Vellore fort and temple visit, off NH46

I've passed through Vellore town numerous times but hadn't managed to enter inside and explore a bit. Recently went inside to check out the Vellore fort. Vellor fort was built in the 16th century by the Vijayanagara rulers

There are some one way restrictions on the road that leads to Vellore fort. I wasn’t aware of that and ended up circling the fort once before entering. 

Notice the water canal made to ensure enemies don't get easy access to the fort. In most of the parts water has dried up

  

Vellore fort is reasonably well maintained with a nice garden on one side. There was no entry fee to enter the fort and I could ride inside.

Once inside, I noticed a temple, few office buildings, few shops and open areas. There is also a church and a mosque inside I am told. Sri Jalagandeeshwara temple stands prominently in the heart of the fort.

 

The temple was small but beautiful. Carvings were very intricate.

 

Outside the temple campus saw a vendor selling these sweets that melt in mouth- Rs 5 a piece, often referred to as Bombay  Mithai

 

Next to him was a fellow selling mouth based musical devices... (flutes and other stuff, which reminded me of a kannada poem by GP Rajarathnam, titled "Bannada tagadina tuttoori"

It is possible to climb the fort wall and walk all around the fort campus. I didn’t have enough time so I explored only a small bit.

Popular Vellore Golden temple is also nearby, but because of lots of security restrictions I wasn’t very keen to visit the temple.

I could see some bits of fort walls on nearby hills.  Above photos were clicked with MotoE. I was lazy to take out Nikon.

So if you’re zipping between Chennai and Bengaluru via NH46, do consider taking a deviation at Vellore and take a break exploring the fort.

Nearby attractions: Yelagiri, Hogenakkal, Kancheepuram, Chennai etc