Tourist Attractions:

Jalakandeswarar Temple-Vellore Fort

The temple which had been built in the late Vijayanagar style, comprised of the main shrine and closed ambulatory passage around, and the integral Mahamantapa, with a northward projecting sub-shrine for Nataraja, containing also several other sub-shrines. The temple has two court yards, one is inner prakara and the other is outer prakara - The structures in the court yard on the outer prakara include the lofty Gopuram on the southern side which is the entry point to the temple. On the , South-West corner of outer court yard is the Kalyanamantapa which is the gem of architecture of I ate Vijayanagar style in embellishments and the art motifs of its pillars, ceilings and plinth mouldings, It stands as testimony for the architectural workmanship of that period.

Sripuram Golden Temple

A Mahalakshmi temple called 'Sripuram' and made of more than a tonne of pure gold will glitter and gleam under the sun on August 24 when it is unveiled for consecration by the Sri Narayani Peetam headed by a 31-year-old godman who calls himself Narayani Amma. Devotees hail the temple as one of the wonders of the world and say that it is the only temple covered fully with gold.

More than 400 gold and coppersmiths from the Thirupathi Thirumala Devasthanam are said to have worked for six years to craft the Rs 600-crore gold temple located on 55,000 sq ft of land on a 100-acre salubrious stretch in Malaikodi, about 6 km from Vellore in north Tamil Nadu.

First the coppersmiths set to work creating a copper base on the temple structure with engravings and etchings before the gold, beaten into nine layers of foils, was draped around it. The sanctum sanctorum will hold the deity of Mahalakshmi made of stone granite, but covered with gold kavacham (adornments).

"The Sripuram or Spiritual Park is Amma's dedication to the world and mankind," said P Murali, a trustee of the Peetam, adding that the temple has more gold than the Golden Temple of Amritsar.

Sholingur

Sholingur Famous for the Sri Yoga Lakshmi Narasimhar temple, situated on 750 ft. high hillock & 1305 stairs. There is also a Yoga Anjaneyar temple located on a 350 ft. high and 406 Stairs. Volunteers and devotees who visit the hill temple of Sholiugur on full moon day of every month to perform girivalam. Thirupavithrotsavam festival is celebrated in the month of August. The Navarathri festivals are held in the month of October.

Ratnagir

Ratnagir 13 km from Vellore, Ratnagiri is famous for the Murugan temple situated on a small hillock. It is said that the temple was built in the 14th century AD, but renovations were made recently.

Elagiri Hills

Located 920 m above sea level, amidst our mountains, these picturesque environs are a part of javvad hills of the Eastern Ghats. Several tribes inhabit the 14 small villages in the region and engage in agriculture, horticulture and forestry. Their unique lifestyle, customs and homes, as well as an exquisitely carved church, a quaint temple and a park for the tourists add to t he attractions of the place. Elagiri hill is also perfect or a short trekking holiday, July and August witness the annual murugan festival at the temple. Fruit, Herbal farm and Shrubs used in the production of ayurvedic medicines are available. Alternatively, if you Sic vacationing with kids, you can head to the children’s park or the mini Zoo. All in all, there is something for every tourist. Try and he there for the weekly holiday where the products of the hills are on display. Vacation at Elagiri this summer is vacation with a difference.

Kanchipuram

Silk Industries

About 75% of Kanchipuram’s population is dependent on the Silk Saree industry, either directly or indirectly. Yet, the city does not manufacture Silk or any other raw material that goes into its silk sarees. The Silk industry is entirely made up of Handloom weavers and merchants.

Ekambareswarar Temple

This is another ancient temple of Kanchipuram. It has been renovated by the Pallavas, the Cholas and the Vijayanagar kings. The 57 meters high Rajagopuram is one of the tallest towers in South India This Temple has 5 spacious corridors and a beautiful 1000 pillar hall. The huge Linga inside is known as ‘Prithvilingam’, one of the pancha lingas of South India.

Kamakshi Amman Temple

Built in the 14th century by the Cholas, this temple is dedicated to Goddess Kamakshi the presiding deity of Kanchi. Here, the goddess is worshipped in the form of a Chakra placed in front of the idol. An image of Shankaracharya is also worshipped. Sri Sankaracharya is said to have defeated Buddhist philosophers in debate here. It is one of the three holy places of Sakthi worship in India the other two being Madurai and Varanasi. The temple has a golden gopuram in the centre. This imposing temple is the site of the annual chariot festival, held on the 9th lunar day in February/March.

Kanchi Kamakodi Peetham

The kamakodi peetham and Kamakshi Amman temples are closely associated with the life of Sankaracharya. The Kamakoti Peetham is enshrined in the Sri Chakra just in front of Sri Devi and all pujas and sacrifices are offered to the Sri Chakra.