About Salem District Tourist Places Or Places to Visit in Salem

Salem got its name from the Sanskrit word 'Sailam', which means mountain.  As this area is surrounded by hills, it is apt to be called Salem.  It is a land of minerals.   The hills around Salem has iron ore, bauxite, limestone, precious stones etc.  Salem is the fifth largest city of Tamilnadu.  It was originally got by the British from Tipu Sultan as Bara Mahal which contained 12 localities.  This district was later divided into three:  Dharmapuri, Namakkal and Salem.  Another specialty of the name is that it is made up of the initial letters of its dominant specialties.  S - for steel, A - for aluminum, L - for limestone, E - for electricity (There is hydro-electric power generation in Mettur) and M - for Mango (Salem mangoes are famous).  Yercaud, a beautiful hill station, is located here.  Since Salem is a city with infrastructures well developed, tourists can stay in this place and visit the places in the neighboring districts of Namakkal and Dharmapri.

Many great personalities including Salem Ramasamy Mudaliar, C. Vijayaraghavchariar, Pagadala Narasimhalu Naidu, C.Rajagopalachari (Rajaji) and Dr. P. Subbrarayan started their political careers in Salem.

Salem is at the base of the renowned tourist destination of Yercaud Hills, which offers breathtaking views both along the ride up the hill and from the peak.  Salem is one of the largest producers of traditional silver anklets, which are popular among women.

Salem boasts large textile, automotive, poultry and sago industries. Salem has one of the largest magnesite deposits in India.  Companies like Dalmia and TANMAG have mines here.

Salem District

Salem is a prosperous town, which has developed as a modern industrial place with the steel plant on the outskirts.  The township has expanded to a considerable extent during the recent year.  Very strangely, the name Salem is associated with America and United Kingdom as there are a few places there bearing the same name.  The word organized from the ancient name Sailam, which mean an area surrounded by mountains.  The place is rich in mineral wealth.  Hand-loom textile industry has developed extensively around Salem.  It can serve as a base for tourists who desire to visit some of the places around the region.

Salem Tamil Nadu

Salem is about 158km from Coimbatore, the Shevaroy and Nagaramalai Hills to the north, the Jerumumalai Hills to the south and the Kanjamalai Hills to the west surrounded Salem.  The river Manimutharu divides the town in two, the Old Town in the east and Shevapet on the opposite side.  Local traditions believe the town to be the birthplace of the Tamil Poet Avvaiyar.

Salem of today is a higly industrial town, known as the Steel City of Tamil Nadu and the surrounding hills are rih in minerals like iron ore, bauxite, limestone and magnesite.  It is also famous for handloom weaving.  Yercaud is 32km from Salem.

Salem India

Coimbatore is the nearest airport, 162km from Salem District, Chennai, Kochi, Madurai, Rameswaram. Ooty, and Bengaluru are connected by rail to Salem Railway enquiry Phone: 0427-2447575.  Buses ply to all major towns in Tamil Nadu, South Karnataka, and Kerala.  Bus Stand enquiry Phone: 0427-2448500.

Salem Sightseeing

Temple of Salem are the main attractions of which the Shiva Temple dedicated  to Sukavaneswara is important.  The town is also famous for its Zoological Park at Kurubapatti, at the foothills of Yercaud.  Spread over 11 acres, it is endowed with natural beauty and plenty of wildlife. A Cemetery adjacent to the office of Collector has some interesting tombstones.  There is also a Govt.  Musuem on Omalur Road.  One of the important historic places, Sankari Fort on the hill of Sankari was once a defensive site, now almost in ruins.  On the way to the Fort is the Christ Church, which was consecrated in 1875. At Sankari Fort, 35km southwest to Salem the road joins the NH47.

Yercaud City

This charming hill station is about 8km from Salem City at an altitude of 5000 ft.  The temperature never rises beyond 29°C and never falls below 13°C.  There is neither a biting winter nor a scorching summer.  An ideal place to visit throughout the year. It is on the Shevaroy range of the Eastern ghats.  It was brought to light by Sri Thomas Munroe, the erstwhile Governor of Madras in 1824.  A fine motor able ghat road with several hair-pin bends links the top after a 23km ride through coffee plantations.  Fruit plantations like apple, cherry, orange also abound. 'Yer' means beauty in Tamil, 'Kadu' means forest.  Hence, Yercaud in Tamil means 'beautiful forest'.  Some say that the word was a corruption for Erikadu which means forest full of lakes and true to it there are a number of lakes big and small and waterfalls on this hill.  a beautiful lake with boating facilities adorns the centre.  Yercaud is also ideal for trekking.

