Heard alot about Tamil Nadu but bored and stuck till Chennai? Well, we have something different to offer and what we talk about will leave you awestruck and wanting to escape to the destination right away. Let’s get started. The subject is Vellore and this quaint, little city in Tamil Nadu is wonderful. Located on the banks of River Palar, Vellore is a magnificent city in Tamil Nadu that features some amazing historical monuments and pilgrimage sites. The city has been ruled by various superpowers and is popularly known as the “Fort City”. Apart from these, there are many things to do in Vellore. Go through the list below to know more.
15 Best Things To Try In Vellore
Visiting Vellore and don’t know what to do in Vellore? Here’s our list of the most amazing things to try in Vellore. Relive the explorer in you and engage in these exhilarating activities.
1. Vellore Fort – Take A Dig Into History
Built by Bommi and Thimma Reddy in the 16th century, Vellore Fort is an architectural beauty that is popularly known as the ‘Pride of Vellore and visiting the fort is one of the best things to do in the city’. Sprawled over an area of 133 acres, the fort comprises of a mosque, temples, 2 palaces, and a garden. The structure is a prime example of military architecture. It also features luxurious ramparts, wide moat, and hearty masonry.
Location: Balaji Nagar, Vellore, Tamil Nadu 632004
Opening Hours: 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM Daily
Ideal For: History Buffs
Best Time to Visit: Any time of the year except summers
Entry Fees: INR 5
Must Read: 19 Places You Must Explore In The Wonderful Vellore
South Weekend Holiday Packages On TravelTriangle
2. Jalakandeswarar Temple – Worship And Walk
Image Source
Built-in the Vijayanagara style of architecture, the Jalakandeswarar Temple is dedicated to Lord Jalakandeswarar, an avatar of Lord Shiva. The temple includes two courtyards, the main shrine, and a couple of sub-shrine. Glorious sculptures, adorned pillars, and engraving on the ceilings are the primary attraction of the temple. Some of the major festivals that are celebrated here are – Chaitra Poornima, Mahashivaratri, Aadipooram, Vinayaka Chaturthi, Navarathri attending which is one of the fun things to try in the city.
Location: Balaji Nagar, Vellore, Tamil Nadu 632004
Opening Hours: 6:30 AM to 1:00 PM and 5:00 PM to 8:30 PM
Ideal For: Religious People
Best Time to Visit: Throughout the year
Entry Fees: Free
Suggested Read: 50 Best Tourist Places In Tamil Nadu Ensuring The Most Awesome Vacay!
3. Archaeological Survey of India Museum – Relive History
Location: Balaji Nagar, Vellore, Tamil Nadu 632004
Opening Hours: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM on Saturdays to Thursdays [Closed on Fridays]Ideal For: Group, Solo, Couple, Family
Best Time to Visit: Throughout the year
Entry Fees: INR 5
Suggested Read: Mahabalipuram In Tamil Nadu: Explore The Unique Culture Of Southern India
4. Vainu Bappu Observatory – Enhance Knowledge About Astronomy
Also known as the Kavalur Observatory, visiting the place is one of the fun things to do in Vellore. M.K. Vainu Bappu, director of Kodaikanal Observatory, established the observatory in 1986. Sprawled across 100 acres of forest land, the observatory is enclosed by the lush greenery of the tropical region. The observatory features a 93-inch telescope, Fabry-Perot Interferometer, 1.3-meter J.C Bhattacharya telescope, 1m Carl Zeiss Telescope, and other small telescopes.
Location: Javadi Hills, Alangayam, Kavalur, Tamil Nadu 635701
Opening Hours: 3:00 PM to 9:00 only on Saturdays
Ideal For: Astronomy Enthusiasts
Establishment: 1986
Entry Fees: Free
Suggested Read: Monsoon In Tamil Nadu: See The 8 Most Wonderful Places To Explore
5. Yelagiri Hill Station – For An Adventure Ride
Located at a height of 920 meters above sea level, Yelagiri is a quaint and not as popular but worth it hill station in the town. Spread over an area of 30 sq km, Yelagiri is home to many lakes, meadows, waterfalls, tea-estates, and orchards. Rock climbing, Paragliding, Roping, Camping, and trekking are some of the things to do in Vellore, Tamil Nadu. The place also provides some spectacular views of the city from the top of Swamimalai Hill.
