What to expect
Highlights
- Vallimalai Jain Caves and Murugan Temple — Natural caverns in Katpadi taluk with early-historic Digambara Jain beds and 9th/10th-century inscriptions, alongside a Pallava rock-cut Subramanya (Murugan) temple; a Monument of National Importance.
- Margabandeeswarar Temple, Virinjipuram — A 13th-century Chola-founded Shiva temple with a 110-foot seven-tier rajagopuram and fine Dravidian stonework, known as 'Bhaskara Kshetram'; an ASI-protected monument about 13 km from Vellore.
- Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT) — A large private university in Katpadi, one of India's best-known engineering institutions, whose sprawling landscaped campus is a recognisable Vellore landmark.
- Vallimalai Sri Thenvenkatachalapathy Temple — Located at the foot of the Vallimalai hill in Katpadi taluk, about 30 km from Vellore, this temple is dedicated to Vishnu depicted as a meditating sage. It is distinct from the better-known Murugan temple and the ancient Jain caves higher up the same hill. Legend holds that Valli, later the consort of Lord Murugan, was born here from the glance of the meditating Vishnu.