Yercaud Salem

Yercaud is about 32km from Salem City.  Situated on the Shevroy Hills at a height of about 1500m above the seal level, Yercaud is the only hill station in the whole of Northern Tamil Nadu.  The word Yercaud means in Tamil Eri means lake and kadu means forest. The air in the place is fresh, pure and invigorating.  Coffee, tea, cardamom and pepper plantations thrive on the hill slopes.  Coupled with verdant tranquil environment and many beautiful natural views, Yercaud has won itself a popular name as the Jewel with Crown of the State.  As a pretty hill station, with delightful climate, it has served as a sanatorium long before the Nilgiris were first known.  There is a fine all weather road leading up to the top of the hill for Salem.  There are a few interesting places to visit on this hill.

Bears Cave on the way to the Selvaroyan temple is a fine place from where a bird's eye view of the lake and the township can be seen.  Arthur' seat is another place where similar panoramic view can be experienced.  Pagoda point is a place where breathtaking view of the eastern side of the Shevroy hills can be seen.  Cauvery Peak gives a grand view of the flowing river Cauvery in the plains.

Yercaud is connected with a good system of regular buses from Salem throughout the year.  In addition, a number of taxis and tourist buses operate frequent trips to this place, particularly during the holidays and weekends.  On the hills, there are a few luxury hotels, moderate lodgings, Youth Hostel and a Tourist Lodge to provide accommodation to the visitors.

How to get there in Yercaud?

Frequent bus services are available from Salem to Yercaud.  Private carriage like taxis, vans and buses are also available from Salem.

About Yercaud Tourist Places

Yercaud Lake

The lake is centrally located and is the centre of attraction.  It is a cool clean sheet of water surrounded by well laid-out gardens and woods.  Boats are available and boating in the chill water is an enchanting and refreshing experience. The first thing that attracts the visitor on the hills is the beautiful lake, the pride of Yercaud, situated at the heart of the town.  A perennial mountain spring feeds the lake.  Varieties of bushes, flowers and trees border the lake.  Apart from being an excellent picnic spot, boating is a popular sport. Adjoining the lake is the sacred shoal or wooded grove where a feast is held every year.

Anna Park

Anna Park is a beautiful, well laid-out garden near the lake and a dreamland of fragrance and color with buzzing bees busily seeking honey in the flowers.

Lady's Seat

  Lady's Seat overhangs on the winding ghat road and is a spectacular viewpoint.  The panoramic view of the plains down the mountain is breath-taking and dizzy if you look down the steep gorge. At night with the twinkling lights, Salem city looks like a far-off dream land an unforgettable spectacle.  The telescope mounted at Lady's Seat gives a picturesque view of the valley bellow.

The Pagoda Point, Prospect Point and Arthur's Seat are the other vantage us viewpoints to look and enjoy the magnificent thrilling sights.

The Kulliar Falls

  This 300 ft high waterfall among sylvan surroundings is a beautiful sight for spending hours together without boredom. This delightfully breathtaking water falls is 3 km from the Yercaud Lake and should be visited after the South West of North East monsoon.  The surplus water from the Yercaud Lake and the other reaches of the Shevaroys Hills fall deep into the Kiliyur Valley in a breath taking 300 feet fall.  The views from the bottom and top of the falls are breathtaking.  The view from the top of the falls into the Valley is heart stopping.  The trek to the bottom of the falls is only for hardcore trekkers as it takes about one hour from the lake to reach the bottom of the falls which is heavily wooded, but a good 2 ½ hours to get ones breath and trek back again. 7 km from town. This is the only water falls in Yercaud.  Amidst sylvan surroundings, the stream cascades from a height of 20m into the valley.

Bear Cave

It is formed of two huge boulders and is situated near Nation Bungalow an oldest bungalow here.  Special arrangement has to be made to reach this place. This is situated within a private coffee estate owned by a Mettur business man.  The main part of the cave is situated about 7 feet below the ground level and contains a deeper gorge which is believed by the local people to lead up to the cave situated in the Shervaroyan Temple.

