A circuit of the moat-surrounded ramparts (nearly 2km) of Vellore's splendid fort is the most peaceful experience in town. The fort was built in the 16th century and passed through Maratha and Mughal hands before the British occupied it in 1760. These days it houses, among other things, the magnificent Vijayanagar-era Jalakantesvara Temple, two museums, two parade grounds, a church, government offices, and a police recruiting school.
Inside, the Jalakantesvara Temple , a gem of late Vijayanagar architecture, dates from around 1566, and was once occupied as a garrison. Check out the small, detailed sculptures – especially the yali (mythical lion creatures) – on the walls and columns of the marriage hall in the southwest corner. The dusty exhibits in the Government Museum have seen better days, but the Archaeological Survey Museum has a good collection of Pallava, Chola and Nayak stone sculptures, plus displays on the 1806 Vellore Mutiny, the earliest anti-British uprising by Indian troops. Next door, pretty St John’s Church (1846) opens only for Sunday services.
