Vellore

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Kalyana Venkattaramasami temple

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

Vellore district lies between 12° 15' to 13° 15' North latitudes and 78° 20' to 79° 50' East longitudes in Tamilnadu State. The geographical area of this district is 6077 sq. k.m. The total population as per 1991 Census is 30,26,432.

Vellore is the Head-Quarters of Vellore District is well connected by Rail and bus routes to major towns of the neighbouring states like Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Kerala. The history of the District assumes a great significance and relevance, as we unfold the glorious past. The Monuments found in the district give a vivid picture of the town through the ages. In the 18th Century Vellore District was the scene of some of the decisive battles fought in Ambur 1749 A.D., Arcot 1751 A.D. and Vandavasi 1768 A.D. as a result of the long - drawn struggle between the English and the French for Supremacy.

One of the monuments of Vellore is the Fort. A very close examination of the stone inscriptions suggests that the Fort in all probability might have been built during the rule of Chinna Bommi Nayak (1526 to 1595 A.D.). The Fort is one of the most perfect speciments of Military architecture in South India. The Jalakandeswarar Temple inside the Fort is a very fine example of Vijayanagar architecture. The Kalyanamantap on the left of the entrance, with intricate carvings and delicacy of execution bears testimony to the engineering marvel and advanced state of sculpture of the times. Another landmark that has put Vellore on the Centre stage of Medical world is the Christian Medical College & Hospital.

History of Vellore

Vellore has the blend of rich heritage and culture representing the ancient Dravidian civilization. It was the seat of the Pallavas, Cholas, Nayak, Marathas, Arcot Nawabs and Bijapur Sultan Kingdoms. Vellore was once the capital city of the mighty Vijayanagar empire during 1606-1672. The fort in Vellore was described as the best and the strongest fortress in the Carnatic War in the 17th Century.The monuments found in the district give a vivid picture of the evolution of the city through the ages.

In the region, for about the past 200 years, there were countless changes in the way of formation of kingdoms and their capitals. The 'North' and the 'South' regions of Arcot came into the political map in 1810 at the time of the last Mughal Emperor. Later in 1908, the two districts namely North and South Arcot came into existence. Chittoor (now in Andhra Pradesh) was the first capital of the North Arcot district. From then on, it was the principal military base of the British. In 1911, Vellore became the head quarters of North Arcot Dt. comprising Vellore and Thiruvannamalai.

How to Reach Vellore

By Air

The city does not have a functioning airport of its own, the nearest international airports are Chennai International Airport(130 km), Bengaluru International Airport (200 km) and the nearest domestic airport is Tirupati Airport (100 km).

By Train

Vellore city has a total of three railway stations. The main railway junction for Vellore lies at the northern part of the city at Katpadi, 7 km from Old Central Bus stand, 6.5 km from CMC and 5 km from the New Central Bus Terminus. The Railway Station is being expanded and beautified to accommodate the ever growing passenger numbers.

By road

Vellore is well connected to all major cities in Tamilnadu, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka. Direct buses are available to Chennai, Bangalore, Tirupathi, Salem, Mysore, Chittoor, Kurnool, Trichy, Thiruvannamalai, Villupuram, Kanyakumari, Arani, Kanchipuram, Kalpakkam, Gudiyatham and other major towns and cities in South India.