Vellore Fort, Tamil Nadu
Vellore Fort, Tamil Nadu things to do, attractions, restaurants, events info and trip planning
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Fort Vellore The fort is said to be built by Chinna Bommi Nayaka, a subordinate of Sadasivaraya of the Vijayanagara dynasty in mid-16th century CE. The fort belongs to the category of “Sthaladurg” and is a fine specimen of military architecture. The rectangular fort with a circumference of 3 kms is built entirely with massive granite cut stones. The fort’s main rampart is distinguished at places by semi circular bastions and rectangular projections with gun holes at regular intervals.The fort contains both secular and religious structures that include Jalakanteswara temple, Mosque, Church, Tippu Mahal, Haider Mahal and Kandy Mahal Moat The Vellore fort is protected by a deep and wide moat with water originally fed from nearby Suryangunta tank through sub-terrain drains. The circumference of the moat is 2.65kms. This moat is surrounded by stone masonry wall. The width of the varies from place to place. The minimum width of the moat is 60 meter and maximum is 120 meters. The excess water flow of the moat is drained to Palar River. The maximum depth of the moat is 9 meters from present ground level and depth of water normally found in the moat is 4 meters. Rampart Wall Vellore Fort is surrounded by two massive rampart walls constructed during Vijayanagar period (16th-17th century CE). The fort’s main rampart is distinguished at places by semi circular bastions and rectangular projections with gun holes at regular intervals. It has a secondary rampart outside the main one at a lower level. The height of the upper rampart wall is about 14.5 meter and the lower rampart wall is 8.5 meter respectively. The difference between the upper and lower rampart wall is 6 meters. The average width of upper rampart wall and lower rampart wall are 7.5 meter. The circumference of upper rampart wall is 1.7 kilometer and lower rampart wall is 1.8 kilometer. There is a way from inside the fort through upper rampart wall to lower rampart wall. There are seven such ways connecting lower and upper rampart wall. A British period sub-jail is noticed on the south side of the upper rampart wall. A horse stable and Vahana mandapa area are also noticed on the northern and eastern side of the temple on the upper rampart wall. This mandapa is having pillars of Vijayanagar type. A row of Shivalinga , Nandi and Ganesh sculptures are noticed in regular interval in the rampart well. Presently a flag mast is found on the southeast corner bastion of upper rampart wall.
Vikas SinghVikas Singh
00
Vellore Fort, located in Vellore, Tamil Nadu, is a significant historical and architectural marvel of South India. Built in the 16th century by the Vijayanagara kings under the leadership of Chinna Bommi Nayak and Thimma Reddy Nayak, this fort has witnessed key historical events over the centuries. Key Historical Points: 1. Vijayanagara Period (16th Century): The fort was constructed around 1566 by Chinna Bommi Nayak and his brother, who were vassals of the Vijayanagara Empire. It served as a strategic military base and was known for its strong fortifications, built primarily of granite. The fort is also famous for its innovative water supply system, having a deep moat that was always filled with water to deter enemy advancements. 2. Rule of the Bijapur Sultans: After the decline of the Vijayanagara Empire following the Battle of Talikota in 1565, the fort came under the control of the Bijapur Sultans. It remained a key defense point for the Deccan rulers during this period. 3. Maratha and Mughal Control: In the late 17th century, the fort was captured by the Maratha king Shivaji, who recognized its strategic importance. It was subsequently taken by the Mughals under Emperor Aurangzeb, further showcasing the fort's importance in South Indian military history. 4. British Control and Rebellions: During the 18th century, the fort came under British control following the Carnatic Wars. Notably, it played a role in the 1806 Vellore Mutiny, one of the first major revolts against British rule. Sepoys stationed at the fort revolted against British policies, making it a precursor to the Indian Rebellion of 1857. 5. Architectural Features: Vellore Fort is renowned for its military architecture. The large fort complex houses a temple, a mosque, and a church, reflecting its religious and cultural diversity. The Jalakandeswarar Temple, located within the fort, is known for its exquisite Dravidian architecture. The fort’s mosque, built during the Nawab period, and St. John's Church, added by the British, are also significant. 6. Present-Day Importance: Today, Vellore Fort is a protected monument under the Archaeological Survey of India. It remains a popular tourist destination, showcasing the military, architectural, and cultural history of South India. The fort's rich history makes it a vital part of India's architectural and military heritage, reflecting the legacy of various South Indian and colonial powers.
