Vellore
The city of Vellore is the headquarters of Vellore district in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. The city lies on the banks of the Palar River on the site of Vellore Fort. Vellore District was formerly part of North Arcot District, which was established by the British in the 19th century. On 30 September 1989 the district was split into Tiruvannamalai-Sambuvarayar (present-day Tiruvannamalai) and North Arcot Ambedkar districts. North Arcot Ambedkar District was renamed Vellore District in 1996.
Ancient history shows that Vellore was basically a battle field, where the warriors used to fight. Due to the geography of the place, the place was always left with the used weapons like spears all around the year.
Vellore has the blend of rich heritage and culture representing the ancient Dravidian civilization. The city is 200 metres above sea level, situated 135 km South West of Chennai and 220 km East of Bangalore. The Vellore Central Prison, set up in 1830 A.D. is another historically important land mark which housed some of the most eminent personalities and freedom fighters.
The city is the hub of many hundreds of leather and tannery industries which are located around Vellore and its nearby towns. The district is the top exporter of finished leather goods in the country. Vellore leather accounts for more than 37% of the country’s Export of Leather and Leather related products such as finished leathers, shoes, garments, gloves and so on.
Vellore is also famous for medical tourism. CMC Hospital which is located in the heart of the city is the biggest private employer in the city. It creates a large floating population, mostly from other states of India and foreign countries.
Places of interest
Yelagiri
With just about 100 kms away from Vellore, Yelagiri is an idyllic place for a short holiday. Green hills and picture post-card scenery greets you here. It is called the princess of hill stations and is the most pristine and unpolluted among the hill stations in Tamil Nadu. Yelagiri Hills is a backward area with few glaring developments like cottages and farm houses, yet a place that has maintained its ‘remote’ label.
Sripuram
One of the latest additions to the place of interest in Vellore is the SriLakshmi Temple in Sripuram. SriLakshmi Temple, popularly known as Golden Temple, is a newly built Spiritual Park / Temple in Thirumalaikodi, Vellore. The whole exterior of the temple is laid with gold sheets and plates. The construction of this temple is reported to have cost Rs.300 crores (Rs.3 billion). The temple is surrounded by a vast lush green landscaped area. This marvelous temple is situated approx. 12 kms from Vellore Railway Station.
Vellore Fort
Vellore Fort is a large 16th-century fort built by the Nayakar governors of the Vijayanagara Empire and was constructed with large granite blocks. The fort is known for its grand ramparts, wide moat and robust masonry.
Said to be a perfect specimen of military architecture, the fort also houses a Christian church, a Muslim mosque and a Hindu temple, the latter of which is famous for its magnificent carvings. The first rebellion against British rule erupted at this fort in 1806, and it is also a witness to the tragic massacre of the Vijayanagara royal family of Emperor Sriranga Raya.
The fort is surrounded by a moat which was once used as an additional line of defense in the case of an invasion.
Jalakanteswarar Temple
The Temple is named after Jalakanteswara, which means “Lord Siva residing in the water.” The temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva 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. The temple was long used as an arsenal, and remained without a deity, although several years ago it was sanctified with an idol of Lord Shiva. The temple has a large wedding hall adorned with elegant and monolithic sculptures. The temple manifests a double Gopuram and impressive mandapam.
Other places of interest:
Vellore district has an area of 6077 sq-kms. The climate here is primarily dry with temperatures ranges from as low as 10°C in the winter months to even 43°C during summer months.
Know more about Vellore -
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vellore
Hotels at Vellore -
http://www.indiashotels.com/list_Vellore_Tamil%20Nadu_Hotel_0.html