Servaroyan Temple

Servaroyan Temple is at the top of the Shevaroys.  It is said that this is the third highest peak in the range.  Special arrangement with local guides have to be made as no regular transport services are available to reach this place.  The annual festival is observed in May and all the hill tribes around assemble to celebrate it. At the highest point in Yercaud, about 1800m above sea level, under a huge tree, a small temple is situated deep inside a natural cave, dedicated to the deity of the hills, Selvaroyan.  Tribals from the surrounding villages assemble for this annual festival.

The Montford School

The Montford School is a famous public school and the Sacred Heart Convent is another school imparting education to boys and girls respectively. Monfort School was established in 1917 in Yercaud by the untiring effort of Bro. Denis.  It is a famous public school and the Sacred Heart Convent is another school imparting education to boys and girls respectively. The school was named after the founder of the Order of St. Gabriel.  St. Louis Marie Grignoin de Monfort.  Its vast campus with attractive buildings, spacious plays grounds, well planned and beautiful gardens, and a swimming pool which is the envy of all the schools in the South.

Bears Hill

This hill is the one diagonally adjacent to Monfort on the South Eastern side of Yercaud.  It also lies to the East of Sacred Heart Convent one gets a panoramic view of the portion of Yercaud covered with Schools and Seminaries, 2 km from Yercaud Town.

Botanical Survey of India

Well maintained Botanical Garden by the BSI contains a rich collection of plants.  It is a treat for “Botany” students.  A”Bell Rock” in the BSI campus makes bell sound when you hit with stone.  You have to climb to reach the rock.  The entrance ticket will be Rs. 3/- for adult and Rs. 10/- for Camera. It remains closed on Sundays and National Holidays.

Horticulture Farm

It has “Rose Garden” and “Children Seat”.  The Rose Garden is filled with various varieties of Roses from Button Rose to Very Big Rose.  A “Garden Rose” plant is grown along with beautiful rose plants. Saplings of various plants are available at reasonable price.  The entrance ticket will be Rs. 2/- for adult Rs 10/- for Camera.

Lady’s Seat, Gent’s Seat and Children’s Seat

This is a cluster of Rocks on the South West of the Yercaud hills overlooking the ghat road and the town of Salem to the south.  There is a natural rock formation in the form of a seat where reportedly a white English Lady spent her evenings viewing the magnificent panorama.  There is a sheer drop of about 200 feet at this point into a private estate in the valley below.  Here is a man made viewing tower with Telescopes.   One can see the magnesite deposits on the plains and on clear days a view of Mettur Dam.  One should not miss the night view of the Salem town with millions of twinkling lights.  On the right of Ladys Seat are sterling resorts, Gents Seat and Children Seat.  There is a mini park and it is a breath taking spot for a picnic. 2 km from town.

Pagoda Point

This lies on the Eastern side of the Yercaud hills and is also known as Pyramid Point.  The name comes from the hill tribes having made four piles of random stones in a Pagoda or Pyramid formation reportedly to mark some event.  Today there is a Rama Temple which lies between these Pagodas. One can get a grand view of Attur and Ayothiapattinam from this picnic spot.  5 km from town.

Retreat

The Retreat belongs to a Religious Society founded by St. Don Bosco (1815-1888).  The Saint wanted his spiritual son, popularly known as Salesians  of Don Bosco, to work for the poor land abandoned youth through Schools, technical institutes, agricultural and trade schools. The Retreat serves as a Novitiatehouse where student of the religious order stay and study.

The Big Lake or Emerald Lake

This first thing one see as you enter the Yercaud town is this placid lake in a wonderful surrounding og hills and natural shoals. Also a beautifully landscaped garden on one bank.  It has boating facility.  This lake is the only natural lake among all the hill station lakes in the South.  A floating fountain is constructed by MALCO, at the center of the lake.  The lake is surrounded by a “Deer Park” and “leisure Park” and Tamil Nadu Hotel.  Boat services are available at reasonable rate and rowing boats are available you have to pay the same amount as caution deposit.  The safety measures are followed strictly.  The minimum time can be spent 20 min.

Shevarayan Temple

The Shevarayan is a flat-topped hill with a plateau.  The view from the summit on all sides in magnificent, one looks down on a mass of mountains and hills far and near, with the plains spread out like a map between the Shevarayans and the nearest hills.  The Yercaud town and Nagalur is well seen from this hill.  The Shervaroyan temple is situated at the top of this hill.  It is dedicated to Lord Shervarayan.  The temple itself is a narrow and dark cave and seated inside are god Shervarayan and goddess Kaveri representing the Shervaroyan Hills and the river Kaveri.  The annual festival in the month of May is a color event in which thousands of tribal people of the hill take part.

