert Clive in 1751, then renamed it as Delhi gate as the 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.This gate is on the banks of the Palar River. It is in remembrance of the soldiers who lost their lives in the Battle of Arcot.

External links :

http://www.vellore.com/tourist.html
http://travels.talash.com/vellore-travel/index.html
http://www.vellorecmc.org/optsalink/vellore.htm
http://www.tamilnadu-tourism.com/tamilnadu-cities
/vellore-tourism.html
http://www.travel-tamilnadu.com/vellore.htm
http://www.eindiatourism.com/vellore/index.html
http://www.digantik.com/Covering Deprivation/Vellore/mainvellore.htm
http://www.world66.com/asia/southasia/india/ tamilnadu/vellore
http://www.spiritofchennai.com/tourism/vellore.htm
http://www.southindiaonline.com/tamilnadu/vellore.htm
http://www.tourism-of-india.com/vellore-chennai.html