Location: Yelagiri, Vellore, Tamil Nadu 635853
Ideal For: Nature Lover and Adventure Enthusiasts
Best Time to Visit: November to February
Suggested Read: 12 Honeymoon Places In Tamil Nadu For A Romantic Getaway
6. Delhi Gate – Explore The History Of Tamil Nadu
Image Source
Located on the banks of River Palar, the Delhi Gate was once a part of the Arcot Fort and played a part at the famous Siege of Arcot which makes checking out this place one of the great things to do in Vellore. The place is full of ruins and it holds historic importance as the British defeated the French at the Siege of Arcot. If you’re an Anglo-Indian history buff, come here to relive the British history in India.
Location: Arcot – Kanchipuram Rd, Arcot, Vellore, Tamil Nadu 632503
Opening Hours: Open 24 hours
Ideal For: History Buffs
Best Time to Visit: Evening
Entry Fees: Free
Suggested Read: 9 Best Hotels In Tirupati For A Tranquil Retreat In The Heart Of Tamil Nadu!
7. Amirthi Zoological Park – Day Out With Animals
Occupying over 25 hectares of area, Amirthi Zoological was opened to the public in 1967. With over 20 species of animals, visiting Amirthi Zoological Park is one of the best things to do in the city. Spotted deer, red-headed parrots, pythons, reason monkeys, mongoose, foxes, tortoises, and eagles are some of the animals that are commonly found here.
Location: Kannamangalam, Kathalampattu R.F, Amirthi, Tamil Nadu 632102
Opening Hours: 08:00 AM to 05:00 PM on Wednesdays to Mondays [Closed on Tuesdays
Ideal For: Nature and Wildlife Lovers
Best Time to Visit: October to February
Entry Fees: INR 2
Suggested Read: 15 Kodaikanal Hotels To Pick From For Your Next Trip To Tamil Nadu
8. St. John’s Church – Seek Blessings
Image Source
Opened in 1846, St. John’s Church is one of the oldest churches in the city. The church follows the English Gothic style of architecture and is well-known for its historic significance, interior decoration, and the wonderful idol of Jesus on the cross making visiting the place one of the most popular places to visit in the city. British soldiers who lost their lives during the Sepoy Mutiny are buried here.
Location: Vellore Fort, Fort Round Rd, Balaji Nagar, Tamil Nadu 632004
Opening Hours: 7:00 AM to 6.30 PM Daily
Ideal For: Religious Beliefs
Best Time to Visit: Sunday or During any auspicious day
Entry Fees: Free
Suggested Read: 43 Famous Historical Places In India To Visit
9. Tipu and Hyder Mahal – Explore The Castles
Tipu Mahal and Hyder Mahal are two castles situated inside the complex of Vellore Fort. Known for its architecture, both the castles have around 180 to 200 rooms. The interior and exterior design on the granite walls will mesmerize you. Due to the high-security reason, the place is currently closed for tourists but make sure you visit this place on your trip to the city as it is one of the top things to do in Vellore.
Location: Balaji Nagar, Vellore, Tamil Nadu 632004
Opening Hours: 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Ideal For: History Buffs
Entry Fees: INR 5
Suggested Read: 15 Romantic Airbnbs In India That Will Make You Fall In Love All Over Again
10. Palamathi Hills – Sightseeing
Image Source
Tucked away from the hustle-bustle of the city, Palamathi Hills is one of the coolest places in the city for sightseeing. With wonderful scenic beauty and breathtaking sceneries, Palamathi Hills is a perfect place for relaxation, photography, bird-watching, picnicking, and some adventure treks which are some of the great things to try in Vellore.
Location: Bagayam, India
Ideal For: Friends and Family
Best Time to Visit: October to March
Suggested Read: From Royal To Offbeat, Here Are 30 Best Wedding Destinations In India To Tie The Knot
11. Periyar Park – For Bird-Watching
Located on the Fort Round Road, Periyar Park is a spacious, serene park that is filled with several species of birds. Swans, Ostriches, White Pigeons, Ducks, Parrot, Love Birds, and more. checking out which is one of the exciting things to do in Vellore. Experiencing bird-watching at Periyar Park to bust your stress!
Location: Fort Round Rd, Balaji Nagar, Tamil Nadu 632004
Opening Hours: 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM Daily
Ideal For: Kids, Nature Lover
Best Time to Visit: November to March
Entry Fees: Free
Suggested Read: 16 Airports In India That Make A Dreamy Halt For Every Traveler
12. Punganoor Lake – Take A Boat Ride
Boating at Punganoor Lake is one of the interesting things to do in Vellore. Nestled amidst the Yelagiri Hills, Punganoor Lake is one of the most popular man made lakes in India. Known for its refreshing atmosphere and the surrounding atmosphere, this lake attracts thousands of tourists every year.