Sri Raja Rajeswari Temple

This is said to be the goddess of all gods in the Hindu Pantheon and by praying to her one can attain wealth and prosperity and be elevated to higher levels of spirituality.  This temple was founded by Tirukovilur Thapovanam Srila Sri Gnanananda Giri Swamigals Parampara Disciple HH Swami Poornananda Giri in the year 1983 and now succeeded by his son V.Sri.  In this temple the goddess Sri Raja Rajeswari is seen surrounded by a plethora of gods.

The Grange

This is one of the oldest buildings in Yercaud, built some time in the 1820s MD Cockburn the then collector established the first commercial plantation in this area and planted Coffee, Oranges, Apples and other fruit trees brought from South Africa. The other coffee plantations in Tamil Nadu are said to have originated from this humble beginning.  During the Sepoy mutiny, great efforts were made to strengthen the roof and ramparts were built with Gun emplacements and 3 Canons were mounted at vantage points.  A large cellar was made to hold provisions for about 6 months in case there was a long siege and the Europeans of the Area had to hold off insurgents.  Well this never happened and all was peaceful during those years.  There is a well planned and executed Resort alongside the Grange, set amidst coffee & Orange plantations and Silver Oak Trees, a delightful get away for the well heeled traveler.

Tipperary View Point

One can reach this southern most view point of Yercaud by taking the Tipperary Road.  From there one can see the Elephant Tooth Rocks. Which are reportedly said to be the remanents of a meteorite which fell to earth.  It is pure white rock compared to the Black Granite available on these hills.  The Estate adjoining known as Tipperary Estate was once a posh hotel catering to the elite of British India from 1930 to 1940.  The night view from this spot-with the lights of Salem in the distance is mesmerizing. 2 km form town.

Places of Worship

Temples: Servaroyan temple and Sri Rajarajeswari temple.
Churches: Sacred Heart Church, The Retreat Church, St.Joseph's Church, Holy Trinity Church, C.S.G. Church and Lutheran Church.
Mosque: Yercaud Mosque.
Other Place of Interest Yercaud:
Ornamental Plants and Tree House, Orchard cum nursery of rose plants, Silk farm, Horticultural Research Station, Orchidorium, Mettur View, Cauvery Peak and Salem View.

Places to Visit in Salem District

Mettur Dam

Mettur about 30km from Salem is connected by rail.  Buses also ply from salem to Mettur. Mettur dam is one of the largest of its kind in the world.  It is constructed in a gorge where the river Cauvey enters the plains.  Its height is 65m, length 1616m, area 15,540 hectare and capacity 2648 cubic metre.  This is a hydro-electric power station producing 240 mega watt power.  Water is stored here during floods and rains and let out for irrigating to the deltaic regions of the Cauvery.  There is a beautifully laid-out garden.  The Cauvery crossing is the place where a canal crosses over Cauvery-the water of the canal is carried by over-head pipelines to the other side.  There are a number of factories here like soaps and detergent manufacturing factories, galvanizing plants, Vanaspathi units etc.  and with permit, visitors could see them. With permit, visitors could also enter the tunnel of the dam and witness the hydroelectric power station. Started in 1925 and completed in 1934, Mettur Dam is one of the largest of its kind in the world, 1.6km along and 54m high.  The lake it encompasses is over 150sq km.  It is constructed in a gorge where the river Kaveri enters the plains.  A large Mettur Hydro Electrical Power Project is situated here.  There is also a beautifully laid garden near the dam.  Mettur is connected on the rail route from Salem and there are regular buses from Salem.

Situated amidst excellent natural surroundings, Mettur reservoir built across the river Cauvery is one of the largest multipurpose project in the country.  It is nearly 2km in length and 74m high.  Two sets of irrigational channels have been provided.  The power house at the dam is said to be one of the largest in the state.  While serving as an effective check against floods in Cauvery, the reservoir ensures regular supply of water to Thanjavur delta.  A beautiful garden has been developed below the dam which serves as a picnic spot.  There are facilities for boating in the lake.

Belur

Belur is 25km away from Salem on the banks of river Vashistanadhi. There is a white rock north of Belur which is said to represent the ashes of the Yagam (Sacrificial fire) performed by Vashista.

