Places of Interest

Vellore Fort:
Dating back to the 13th Century this ancient Fort is the main attraction for tourists. The historically famous fort retains the past glory with its ramparts, battlements, turrets, posts, sally gates and has perennial water supply. Double walls fortify it and the main walls are made of massive granite blocks laid one over the other without using mortar. The fort houses a Church and many buildings within are now used as Public offices.

Muthumandapam (Pearl Palace):
This is a memorial built around the tombstone of Vikramraja Singh the last Tamil ruler. Situated on the bed of the Palar River, it is just one km. north of Vellore town. To this memorial is going to be added an aquarium, a Chidren's Park, a lawn and three decorative arches.

Jalagandeeswarar Temple:
The temple inside the fort is dedicated to Jalagandeeswarar and is noted for its sculptures, which speak volumes of the exquisite craftsmanship of the highly skilled artisans of that period. The sculputes in the porch on the left of the entrance are connoisseurs. It has a big marriage hall adorned with elegant engravings and monolithic sculptures. The temple was used for long as an arsenal and remained without a deity. A few years back it was sanctified with a deity, Lord Siva that is worshipped by pilgrims and tourists alike.

Government Museum:
Situated adjacent to the main bus stand in the Lakshmanaswamy Town Hall, this multi-purpose Museum is maintained by the Department of Museums of the Tamil Nadu Government. It treasures ancient and present day curios relating to Anthropology, Art and Archaeology, Botany, Geology, Numismatics, Pre-history, Zoology, etc. The historical monuments of the erstwhile composite North Arcot District are gracefully depicted in the Gallery. 

This Museum is kept open all days between 9 a.m. & 12.30 p.m. and 2.p.m. to 5 p.m. except on holidays. Admission is free.

Arcot Fort & Delhi Gate:
In 1751 Robert Clive captured this fort and named the gate, Delhi Gate, as this 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. There is a stone slab with the following inscription near the big doorway. "The gate formed part of the fortification of Arcot during its memorable defence by Lord Clive in 1751."

Amirthi:
Twenty-four km south of Vellore is the panoramic Amirthi forest rich in its variety of flora and fauna. Half of this jungle has been cleared to serve as a tourist spot while the other half is developed as a wild life sanctuary. The eco-friendly hillocks, trees, running brooks and valleys present a scenic canvas to the tourists who come here for peace and quietuade during their weekends.

R.I.C.A:
The Regional Institute of Correctional Administration the first of its kind in India is situated adjacent to the Central Jail Campus. Service programmes are conducted for those in charge of prison administration. As a joint venture of the southern states, it was established in 1979. 

Palamathi:
Sandwiched among three picturesque hills is the Palamathi Hill known for its nature's gift. The natural swimming pool attracts young and old alike that seek this resort for rejuvenation and relaxation. There is a temple adorning this hill. Arrangement for trekking and boating can be made. 

Virinjipuram:
This magnificent temple dedicated to Lord Siva is famous for its devotees, who throng here with ardent belief that a dream on the last Sundays of the Karthigai month will reveal their forutne of being blessed with an offspring. The Lion-faced Simmakulam tank is considered to be very sacred. 

Yelagiri Hills:
Considered as the Ooty of North Arcot District, this stands eloquent amidst four mountains, at a height of 920 metres above sea level. A solemn summer resort, this place has comfortable lodging houses and rest houses. A church with exquisite craftsmanship and a beautiful park adorn this hill as an ideal tourist spot. 

Jalagampaarai:
The water falls situated 17 km from Tirupattur is a fine picnic spot where the deity is in the form of a Vel (a kind of spear). The Murugam temple attracts tourists throughout the year.

Javadu Hills:
40 km from Polur is the main village in Javadu hills that is famous for its sandalwood trees and fruit-bearing trees. Its altitude varies from 300 to 100 mts. The Kavalur observatory, the biggest in Asia, is worth visiting.