Bell Rock @ Kanchanagiri Hills

Vellore is a Heaven for its inhabitants. It has richness in every possible thing. Yes, It does have historic and prehistoric significance as well. How many places on earth would one witness prehistoric sites? On that note, Vellore truly is special.

Situated at 25 km from Vellore, Kanchanagiri is a hill near Lalapet, Ranipet. Previously it was a part of Vellore, but now it is part of Ranipet District. Of late, this place has become "special" in the list of places to visit near Vellore. But why?

Ancient history is something which much people run after once their youth life is done and dusted. If you're that kind of a person, Vellore holds lot of riches for you. It is filled with ancient history that is waiting for your visit. Kanchanagiri Hills is one such mesmerizing places near Vellore.

The place can be accessed through an enjoyable road ride. One can reach there by trekking, bike rides, cars and small buses. You can reach the destination through roads from,

Katpadi Railway station - 30 km

Vellore New bus stand - 30 km

Ranipet - 14 km

Walajapet - 17 km

Kanchipuram 65 km

Chennai - 121 km

The place has a Shiva temple and unearthed lingams which are believed to be naturally formed in that area. Few hundred meters from the temple would lead you to the most astonishing piece of prehistory. A bell/ringing rock. Yes, you read it right. A rock which is flat on top sounds just like a temple bell when struck with another piece of rock or metal. It is scientifically called 'Sonorous rocks' or 'Lithophonic rocks'.

Such rocks are found around the world in different places. For example, Musical Stones of Skiddaw, England; Ringing rocks park of Pennsylvania, ringing rocks of Kiandra, New South Wales; Bell rock range of Western Australia.

Nobody has clear knowledge about how these rocks produce this sound when kindled. This is the actual reason for the curiosity and various religious beliefs prevailing in the minds of people. In many places these rocks are considered to be used by divine entities during time unknown. However, scientists say these silt rocks could have been formed millions of years ago when molten magma erupted from volcanic eruptions.

Ringing rocks abroad give a 'naturally formed' look which may go along with aforementioned theory. However, in Tamil Nadu, these rocks appear to me man made. The one that is in Kanchanagiri is flat on top and looks as if someone had chiseled the top away. The same is applicable for the one in Kanyakumari, Aralvaimozhi also. Another stone in Krishnagiri appears as if ancient men scooped parts of a particular boulder in multiple times in a peculiar pattern to create a ringing sound from the rock.

Of course, this is my personal opinion. You can certainly share you thoughts and comments below in the comment section. If you get some free time, you should consider visiting one of these places because it is a piece of prehistory. One should think how long these rocks could last with the current greedy generation. Therefore, I strongly recommend you to visit and enjoy these places.

If you're near Vellore, I have recorded a video of how one might reach the place. I had used the Chennai bypass on my way towards the place and the road via VIT University, Vellore towards Katpadi, Vellore to return back home.

The following might be interesting. In India it is reported to be present in,

Kanchanagiri Hills, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India

(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LGRmcy1JMdM&t=709s)