Kolli Hills

Another hill station at an altitude of 1190m.  The terrace type 70 hair pin-bend road leads you to this place.  Fruit orchards abound in this place.  Still the tribe here are unchanged and follow meticulously their traditional customs and practices an astonishment to the modern men.

Koli hills is about 98km from Salem.  A famous hill station in rich wooded area, it is situated at an altitude of 1190m.  This is the second hill station in the Salem district.  The Shiva temple dedicated to Arappatheeshwarar is in Chathrangi Hill.  There is a beautiful waterfalls near Agasakangai amidst natural surroundings, which is a popular picnic spot.

Namakkal

Formerly a part of Salem District, it is now the head quarters of the newly formed district Namakkal.  It lies at the foot of a rock 200ft high and half a mile in circumference.  The Hanuman statue that stands 20ft high is the centre of attraction.  It is carved out of single piece of rock.  There are two unique cave temples here.  These temples were the works of 'Adhia' rulers containing relief sculptures of unrivalled beauty.  The caves dedicated to Narasimha and Anantasayi (Vishnu on his snake hooded couch)  are cut on the sides of the hill.  Inscriptions reveal that it was built by Gunaseelan of the Adhiakula (Adhia clan) (784 AD).  The Narasimha cave has an enormous rock with the image of Lord Narasimha tearing the entrails of Hiranya the demon a splendid sculpture that chills the heart of the beholder.  The mandapa of the side of the cave reveals three forms:  Narasimha Avatar, Vamana Avatar, Varaga Avatar.  The images of Vaikunta Narayanan, Bala Narasimha, Brahma, Chandra, all reveal the dexterity of master hands.  The two Vamana Avatar idols in Narasimha cave and Anantasayee cave differ from each other in that the former has a parasol and a sacrificial horse which is absent with the later.  The hollows in the rock have become sacred pools, one of them is named Kamalalayam.

Namakkal City

Namakkal is about 50km from Salem District.  The town is famous for the temples of Namagiri Amman, Narisimha and Ranganathar built at the base of the Namakkal rock, which is a great mass of granite crowned by a hill fortress.  The battlements of the fort are built at the base of the Namakkal rock, which is a great mass of granite crowned by a hill fortress.  The battlements of the fort are built of well cut blocks of stone.  In front of the Namagiri Amman temple is the shrine of Hanuman.  The idol is one of the tallest in the state, which is about 14m in height.  The idol is in a standing posture with folded hands.

Thiruchengodu

In the southwest of the district is an important shrine dedicated to Ardhanariswarar (Siva and Uma in one form) situated at a height of 2000 feet.  Flights of winding steps lead to the temple.  Along the steps by the side is a huge Nandhi faces the hill presuming it to be Lord Siva.  Mr.  Davis, a former collector has renovated the partially damaged Ganesa Mandapam of this temple and his relief portrait adorns a pillar.  Climbing still further one can reah Maladi (a barren woman) hills, where a huge boulder is precariously perched on the tip of an edge of an abyss of 800ft threatening each moment.  Barren women crawl around it three times to e blessed with pregnancy. 

This place is famous for the temple dedicated to Ardhanareeshwara, which is a composite form of Shiva and Shakti.  Shiva represents one portion of the deity while the other is represented as Parvati.  The temple is situated on a hillock, which can be approached by a flight of well cut stone steps.  There is a monument of a five hooded serpent 12m in height carved out of a single block of rock.  The halls of the temple are full of excellent pieces of sculpture.  Being a place of Shiva - Shakti combination, it is a unique feature in this part of the State. The famous Gandhi Ashram founded by Rajaji is still functioning actively at Thiruchengodu. It is about 37km from Salem. 

Sankari Durg

The Someswar temple attracts large crowds.  Here too we can see a boulder akin to one at Maladi hills.  It is about 40ft. high and almost equally broad.  There is a well known cement factory since limestone is enormously found here.

Dharmapuri

This was once part of Salem district but now its head quarters.  During the Sangam Age it was called Thagadur.  It was the capital of Adiaman Neduman Anji.  The 7ft. high Hanuman in the temple of Anna Sangaram is the main attraction here.  The curious feature about Him is that he has no tail at all.