DhanasekarDhanasekar
00
Vellore Fort was built by Chinna Bommi Nayak and Thimma Nayak, subordinate chieftains under emperor Sadasiva Raya of the Vijayanagara Empire in the year 1566 CE. The Fort gained strategic prominence following the re-establishment of Vijayanagara rule with Chandragiri as their 4th capital after the Battle of Talikota. Jalakandeswarar Temple is a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva which is located in the Vellore fort in the heart of the Vellore city, in the State of Tamilnadu India. The temple was mutilated during the Muslim invasion and capture of Vellore Fort.Following the desecration of the temple during Muslim invasion and rule, worship in the temple was stopped. An Islamic structure was also built to serve as a makeshift mosque, after destroying an Amman Nagalamman Temple, which stood on that site The temple was being used as an arsenal for nearly 400 years.On the fears of desecration, the main deity was moved away to the Jalakanda VinayaKar Temple in Sathuvacheri for safe keeping. The temple was vacant for nearly 400 years. In 1921, the Vellore Fort was handed over to the Archaeological Survey of India for maintenance. At that time, the temple was not used for worship, and the ASI was keen to maintain this status quo. However, in 1981, the deity was brought inside the fort by Mailai Sundaram Guruji of Thangal Ashram and re-installed inside the temple, and worship re-instated. Behind the Nandi statue, there is an earthen lamp, which is said to revolve when some people place their hands on it. The revolving is said to indicate that their wishes have been granted. Some devotees of the temple worship the golden and silver lizard sculptures and the snake sculptures in order to get relief from 'sarpa dosham'
Arulkumar's WorldArulkumar's World
60
A 16th century fort built by Vijaynagara Kingdom and this fort is situated at the heart of Vellore city. Later he ownership was passed to Bijapur Sultans, to Marathas as well as Chhatrapati Shivaji and finally to the British. Tipu Sultan's family was prisoned here, so we can see Tipu and Haider Mahal here. The Mahal can't be visited because The Mahal is now Police Training Camp and anyone can't enter without permission to this restricted place. Shri Jalakandeshwarar Temple is at the left side of the fort. Entry tower of this temple is too high. It's the temple pf Lord Shiva and the statue of Shiva is old. Tipu Sultan Masjid (mosque) and St. Johns Church Fort is also in this fort. Archeological Survey of India has taken the fort but the preservation is not appropriate and improper. Many old buildings and structures are left casually. The Walls of the fort is restricted but local peoples somehow managed to go there and use it as a park. Couples can be found dating in fort wall. There is also a museum in the fort. Thugh any special artifacts or old stuffs aren't there but some old art crafted on rocks, some old lostage stumps, coins, local animal and bird stuffs, weapons, guns, canon, dresses of local habitatas are presented there. Meuseum is open from 9:30 am to 5 pm. There is a big soprtsground on the centre of the Fort and some random players can be found. Outside of the fort there are 4 parks respectively Periyar Park, Fort Park, Vellore Fort Park and Childrens Park. Three sides lf this fort is covered by moat. We found dead fishes are floating on the moat randomly and a bad smell was everywhere. The water on the moat was not clean though.
