Places to Visit near Vellore - Vellore French Castle !!!!

   

Vellore French Castle


    Vellore is a place rich with history. Places in and around Vellore have always been in the hotspot for ancient Kings and their kindred. However, it is not restricted to them alone. The city has glorious religious background as well. On that note, the Vellore French Castle otherwise known as கன்னாடி மாளிகை has unfortunately lost its significance in the recent past. This post explains the history, location and importance of this deserted castle. 

    Poosimalaikuppam, is a small village located roughly around 16 kms from the town of Arani, Thiruvannamalai district, Tamil Nadu, India. From Vellore, it is about 35 Km on the way to Arani and takes about 40 minutes on a two wheeler. This ruined building, "the so called palace" is said to be nearly 170 years old and attracts many people interested in ancient architecture and heritage. However, this derelict building is now left unattended by the Government and the descendants of its actual owner. The place is remote and hence there are no shops near this place even to get a bottle of water.

    It is said that the majestic but beautiful piece of architecture was built in 1860 CE by Thirumalai Saheb from Arani Jagir. Since the ruins of the castle is in the midst of reserved forest, he could have built it as a resting place when he would go for hunting deer and wild boar in that area. Also, one might say that he could have also used it as a guest house for his dear ones. The ride to this place was awesome since it ran through the forest. The location around the palace was even better with the green lush of agricultural lands. 


This palace looks like a red beauty from a distance. It gives a breathtaking view as you approach the site. You can park your bikes or car near the building. The exterior gives goosebumps even at this ruined state. Apart from the main building there are two more smaller ones near it. One could have served as staff quarters for people who were working there and while the other one could have been a place for birds. Looks like he would have been a pet lover !!! On the contrary, the current day picture of this wonderful castle would give nightmares to those visiting this place. One might never recommend it to those planning to visit this place with family or kids. Though there is a lot of place for kids to play, it is filled with broken glass bottles and insects. In the current state I would never let my kids play there !!!!


    
The interior is just the opposite. At the very moment you enter, it would give you a scare for sure. The walls were full of pictures of demons and unethical drawings. Names written on it shows the ignorance of those who wrote it. There were signs of sorcery or witchcraft within the main building. You can also find furnaces which made me wonder about its presence in that hot place. There are two to three staircases leading to the second and third floors.

However, the top floor is completely gone. The first floor had few rooms and a big hall. From the first floor you can get a beautiful picture of the surroundings. It was interesting to witness a hill top looking like "scooby dooby doo" from the main window pane which is just above the main entrance.

There were iron pillars which are said to be hollow within to transport waste water from the floors above. It was even more interesting to see that those pillars were made in Glasgow made by Macfarlane company.  There were remains of beautiful iron frames. The decorative iron frames have been cut and stolen by unknown visitors.


Walls of the building look in good condition even today. Would have been better if not for antisocial elements visiting there. Rings to hold light lamps were also seen at many places in the building. The ceiling shows worn out plaster of Paris with art work. It was sad to see that people have even tried to break the wooden planks of ceilings.

The other two buildings were crowded with bushes and insects. The supposedly staff quarters had no ceiling but had few rooms. The other building had structures which looked like cages for birds.  




On the whole, the place was spooky and silent. No wonder this place is believed to be haunted by many.

Our request to the Government authorities is, to take this historic building under their control and refurbish so that public could go and witness its beauty without any fear of antisocial activities.  

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