Hogenakkal

The main picnic spot in Dharmapuri is Hogenakkal, the place where th Cauvery enters Tamil Nadu.  It is one of the most beautiful places in the state with picturesque scenes.  The broad stream of the river Cauvery get forked at this point, forming an island from where one stream continues and plunges into a deep chasm to create a lovely waterfalls.  As the pray of this waterfall raises clouds of droplets resembling smoke this place is known as Hogenakkal (Hoge means smoke, Kal-rock)- smoking rock. Earlier above, the river Cauvery flows in a particular narrow gorge so narrow that it could be easily leapt by a goad and hence the name of that place is Meka Dhattu (Goat's leap).  Since the water of Cauvery flows through a herbal forest before it reaches Hogenakkal, bathing in the falls here is considered good for health.  A large number of people gather here minting money. If one wants to taste  the trill of adventure one can hire a 'parisal' (round basket-like boats) to ply in the river. Hogenakkal offers a quiet holiday in comfort.  The magnificent, rugged mountain scenery around the falls can be better enjoyed by long walks and treks.

Hogenakkal Falls

Hogenakal is about 114km from Salem District.  Situate on the Karnataka and Tamil Nadu border, Hogenakal, a magnificent, rugged mountainous region has one of the best waterfalls in the state.  The fine spray of water that rises as the cascading water hits the rocks below, has given these rocks the name hogenakal which means Smoking Rock in Kannada.  The three hills, Melagiri Toppur and Poonachi Betta, the thick wooded forest, the birds and beasts add enchantment to the scenery.  The place presents a beautiful panorama of endless hill ranges.  Bathing in the waterfalls is considered good as the water flows through the forest over many medicinal herbs.  In view of its popularity, the place has been developed as a popular holiday resort.  There is a fine motor able road to reach this place from Salem and Bangalore via Dharmapuri.  State buses and private vans operate during weekends and holidays.  There is a tourist lodge and a few private rest houses to provide accommodation for overnight stay.

Hosur

Though this place is very well known as a centre of industries, it does not lack the charms of being a tourist centre.  Thali located nearby is known as 'Little England' to the British because of its beautiful green downs and salubrious climate.

Sankakiri Fort

The Sankakiri Fort is one of the important historic places in Salem District.  This fort has been constructed on the hill of Sankakiri.  It is about 40ft. high and almost equally broad. This fort has ten compound walls having individual name for that.  Inside of this fort, there are 6 platforms and 5 temples, 2 Mosques.  The Weapons, Pistol and Jewels used by the emperor Tipu Sultan, Theeran Chinnamalai were found there.  On the way to Sankakiri Fort we can see one Christian Church in the name of St. Antony.

Jama Masjid

The oldest mosque in Salem situated on the southern bank of the Thirumanimuthu Aru in the heart of the city.  It was reportedly built by the Mysore ruler, Tippu Sultan, who is said to have offered prayers here.  The Masjid Inam granted to this mosque was confirmed by the British in 1862.  By a special resolution in 1880.

Poiman Karadu

Poiman Karadu, is situated on the Salem-Namakkal National Highway, seen from the plains to the east of the hill from a particular spot, the likeness of a deer with two horns is visible in a cave between rocks on the hill.  The mysterious vision disappears when one gets, nearer hence the name Poiman Karadu.

Ayodhyapattanam

Ayodhyapattanam is about 10 km From Salem City.  A Suburban town on the eastern end of Salem City.  It is supposed to have been named after Ayodhya, the birthplace of Lord Rama who is believed to have stayed here on his way from Sri Lanka at the end of the war with the demon king Ravana.  Ayodhya was not only the birthplace of Lord Rama and therefore sacred to the Hindus, but was also sacred to the Jains and Buddhists.  It was the birthplace of Rishaba, Ajitha, and other Jain theerthankarars. It was the place where the celebrated Toothbrush tree of the Buddha grew.  The naming of this village may possibly have roots in the local Jain Buddhist traditions, not just the Hindu epic, Ramayana.  It contains a beautiful Vishnu temple dedicated to Kothandaramar.  The town includes the railway station, Masinayakkanpatti , on the Salem Atthur line.  The weekly market, established by Taluka Board in 1895, meets on Thursdays.

Utthama Chozhapuram

“City of Utthamachozha”, a small town on the western bank of the Thirumanimuthu Aru.  It was known variously as “ Karapuram”, “Kaveri Poompattinam,” and is still known as “Periyur.” During the Chozha period, the town flourished as one of the mahanagars of the Kongu Nadu.  Utthama Cheeti, a local merchant built temple in this area is called Karpuranathar temple.  The village also contains temples dedicated to Azhagiri Perumal and Mari Amman.  In 1854, when the Perumal temple fell into ruins, the deities were removed to the Karapur Nathar Kovil.  The deities returned home after the temple was rebuilt in 1865.  The first zamindhari of the village was sold in 1802 to “Syde Ahmud”  (Syed Ahmad).

