Vellore

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Night View City of Vellore
CMCH Vellore
Vellore Fort and Jalakandeswarar temple (12)
"Sri Jalagandeeswarar Temple, Feb 2012
Green-Circle-Vellore-National-Highway-Flyover
Metropolitan Area of Vellore

Vellore is a city located in the southern state of Tamil Nadu, India. It is renowned for its rich cultural heritage, historical significance, and advanced medical facilities. Vellore serves as the administrative headquarters of the Vellore District and is well-known for the Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), one of the premier educational institutions in India.

History[edit | edit source]

Vellore has a vibrant history that dates back to the 9th century, as evidenced by the many Pallava, Chola, Nayak, Maratha, Arcot Nawabs, and Bijapur Sultan Kingdoms that have ruled the region. The city is famous for the Vellore Fort, a prime example of military architecture in South India. The fort's premises house a Jalakandeswarar Temple, a church, and a mosque, highlighting the diverse cultural fabric of the region.

Geography[edit | edit source]

Vellore is located at the coordinates of 12.92°N 79.13°E, with the Palar River flowing through the city and its outskirts. The city experiences a hot and semi-arid climate, with high temperatures prevalent for most of the year. The geography of Vellore is characterized by flat lands and the occasional rocky hillock.

Economy[edit | edit source]

The economy of Vellore is diversified, with agriculture, leather, and services sectors being the primary contributors. The city is internationally recognized for its leather industry, producing a significant portion of India's leather exports. Additionally, Vellore's economy has been bolstered by the presence of VIT, which attracts students and professionals from across the globe.

Education[edit | edit source]

Vellore is a major center for medical and technological education in India. The Vellore Institute of Technology is highly regarded for its engineering and technological programs, drawing students from all over the world. The Christian Medical College & Hospital (CMC Vellore) is another prestigious institution, known for its healthcare education and research, as well as providing high-quality medical care to patients.

Healthcare[edit | edit source]

The healthcare sector in Vellore is among the best in India, with the Christian Medical College & Hospital leading the way. CMC Vellore is one of the largest hospitals in India and is a major healthcare destination for patients from various parts of India and abroad, seeking advanced medical treatment.

Culture[edit | edit source]

Vellore's culture is a blend of traditional Tamil customs and influences from the various rulers who have governed the region. The city celebrates all major South Indian festivals, such as Pongal, Diwali, and Dussehra. The cuisine of Vellore is typical of Tamil Nadu, known for its flavorful rice-based dishes.

Transport[edit | edit source]

Vellore is well-connected by road and rail. The National Highway 48 passes through the city, linking it to major cities like Chennai and Bengaluru. The Vellore Cantonment and Katpadi Junction are the two main railway stations serving the city, providing extensive rail connectivity to various parts of India.

Tourism[edit | edit source]

Vellore attracts tourists with its historical sites and advanced medical facilities. The Vellore Fort, Government Museum, and the Sripuram Golden Temple are some of the major tourist attractions. The city's healthcare institutions, notably CMC, also draw a large number of medical tourists.

Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD