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HOLY PLACES
IN VELLORE
Vellore, the underdog rockstar of Tamil Nadu, has had more rulers than your Netflix account has users. From Cholas and Nayaks to Marathas and confused colonisers, everyone stopped by—probably because the Vellore Fort was giving major "don’t mess with me" energy. Inside the fort? The stunning Jalakandeswarar Temple, one of the most iconic temples in Vellore, where the carvings are so detailed that even your phone camera gives up. Walk through and you’ll feel like you're on a period drama set. The clock tower here doesn’t just tell time—it tells war stories louder than your aunt at weddings. Hungry? Vellore’s streets are a full buffet: spicy, noisy, and guaranteed to bless your soul (and test your spice tolerance). Even the mangoes here have attitude, and the breeze carries gossip from the 1,700s. Vellore isn’t just a city—it’s a slow burn that sneaks into your heart... like that one filter coffee you didn’t want but ended up loving.
OUR Hotels
IN THE CITY, BY THE SACRED SITES 🏙
Regency Sameera Vellore by GRT Hotels
Regency Sameera Vellore by GRT Hotels isn’t just a hotel—it’s your chill HQ in the middle of Vellore’s royal drama. With over 50 rooms that whisper “nap now, conquer later", even your travel-worn socks will feel pampered. Got the munchies? We’ve got not one, not two, but three dining spaces—because why settle for one vibe when you can taste-test three? And if you’re here on business? Our meeting rooms mean business, but in a “coffee first, PowerPoint later” kinda way. Location? Oh, we’re winning. Just 4 km from Vellore Fort, so you can go from hotel slippers to warrior vibes in 10 minutes flat. The Golden Temple? A breezy 12 km away—close enough to shine, far enough to snack on the way. So whether you’re chasing history, escaping deadlines, or just in it for the room service, Regency Sameera’s got your back like your favourite playlist. Come for the fort, stay for the fluffiest pillows in town.
OURDivine Destinations
TRAVEL THROUGH THE MUSEUMS OF FAITH 🛕
SRI LAKSHMI NARAYANI GOLDEN TEMPLE ✨
Set atop a serene hillock in Ariyanoor, this modern Shiva temple features 1008 Lingams and a towering deity, offering panoramic views and peaceful devotion amidst Salem’s spiritual landscape.
Distance from Our Hotel16 km
Timing7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.FestivalMaha Shivarathri: (Feb-Mar)
Transportation CostFor assistance, please contact the front desk.
Disclaimer: The temple's timings are subject to change as per the operating committee's decisions.
About Sri Lakshmi Narayani Golden Temple:
- The Temple is located within the Thirupuram Spiritual Park at the base of a lush hill range in Thirumalaikodi (also known as Malaikodi), near Vellore, Tamil Nadu.
- It is geographically well-connected, lying 120 km from Tirupati, 145 km from Chennai, 160 km from Pondicherry, and 200 km from Bengaluru, making it accessible from major South Indian cities.
- The temple complex spans approximately 40 hectares (100 acres) of serene green landscape.
- It was constructed by the Sri Narayani Peedam, a Vellore-based charitable trust led by spiritual leader Sri Sakthi Amma, popularly known as Narayani Amma.
- The Maha Kumbhabhishekam (consecration ceremony) of the temple and its presiding deity, Sri Lakshmi Narayani (the Goddess of wealth, power, and prosperity), was held on 24 August 2007.
- The temple is open to devotees of all religions and backgrounds, promoting spiritual unity and universal values.
- The Vimanam and Ardha Mandapam (main sanctum and inner chamber) of the temple are entirely covered in pure gold, showcasing stunning artistry and spiritual grandeur.
- Skilled artisans, trained in traditional temple art, manually created every intricate detail. Gold bars were converted into foil, then mounted over etched copper plates in 9 to 10 layers.
- The temple’s architectural design draws inspiration from the Vedas, with each artistic element holding spiritual symbolism and meaning.
- The layout features a star-shaped pathway (Sri Chakra), which stretches over 1.8 km, symbolising the spiritual journey towards the divine.
- As visitors walk along this star path to reach the sanctum, they encounter spiritual messages and insights displayed along the way, encouraging introspection and reflection on life, purpose, and devotion.
RATNAGIRI ARULMIGU MURUGAN TEMPLE ✨
Nestled behind Dindigul Fort, this sacred Mariamman temple blends mystic architecture, healing beliefs, and centuries-old traditions rooted in Tamil folklore.
4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Adi Velli: (Aug-Sep)
Kanda Shashti: (Oct-Nov)
Panguni Uttiram: (Mar-Apr)
Thai Poosam: (Jan-Feb)
Disclaimer: The temple's timings are subject to change as per the operating committee's decisions.
About Ratnagiri Arulmigu Murugan Temple:
- This temple is located atop Ratnagiri Hill in Kilminnal, near Arcot in the Ranipet district, close to Vellore, Tamil Nadu.
- The temple is dedicated to Lord Murugan, the revered deity of youth, wisdom, and war in Tamil Hindu tradition.
- It was originally built in the 14th century by Arunagirinathar, the Tamil Saiva saint and poet, who praised the temple in his hymns.
- The temple was renovated in 1980 by Bala Muruganadimai Swamy, a devotee and spiritual leader, who restored and enhanced the temple’s spiritual and architectural presence.
- The main idol of Bala Murugan is installed in a granite chariot, a unique feature reflecting traditional Chola-style architecture.
- The garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum) is also constructed from granite and exhibits Chola temple design elements.
- The temple complex also includes two shrines for Lord Vinayaka (Ganesha)—one at the hilltop and another at the base of the hill.
- Surrounding the sanctum, the inner prakaram (corridor) features idols of Lord Ganesha, Dakshinamurthy, Lord Brahma, Goddess Durga, and Chandikeswarar, each placed in small niches along the granite walls.
- A prominent feature of the temple is its grand gopuram (entrance tower), which welcomes devotees at the base of the hill.
- Uniquely, all poojas (rituals) and devotional services at this temple are conducted in Tamil, deviating from the usual practice of using Sanskrit, making it more accessible to local devotees.
Divine Facts:
Once upon a not-so-ordinary morning, 27-year-old Sachidanandan, a clerk with a steady job and a spiritual heart, climbed up Ratnagiri Hill to offer his prayers to Lord Murugan. What he found, though, wasn’t divine splendour—but a temple that looked like it had taken an unscheduled nap. No lamps were lit, no incense was burning, and even the flowers had called in sick. Disheartened but determined, he circled the shrine with a heavy heart. And then, in a moment of pure spiritual awakening, something shifted. A wave of golden light filled his mind, and clarity dawned—not just the meditative kind, but the life-altering, “your new calling starts now” kind. Right then, Sachidanandan transformed into Swami Balamurugan Adimai, swapped his day job for divine duty, and took a vow of silence. He declared he wouldn’t leave until the temple was restored to its true glory, worthy of Murugan himself. From that day on, he never left the hill. He offered prayers, food, and guidance to every visitor who came by. What began as a small shrine of just 200 sq. ft. grew into a majestic 30,000 sq.ft. temple,