Taramangalam

Taramangalam is about 24km from Salem City.  The town is famous for the Shiva temple dedicated to kailasanathar.  The rotating stone lotus flower carving and the statues of Rati Manmatha, Vali and Sugriva are the chief attractions of the place.

About Salem Temple

Kailasanathar Kovil (Tharamangalam)

   Kailasanathar Koil is about  30 km from Salem. A Siva temple, perhaps the most beautiful of its kind in Salem District.  Parts of it existed as early as the tenth century: as it stands now, it is the product of the Gatti Mudhali dynasty of the seventeenth century.  Reconstruction and collaboration of the old temple was begun by Mummudi, continued by Siyazhi, and was brought near completion by Vanagamudi.  This West facing temple is enclosed by a massive stone wall measuring 306’ and 164’ reportedly built in the thirteenth century.  The main entrance tower (5 storey’s 90’high) is conceived as a chariot on wheels, drawn by elephants and horses.  Twice a year, during August-September and February – March for three days in succession, the rays of the evening, sun shine through the entrance tower, the portico, and enters the sanctum sanctorum and falls on the deity.  The consort of Kailasanathar is Sivakami.

Kandhasramam, Udaiyapatti

     Kandhasramam is about 5km from Salem City.  A temple complex, constructed between the years 1970 and 1971 by Santhanandha Brahmendhra Sarasvathi Adhyavadhutha Swamy.  It is situated on the extreme northern end of the Jarugu Malai mountain on the banks of stream called Kannimar Odai and is dedicated to three deities:  Murugan as Skandha Guru, Lakshmi as Dhurga Paramesvari.  The complex also contains shrines for Sadhasiva Swamy and Swayamprakasa Bramendhra Sarasvathi Adhyavadhutha Swamy, two renowned saints of the avadhutha order and the gurus of the founder.  The mammoth stone statues of Anjaneyuar, Vinayakar, Dhatthathreya (all of them 16 high), and Idumban (13) are remarkable for size and artistry.  The Yajur Vedhic School in the complex gives instruction and training to young Brahmins into priesthood.

Kottai Mariamman Temple

     This Temple is one of the very oldest pilgrims in the Salem district.  In every July – August Mariamman festival is very famous. This temple is located in heart of the city.

Kandasamy Kovil

     Kalpatti A Murugan temple, also known as the Sundhara Kandhaswamy Kovil, one of the seven richest temples in the district.  The karum sambal (black ash) that is given to the devotees is believed to cure diseases and to serve as an antidote for snake poison. The temple was founded in the late eighteenth century by Pazhani Kavundar and later (around 1820) was built up by Katteri Lakshmana Kavundar.  The hut in which the founder worshipped his kaadi is now the Idumban shrine, a part of the expanded temple complex.  It includes the Raja Gopuram and a peacock shrine all enclosed within a compound wall.  The Raja Gopuram was renovated in 1978.  There are temple chariots, Chithra Ther and Vinayaka Ther, Which are pulled around the temple during festivals.  The annual Thaipoosam festival in January is very popular and is attended by thousands of pilgrims from the surrounding villages who bear kaavadi in fulfillment of vows.  The cattle fair held during the festival is one of biggest in the Kongu country. More than 50,000 heads of cattle are sold and bought in this fair.  Entire families from various parts of the district will travel in bullock carts to attend the fair.  On these days, large offerings of agricultural produce, money, and jewels.  There are chathrams built by Arya-Vaisya, and Nattukkottai Chettiyar castes for the convenience of pilgrims.  The Arya-Vaisya chathram is known as Rasipuram Pattabi Chettiyar Chatram and conducts special worships at the temple during February.

Lingam (1008) Temple

     This temple is under the control of a private department of the Vinayaga Mission.  This temple contains 1008 Lingam with Nandi in the ‘Moolasthanam’.  This temple is located in Ariyanoor.

Oothumalai Sathya Narayana Sithar Beedam

     Oothumalai is situated 6 km from Salam City.  It is found in Tamil Nadu (India) state, in Trichy Main Road Focused at Oothumalai Pilgrim hill. It has special features as Sri Sathya Narayana Temple which is present on hills, similarly not found anywhere in Tamil Nadu.  Oothumalai hill also has the feature of Swami Muruga Temple.  In this hills, the sithar’s like Agathair, Pambatti Sithar, Bogar and many others made meditation to get grace from the god. 

