Best Photo Spots in Vellore
Vellore is a good city for photos of stone and water. The granite walls of Vellore Fort rise straight out of a wide moat, and inside them the Jalakandeswarar Temple has some of the finest Vijayanagara carving in the region. Outside the city, the forest at Amirthi adds green trails and a small seasonal waterfall.
Whether you like history, architecture or nature, these are the best photo spots in Vellore, along with the places where cameras are not allowed.
Medium crowdEntry Nominal
Amirthi Falls & Zoo
- Best timeMorning, when the forest is cool and quiet and soft light filters through the trees; come after the rains for water in the falls.
- ColorsForest greenRustCream
Low crowdEntry Nominal
Government Museum
- Best timeMid-morning, soon after opening, when the galleries are quiet and the light outside is still soft.
- ColorsCreamOliveMaroon
Medium crowdEntry Free
Jalakandeswarar Temple
- Best timeEarly morning, soon after the temple opens, for soft light on the gopuram and a quieter courtyard.
- ColorsSaffronCreamMaroon
High crowdEntry Free (entry passes)
Sripuram Golden Temple
- Best timeLate afternoon, before you deposit your phone, for soft light at the entrance; the shrine itself is lit up at dusk but cannot be photographed.
- ColorsGoldCreamMaroon
Medium crowdEntry Free (museum extra)
Vellore Fort
- Best timeEarly morning, when the moat is still and the granite walls catch soft light; late afternoon for warm colour on the ramparts.
- ColorsCreamRustOlive
Why Vellore Is Great for Photography
Vellore Fort gives you the city's classic frame: rough granite walls, round bastions and a moat that reflects them on a still morning. Inside the fort, the gopuram and carved pillars of Jalakandeswarar Temple, the church and the old palace buildings are all within a short walk of each other.
The light here is strong for most of the year. Early mornings and the hour before sunset give warm colour on the stone, while the middle of the day is harsh, hot and flat.
Photography Tips for Vellore
- Start early: The fort and the moat are quietest and coolest just after sunrise.
- Shoot the moat from outside: The best view of the walls is from across the water, not from inside the fort.
- Leave your phone at Sripuram: Phones and cameras are not allowed inside the Sripuram Golden Temple, so take any photos before you go in.
- Respect temple rules: Photography is not allowed in the inner parts of Jalakandeswarar Temple. Ask staff before photographing inside.
- Carry water and sun cover: Most photo spots are open to the sun, and the heat builds quickly after 10 am.
- Mind the wet rocks: At Amirthi, the rocks around the falls are slippery after rain.
Best Time for Photography in Vellore
December to February gives the most comfortable weather and clear, soft light. From August to November the rains fill the moat and bring water to Amirthi falls, but skies can be grey. April to June is very hot, so keep outdoor shoots to early morning and late afternoon.
Photography rules at temples and museums can change, so check at the entrance before you start shooting.
Questions
Vellore — FAQ
What are the best photo spots in Vellore?
The best photo spots in Vellore are Vellore Fort and its moat, Jalakandeswarar Temple, the Government Museum and Amirthi falls. The Sripuram Golden Temple is worth visiting, but you can only take photos outside the entrance.
Can I take photos at the Sripuram Golden Temple?
Not inside. Phones and cameras must be deposited at the counters near the entrance before you walk in, so the golden shrine cannot be photographed. Take your photos outside the entrance before you go in.
Where is the best view of Vellore Fort?
The best view is from across the moat, outside the fort, where you can fit the granite walls and their reflection into one frame. Early morning is the calmest time for reflections.
What is the best time of day for photos in Vellore?
Early morning and the hour before sunset. The midday sun in Vellore is harsh and very hot, and it flattens the colour of the stone.
Can I take photos inside Jalakandeswarar Temple?
Photography is not allowed in the inner parts of the temple. You can photograph the gopuram from outside, and should ask the staff before taking photos of the carved mandapa.