Vellore
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Template:India city infobox | population_density = | area_magnitude= | area_total=4314.29 | area_telephone=91-(0)416| postal_code= 632 001| vehicle_code_range= TN 23 | footnotes = | }}
A historical town in the state of Tamil Nadu, in southernmost India, Vellore (வேலூர் in Tamil) is now the headquarters of Vellore district. The town lies on the banks of Palar River on the site of Vellore fort.
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History
Vellore has the blend of rich heritage and culture representing the ancient Dravidan civilisation. 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. The Vellore Mutiny of 1806 was one of the earliest upsurges against the British rule in India.Vellore District had always been on the fore - front in the struggle for freedom. In fact the Sepoy Mutiny of 1806 A.D. that broke out inside the Vellore fort against the British authority is considered to be a prelude to the Great Revolt of 1857, which is often described by some historians as the first war of Independence.
The Monuments found in the district give a vivid picture of the town through the ages.
The outstanding performance of this district in contributing to the Military service is commendable, as more and more men have enlisted themselves to the Military service, to serve the national indomitable spirit and courage
CMC Vellore
Christian Medical College & Hospitals, Vellore attracts a floating population of 5000 every day, it is because of the world famous Christian Medical College or CMC as it more familiarly known was founded in the early part of the last century by a dedicated American medical Missionary Dr. Ida Scudder. Besides having the world famous Cancer and Neurological Wards, it also has a Mental Health Hospital and a College of Nursing.People from all walks of life and all the states of India and beyond find their way to Vellore for treatment of every known human ailment
Meghalaya has set up permanent accommodation in Vellore, Tamil Nadu, for patients travelling there for treatment
Fort
The fortification consists of a main rampart broken at irregular intervals by round towers and rectangular projections. The main walls are built of massive granite stones surrounded by a broad moat fed with water by subterranean drains from the Suryagunta tank. Within the fort is the similarly aged Jalakanteswara Temple. The fort is one of the most perfect specimens of military architecture in Southern India. One of the interesting features of this Vellore fort is that there is a Hindu temple, Christian church and Muslim mosque inside the fort.
Prison
The central prison in Vellore , set up in 1830 A.D. is another Historically important land mark as some eminent personalities and Freedom Fighters like Thiru. Rajaji, Thiru C.N. Annadurai, Thiru. K. Kamaraj , the former presidents of India Thiru. V.V.Giri, Thiru. R.VenkataRaman had served their prison terms here
Education
One of India's most prestigious teaching hospitals, the Christian Medical College & Hospital, is located in Vellore; so is the Vellore Institute of Technology, an internationally known and growing educational institution recently accredited by IEE. Tpgit is another famous Government Engineering College in Vellore. The Schieffelin Leprosy Research and Training Centre (SLRTC) in Karigiri is world famous in its research area.Voorhees College is another famous educational center run by the local diocese. Dr. Radhakrishnan passed from this institution.
Kavalur Observatory
Kavalur observatory is located in Kavalur in the Javadu Hills in Alangayam, Vellore District. The observatory is at an altitude of 725m above mean sea level (longitude 78° 49.6' E ; latitude 12° 34.6' N). Apart from being reasonably away from city lights and industrial areas, the location has been chosen in order to be closer to the earth's equator for covering both northern and southern hemispheres with equal ease. In addition, its longitudinal position is such that it is the only major astronomical facility between Australia and South Africa for observing the southern objects.
Yelagiri
Yelagiri hills, is an idyllic place for a short holiday. Green hills and picture post-card scenery greets you here. It is called the queen 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 maitained its 'remote' label.