Taramangalam

     It is a paradise to lover of sculpture. The Kailasanathar temple here vividly portrays the dance competition between Siva and Kail.  The two sculptures depicting the episode make us spellbound and we even forget that we are spectators of mere sculptures and think we are actual participants of that event so lively are they done.  The Bikshadana is another marvel, the Rishipatni who offers food for the medicant Siva has forgotten herself in His beauty without even knowing the pilfering parrot that pecks at the alms.  The God of Love, Manmatha releasing his sugarcane bow and Rati (the Goddess of Love) beside him, Dakshinamurthi, Valivadham, stone chains and various other sculptures are a feast to the eyes with their minute details and lively experission.

Salem Theme Park

Paravasa Ulagam Water Theme park

     It is located at a distance of about 16 km from Salem city near Mallur on the NH-7 Trichy Main Road in the midst of cool hilly region surrounded by green trees in a calm atmosphere.  Some of exciting water games, Wave Pool, Activity Pool, Rain Dance, Karting & Biking, Baby Fun Toys, Video Games, Science Park, Waterfalls, mist world and Jallikattu.  An exciting water adventure for the entire family.

Dream Land (Water Theme Park)

     Dream Land water theme park is located at a distance of about 6 km from Salem city on the Coimbatore by-pass road in the midst of cool hilly region surrounded by green trees in a calm atmosphere. Some of the exciting water games include Mat racer, stormy river, Amazon River and other games like go karting, striking car dash & dash, horse rides etc. 

Kurumpapatti Zoological Park

     Can you believe that white peacock and multicolor crane are still living.  Yes! It is true!.  If you want to clarify this statement, Hurry up! To Kurumbapatti situated at the foothills of Yercaud which is near by Salem.  There is one small zoological park with natural beautiful environmental circumstance.  Already, some animals, birds and other beings are living in this park.  Now, from the Chennai, Vandalur Anna Zoological Park tow white Peacock, some small cranes and multicolor cranes are brought out here.  Some other extraordinary beings also will coming soon.  Sure! This park also to attract the visitors with great fascination.

How to Reach Salem District

Salem is on the Chnnai broad gauge line, 335 km from Chennai.  The train services are available from here to Chennai, Kotchi, Coimbatore, Ooty, Thiruvananthapuram and Bengalooru.  It is well connected by road with all the major towns in Tamil Nadu.  Local buses are available to all the places of tourist interest from here. There is a good net work of buses operating to this place from various parts of the state.  The town has very good lodgings and rest houses to provide accommodation to visitors.

Salem is connected by rail and road with many important places in South India.

Nearest airport is at Coimbatore 162km from Salem.  Flights are available from here to Madurai, Chennai, Bengalooru, Kochi and Mumbai.

Distance from Salem District To Other important places Or
Salem City Distance Guide

City Distance
Coimbatore 158 Km
Cuddalore 192 Km
Dharmapuri 67 Km
Dindigul 159 Km
Ernakulam 341 Km
Erode 66 Km
Hogenakkal 112 Km
Hosur 163 Km
Kanchipuram 259 Km
Kanyakumari 464 Km
Karaikudi 240 Km
Karur 82 Km
Kodaikanal 230 Km
Kodikkarai 329 Km
Krishnagiri 115 Km
Kumbakonam 234 Km
Madurai 222 Km
Mamallapuram 306 Km
Mysore 262 Km
Nagappattinam 274 Km
Nagercoil 483 Km
Palani 188 Km
Pollachchi 187 Km
Puducherry 207 Km
Poompuhar 236 Km
Pudukkottai 190 Km
Rajapalayam 307 Km
Rameswaram 389 Km
Ranipettai 217 Km
Chennai 334 Km
Tenkasi 381 Km
Thanjavur 195 Km
Thekkadi 293 Km
Tiruchchendur 436 Km
Tiruchirappalli 140 Km
Tirunelveli 373 Km
Tirupathi 325 Km
Tiruppur 132 Km
Tiruttani 270 Km
Tiruvannamalai 147 Km
Thrissur 267 Km
Tiruvananthapuram 481 Km
Tuticorin 355 Km
Udagamandalam 205 Km
Ulundurpet 131 Km
Valparai 227 Km
Vellore 200 Km
Yercaud 29 Km
Kollimalai 59 Km