Early Management of Trauma Course

Early Management of Trauma Course

Places of interest in and around Vellore

Vellore Fort is situated in the centre of Vellore town opposite to Old Bus stand. Built around 1566 by Chinna Bommi Nayak, a subordinate Chieftain under Sadasiva Raya of the Vijayanagara Empire. The Vijayanagara kings called it "Raya Vellore" to differentiate it from "Uppu Vellore" in the Godavari region. The Fort's ownership passed from Vijayanagara Kings, to the Bijapur Sultans, to Marathas, to the Carnatic Nawabs and finally to the British, who held the fort until India gained independence. During British rule, the Tippu Sultan's family and the last king of Sri Lanka, Sri Vikrama Rajasinha were held in as royal prisoners in the fort. The first rebellion against British rule – the Sepoy Mutiny, which erupted at this fort in 1806, is viewed as a fore-runner for Indian Independence.

The fort, constructed in granite, is considered to be among the best of military architecture in Southern India and is known for its grand ramparts, wide moat and robust masonry. It houses a Christian church, a Muslim mosque and a Hindu temple, the latter of which is famous for its magnificent carvings.

Government Museum is maintained by the Department of Museums - Government of Tamil Nadu and is located within the fort. Its treasures include historical monuments of the erstwhile composite North Arcot. It includes stone sculptures from the late Pallava to Vijayanagar periods and coins of the above period. This museum is kept open on all days between 9.00 a.m. and 12.30 p.m. and 2.00 p.m and 5.00 p.m. except on holidays.

Amirthi Forest Sanctuary is situated 25 km away, about an hour’s drive from the city of Vellore. The travel is scenic with open spaces, paddy fields and small hamlets along the way. The Sanctuary has a Guest House, a Meditation Centre, a forest tree nursery and a mini zoo. One could trek to the Amirthi Falls, about 1.5 Kms away, on a path laid with red sand and slabs of stones. Although the Falls are out of bounds for swimming, the forest views are fantastic. It is prudent to pack food for the trip to Amirthi.

Kavalur Observatory is located in Kavalur in the Javadu in Alangayam, Vellore District. The observatory is at an altitude of 725 m above mean sea level and houses one of the largest telescopes in Asia. The location is unique, since it is the only major astronomical facility between Australia and South Africa for observing the southern objects. Observatory is open to public on Saturdays between 2 PM and 5 PM. They will be shown the operation of Vainu Bappu Telescope. If clear, night sky will also be shown through the 15 cm visitor telescope. However, please contact the local authorities prior to travel.

Sripuram Golden Temple built in 2007, is a temple and spiritual park in Thirumalaikodi, Vellore, situated in a 100-acre lush green landscape about 8 km from the Medical College Campus. The entire exterior of the temple is laid with gold sheets and plates, reportedly costing INR 300 crores (65 million USD). The temple is open to the general public from 0800 hours to 2000 hours.

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