Debasis GhoshDebasis Ghosh
50
Basically it is open space and free to go. No ticket to roam around. Inside this they have 6-7 main locations, to visit there, you have to walk around. I would suggest going with family and friends in a group. 1. Hindu Temple: You can go inside, you have to walk inside it. Have prasad shops inside only. With a sitting place. It is basically in a round manner, One can easily do all the darshan if they follow the crowd. (Timing: after morning it again opens at 3 P.M.) 2. Museum: Interesting things are there, like any other museum (Ticket: 5/- per person, Photo: 20/- extra per camera, Video: 50/- extra per camera) 3. Mosque: It is now in construction mode. Couldn't get inside it. 4. Church: It looks beautiful, but mostly you cannot get inside it. (Not Sure) 5. Fort Boundary: You can walk the whole way on the boundary, from one side to another but it has a particular timing (till 5P.M., it is permitted to get inside it with proper ticket) 6. Greenery: It is just in the front, many people can sit there for free. 7. Canteen: It is near by the Temple. You can get coffee, samosa, bhajji, cold drinks (not cold as no refridgerator), chips etc. (You can see a map there too, just for an idea) • You can carry bottles and foods inside, while walking. • You will get auto from inside only, but try to come at the main road as they charge a lot. Like approx (Rs. 200-Rs. 300) Be aware of the distance and bargain (if you are an outsider and don't understand the local language) • It will atleast take 2 hours to completely visit all the parts of this location. Better wear comfortable shoes and walk around. • Washroom is there near the canteen.
Titas JanaTitas Jana
10
A less known fun fact - this was the place of India's first sepoy munity against the British. Vellore fort is a large 16th-century fort, at one time the headquarters of the Aravidu Dynasty of the Vijayanagara Empire. The fort is known for its grand ramparts and wide moat. The fort's ownership passed from Vijayanagara kings, to Bijapur sultans, to Marathas, to Nawabs and finally to the British, who held the fort until India gained independence. The fort is located in the heart of the city just opposite to the busstand (in case you want to take a bus) or there is ample parking space inside the fort with a nominal parking charge for 2 and 4 wheelers. Please dont plan on parking on the main road, you will definitely get ticketed or vehicle towed away. There are 5 main attractions inside the fort, a temple, church, 2 museums (one run by ASI and other by state govt which has a nominal entrace fee) and a mosque (which is not open to public). The other historical buildings like the palace area has been converted to police training grounds and is off limits to civilians. So once you enter the fort, there is a loop road that touches all the main buildings and when you finish it you are right back to where you started. The moats are very impressive, one of the best I have seen till date. I wouldnt say its a must visit place just because most of the historical structures have been used for local govt bodies. If you have time to spare or are passing through can stop by, it shouldnt take more than an hour to finish visting all the places.
arun gerardarun gerard
00
Nearby Attractions Of Vellore Fort, Tamil Nadu
Jalakandeswarar Temple, Vellore
Vellore Fort Park
Periyar Park
Government Museum
Palamathi Temple
Tipu and Haider Mahal
CSI St. John's Church, Vellore
Archaeological Survey of India Museum
Mahalaxmi Temple
Fort Park
Jalakandeswarar Temple, Vellore
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Vellore Fort Park
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Nearby Restaurants Of Vellore Fort, Tamil Nadu
Amma Briyani Restaurant
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Sri Santhi Bakery
MUBARAK BEEF BIRYANI
ANNAPURNA HOTEL & RESTAURANT
Aarya Bhavan Pure Veg
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Balaji Nagar, Vellore, Tamil Nadu 632004, India
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vellore.nic.in
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Description
Vellore Fort is a large 16th-century fort situated in heart of the Vellore city, in the state of Tamil Nadu, India built by the Emperors of Vijayanagara. The fort was at one time the imperial capital of the Aravidu Dynasty of the Vijayanagara Empire.
attractions: Jalakandeswarar Temple, Vellore, Vellore Fort Park, Periyar Park, Government Museum, Palamathi Temple, Tipu and Haider Mahal, CSI St. John's Church, Vellore, Archaeological Survey of India Museum, Mahalaxmi Temple, Fort Park, restaurants: Amma Briyani Restaurant, Hotel Alankar, Lalit Vihar, Sri Santhi Bakery, MUBARAK BEEF BIRYANI, ANNAPURNA HOTEL & RESTAURANT, Aarya Bhavan Pure Veg, Bandhi Biryani, Aahar Punjabi Dhaba, Gyan Vaishnav Dhaba
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