Vellore Fort
A circuit of the most-surrounded ramparts (nearly 2 kms) of the splendid fort, is the most peaceful experience in Vellore. The fort was built in the 16th century and passed through Maratha and Mughal hands before the British occupied it in 1760. These days it houses, among other things, government offices, two parade grounds (capable of hosting a dozen simultaneous games of cricket), a church and a police recruiting school. Also inside is the Jalakantesvara Temple , a gem of late Vijayanagar architecture, built in 1566. Check out the small, detailed sculptures on the walls of the marriage hall in the southwest corner. The fort contains two museums: the dusty exhibits in the Government Museum have seen better days, but the Archaeological Survey Museum has a good collection of Pallava, Chola and Nayak stone sculptures, plus exhibits on the 1806 Vellore Mutiny, the earliest anti-British uprising by Indian troops. Next door, pretty St John’s Church (1846) is only open for Sunday services.
Vellore Fort
Tamil Nadu Government Museum
The Tamil Nadu government museum displays hero stones in the forecourt dating from the 8th century and depicting the stories of war heroes in battle. The small collection of tribal clothes and artifacts is interesting.
Hotel Arthy
A bunch of cheap vegetarian restaurants line Ida Scudder Road, but this is one of the cleanest restaurants with tasty North and South Indian favorites including good thalis and cheap, yummy biryani.
National Government Museum
The small national government museum contains sculptures dating back to Pallava and Chola times.
Gyan Vaishnav Dhaba
Try Gyan Vaishnav Dhaba is good for Punjabi food.
Jalakantesvara Temple
Jalakantesvara Temple
JalakanteshwaraTemple is a gem of late Vijayanagar architecture and was built around 1566. Check out the small, detailed sculptures on the walls of the marriage hall. During the invasions by the Adil Shahis of Bijapur, the Marathas and the Carnatic nawabs (Muslim ruling princes), the temple was occupied by a garrison and temple rituals ceased. Now it’s once again a place of worship.