Location: Yelagiri Hills | Near Mughal Garden, India
Opening Hours: 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM Daily
Ideal For: Boating Enthusiasts
Best Time to Visit: Throughout the year
Entry Fees: INR 3; INR 50 for Pedaling Boat and INR 75 for Rowing Boat
Suggested Read: 38 Romantic Honeymoon Places In South India For That Cast Utter Magic
13. Sripuram Golden Temple – Appreciate The Architecture Brilliance
Spread over 100 acres of land, Sripuram Golden Temple is dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi and visiting it counts as one of the religious things to do in Vellore. The main part of the temple is covered with gold foil and this makes the temple different from others. With over 1.5 tonnes of gold been used, this is the largest golden temple in the world.
Location: Sri Narayani Peedam, Thirumalaikodi, Tamil Nadu 632055
Opening Hours: 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM Daily
Ideal For: Religious Beliefs
Best Time to Visit: Throughout the year
Entry Fees: Free
Suggested Read: Top 51 National Parks In India: A List You Just Can’t Ignore!
14. Gingee Fort – Heritage Walk
Located in Villupuram district of Tamil Nadu, Gingee Fort is regarded as the “Troy of the East” by the British. Constructed by the Vijayanagar Kings in the 16th century, the fort includes three different hilltop citadels and the Kalyana Mandap that is built by following the Indo-Islamic style of architecture and taking a heritage walk here is one of the fun things to do in Vellore.
Location: NH 66, Villupuram district, Gingee, Tamil Nadu 604202
Opening Hours: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Ideal For: History Buffs
Best Time to Visit: March to July
Entry Fees: INR 15 for Indians and INR 100 for foreigners
Suggested Read: 20 Best Places To Visit In India During Christmas Holidays For A Grand Celebration
15. Nava Sai Baba Temple – Explore The Temple
Located at Kanipakam, the temple is dedicated to Shirdi Sai Baba and visiting the place is and praying is one of the best and most soulful things to do. The temple is famous for featuring nine idols of Shirdi Sai Baba. Spend time with your family and make a wish.
Location: Kanzhipakkam, Kandaneri, Pallikonda, Tamil Nadu 635809
Ideal For: Religious Beliefs
Best Time to Visit: Throughout the year
Entry Fees: Free
Further Read: 30 Budget Honeymoon Destinations In India To Sweep You Off Your Feet
That’s It! Plan a trip to the city and indulge in these 16 must things to do in Vellore. Without wasting any more time plan a trip to Tamil Nadu, pack your bags and get going! We hope and know you will fall in love with place and have the time of your life here.
Disclaimer: TravelTriangle claims no credit for images featured on our blog site unless otherwise noted. All visual content is copyrighted to its respectful owners. We try to link back to original sources whenever possible. If you own rights to any of the images and do not wish them to appear on TravelTriangle, please contact us and they will be promptly removed. We believe in providing proper attribution to the original author, artist or photographer.
Frequently Asked Questions About The Things To Do In Vellore
A. Being surrounded by mountains, the city experiences hot and humid type of climate almost throughout the year. October to March is the best time to visit Vellore.
A. Vellore is widely known for its superb medical facilities at Christian Medical College & Hospital. Thousands of people come here for medical services. Besides, it is also known as a significant historical and cultural destination. The city houses several numbers of tourist attractions, temples, and institutions.
A. At least one or two days are required to visit the all-important attractions in Vellore.
A. The city is a cool and calm place which makes it an ideal place for peace-loving people. Moreover, the city is not much expensive.
A. By Flight: The city doesn’t have its own airport. Tirupati Airport (TIR) which is located at a distance of 93 km is the nearest airport.
By Train: Vellore Cantt. (VLR) is the nearest railway station. Trains to and from other cities are available regularly.
By Road: The city is well-connected through roadways. Tamil Nadu state buses and other private buses are available at an affordable rate.
A. Vellore is a city which is located in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu.
Looking To Book A Holiday Package?
People Also Read:
Things To Do In Madurai Things To Do In Himachal Pradesh Things To Do In Mahabalipuram
Exploring new places and trying out new food cuisines are two things that bring Seema all the happiness. Travel freak and a die-hard foodie are the synonyms that define her the best. Popular on social media by the name of ‘PandaReviewz’, lazing around the beaches, exploiting the sunset points, visiting the farthermost villages, exploring the renowned cities, trying out new food cuisines, and blogging about them are few things that keep Seema occupied, and happy!
