Golden Temple in Vellore
· Summer: March-June (29°C - 40°C)
· Winter: November-February (22°C - 32°C)
· Monsoon: July-September
Best time to visit:
October-March
Opening Time: 08:00 a.m.
Closing Time: 08:00 p.m.
Weekly Holiday:
Entry Fees for Indians
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Children:
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Entry Fees for Foreign Nationals
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N/A
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One of the latest additions to India’s marvellous architectural wealth is the Golden Temple of Sripuram located near the village of Thirumalaikodi. Inaugurated in 2007, the temple is adorned with tonnes of pure gold foil embedded on copper base. Situated in a holy pond (containing water brought from all sacred rivers of India), the temple is accessible by walking on a 1.8 km. star-shaped path which represents Sri Chakra. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Narayani, a form of Goddess Mahalakshmi, and is headed by a self-styled godman Narayani Amma.
The whole path leading to the temple has messages from the holy books Gita, Bible and Quran. The granite idol of the goddess, embellished with gold ornaments, is spellbinding and is believed to offer immense pleasure to the eyes. Spread over 100 acre, the whole complex is surrounded by the lush green beauty of small hills that add to the magnificence of the place.
Though, there are no charges to visit and pray at the temple, the tourists facing time shortage can avail special passes (costing up to INR 250 per head) for the same. The temple glitter gold throughout the day and is definitely a wonder creation.
Connectivites
Road:
Located on the outskirts of the city of Vellore, Sripuram and the temple have good road connectivity via State Highway 207 and Polur-Vellore Road. State transport buses as well as special tourist buses are available and other road transport options include taxis and auto-rickshaws.
Railway:
Katpadi Junction Railway Station is about 15 km. away and the closest railhead to reach the temple. At station, you can hire a taxi or an auto-rickshaw for the subsequent road journey.
Airway:
Chennai International Airport is about 140 km. away. Another good option is Bangalore International Airport, about 200 km. away. Taxis should be the preferred mode for the tourists landing at any of these airports.