Things To Do
in Sholinghur

Sholinghur is a picturesque town located in the Vellore district of Tamil Nadu, India. It is renowned for its ancient temples and serene landscapes, making it a popular pilgrimage and tourist destination. The town is surrounded by lush greenery and offers a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of Southern India.

Sholinghur is especially famous for the Narasimha Swamy Temple, which attracts devotees and visitors alike.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Day 1: Exploring Temples and Nature
morning
:

Start your day early by visiting the Narasimha Swamy Temple, climbing the 1,300 steps to reach the temple located atop a hill for breathtaking views.

afternoon
:

After lunch, take a leisurely walk around the nearby Sholinghur Lake, enjoying the natural beauty and perhaps spotting some local wildlife.

evening
:

Conclude your day with a visit to the local market, where you can shop for handicrafts and enjoy some local snacks.

day 2
Day 2: Culture and Local Cuisine
morning
:

Visit the nearby village of Kothakota to explore its traditional homes and learn about the local lifestyle.

afternoon
:

Enjoy a cooking class at a local home, where you can learn to prepare traditional Tamil dishes.

evening
:

Dine at a local restaurant, savoring regional specialties while enjoying live traditional music.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍛Meal at a local restaurant$2
Cup of tea/coffee$0.50
🚌Local bus fare$0.30
🏨Budget hotel room$15
🛒Groceries for a week$10

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Rich cultural heritage and history.
  • Beautiful natural landscapes and serene environment.
  • Affordable cost of living and local cuisine.
  • Limited nightlife options.
  • Public transportation can be challenging.
  • Language barriers may exist for non-Tamil speakers.
  • "Vanakkam" - Hello
  • "Naan enna seyyanum?" - What should I do?
  • "Ungalukku enna venum?" - What do you want?
  • "Nanri" - Thank you
  • "Poi varuven" - I will come back

Places to Visit in Sholinghur

Visit one of these nice places.

Narasimha Swamy Temple

Capture stunning views from the temple, perched atop a hill with panoramic vistas.

Sholinghur Lake

The serene lake surrounded by lush greenery is perfect for nature photography.

Local Markets

Vibrant market scenes filled with colorful produce and local crafts offer great subjects.

Culinary Guide

Food in Sholinghur

Sholinghur offers a delightful culinary experience with its rich array of local dishes and snacks.

Sholinghur Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Idli

Steamed rice cakes served with chutney and sambar.

Must-Try!

Dosa

Crispy rice crepes typically served with a variety of chutneys.

Sundal

A popular snack made with boiled legumes, seasoned with spices.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Sholinghur Market

A vibrant market where you can find fresh produce, spices, and local snacks.

Street Vendors

Various vendors selling local street food like vada and samosas.

Climate Guide

Weather

Sholinghur experiences a tropical climate with three main seasons. Winters are mild and pleasant, while summers can be hot, reaching up to 40°C (104°F). The monsoon season brings heavy rain from June to September, refreshing the landscape but making travel challenging at times. October to February is the best season for visiting due to comfortable temperatures and lower humidity.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Respect for Elders

Always greet elders first and show respect during interactions.

Dress Modestly

Dress conservatively, especially when visiting temples and religious sites.

Remove Footwear

Always remove shoes before entering homes and temples.

Safety Guide

Safety

Sholinghur is generally a safe destination for tourists, but it is advisable to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night, and keep an eye on personal belongings in crowded areas. It's also wise to be cautious of stray animals and road traffic while exploring.

Tipping in Sholinghur

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping

It is customary to tip around 10% in restaurants if service is not included.

Payment Methods

Cash is widely accepted; however, digital payments are increasingly accepted in urban areas.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Winter (November - February)

Cool and pleasant weather, ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities.

Summer (March - June)

Hot temperatures can be expected; early morning and late evening outings are recommended.

Monsoon (July - September)

Frequent rains; the landscape becomes lush but be prepared for wet conditions.

Post-Monsoon (October)

The weather becomes cooler and the surroundings are rejuvenated, making it a great time to visit.

Nightlife Guide

Sholinghur at Night

Sholinghur has a modest nightlife scene, primarily centered on simple local eateries and tea shops. While there are no nightclubs, you can find a few places that offer live music and gatherings, especially during festivals. Visitors often enjoy relaxing evenings in local parks or by the lake.

Hiking in Sholinghur

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Vellore Fort Trail

A scenic trail leading to Vellore Fort, offering a mix of historical exploration and natural beauty.

Yelagiri Hills

Approximately 60 km away, these hills provide various hiking trails with stunning views and cool climate.

Airports

How to reach Sholinghur by plane.

Tirupati Airport

Located about 90 km from Sholinghur, this airport connects to major cities and is the nearest option for air travel.

Getting Around

Walkability

Sholinghur is relatively walkable, with most attractions within a reasonable distance. The town's streets are generally safe for pedestrians, though some areas may have uneven terrain. Walking around the local markets and temples provides a great opportunity to experience the culture closely.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Tamil Nadu Locals

The primary demographic in Sholinghur, predominantly Tamil-speaking and deeply rooted in local traditions.

Pilgrims and Tourists

Visitors from various parts of India and abroad, particularly those interested in religious tourism.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Cricket

Cricket is immensely popular in Sholinghur, with local teams playing informally in streets and parks.

Kabaddi

Kabaddi is a traditional sport played by local youth, showcasing strength and teamwork.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic in Sholinghur is generally light, but can become congested during peak hours, particularly near markets and temples. Public transportation includes local buses and auto-rickshaws, which are convenient for short distances and affordable.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Sholinghur.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian Options

Most restaurants offer a wide range of vegetarian dishes.

Spice Level

Dishes can be spicy; it’s advisable to request milder versions if you have a low tolerance.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Healthcare in Sholinghur is adequate, with a few local clinics and hospitals available for basic medical needs. For more serious health issues, larger hospitals can be found in nearby cities like Vellore. It’s advisable for travelers to have health insurance and carry necessary medications.

Discover India

Read more in our India 2025 Travel Guide.

India Travel Guide