The district of Salem in Tamil Nadu was named after its many hills—the word derives from the Sanskrit word sailam which means “cradled among hills.” The region is famous for its cultivation of mangoes and the special variety called malgova is the pride of its people. Interestingly, the district’s capital is also called Salem, and it is one of the largest urban centres in Tamil Nadu. Even as it bustles with trade, industries and other commercial activities, Salem is a naturally blessed destination surrounded by lush greenery and hills. Blooming between four mountain ranges—Jeragamalai, Nagaramalai, Godumalai and Kanjanamalai—it blends history, culture, cuisine and leisure effortlessly. The city is dotted with temples whose artistic works and architectural features will take your breath away. The best time for exploring Salem (the district and city) is between October and February when the weather is cool and pleasant.
With prices to Salem city some of the cheapest around right now, here's a guide to the district and what you can do in the city itself.
This hill station is situated in the Shevaroy Hills of the Eastern Ghats and lies at an altitude of 1,515 metres above sea level. Its name in Tamil hints at the delights it offers: yeri means lake and kaadu means forest. The place has sprawling coffee and cardamom plantations; the pristine waters of Yercaud Lake; a range of viewpoints like Lady’s Seat, Gent’s Seat and Children’s Seat; splendid views of the bountiful greenery; and temples such as the Shevaroyan Temple and Raja Rajeshwari Temple. Book a weekend trip to take in the charms of Yercaud.
Also known as the Kottai Mariamman Temple, this revered Hindu shrine in Salem dates back over 1,300 years. The architecture of the temple features a blend of Dravidian and Vijayanagara styles and the structure is adorned with intricate sculptures. Dedicated to Perumal and his consorts, the temple also houses shrines for Andal, Krishna, Garuda and Hanuman. Pilgrims travel from near and far to seek blessings at this temple and to soak up the calm and quietness. The best time to visit the Kottai Mariamman Temple is during the popular Aadi festival, which takes place in July and August. The week-long celebration ends with a terrifying yet thrilling fire walk display.
This is the second largest zoo in Tamil Nadu next to the Arignar Anna Zoological Park and is situated in the foothills of the Shevaroy Hills, 11 kilometres from Salem city. The main attraction here is the monkeys and since the facility is in the vicinity of a reserve forest, visitors have the opportunity to experience its flora and fauna too. It is one of the best places to visit in Salem city as it has a gentle topography with areas of bamboo and woodland interspersed with semi-perennial streams. See spotted deer, sambar, white peacocks, bonnet macaques, grey pelicans, little egrets, grey herons, marsh crocodiles, plum-headed parakeets and blackbucks, among other wild animals.
Just 16km from Salem city is a Hindu temple complex that features an array of 1008 identical Nandi statues carved from stone. It is placed in such a way that 1007 lingams surround the main one. The temple was a recent addition to Salem and one can see it from a highway that runs next to it. You will have to traverse a hill to reach the temple complex itself.
Opened in 2020, the Salem Science Park is spread over 13,000 square feet. It has 18 scientific exhibits, including an anti-gravity mirror and an infinity well. The 30-seat planetarium comes with a 360-degree ceiling where immersive shows about the universe and solar system can be played out. Brushing up on one's scientific knowledge couldn’t be more fun than this.
The Mettur Dam is one of the largest dams in the country and also the largest in Tamil Nadu. Located across the river Kaveri where it enters the plains, the dam offers opportunities for recreational activities such as boating and fishing. However, we recommend taking a walk around its perimeter to truly see it for the behemoth it is. The Mettur Dam Viewpoint provides a panoramic view of the surroundings while the Mettur Dam Park is the perfect place for a picnic under the sun.
Also known as Gupthagiri Fort, this 15th-century marvel was built by the Vijayanagara Empire and fortified by the British with 12 walls. Located in the scenic Kongu Nadu region, it served as a vital military outpost for Tipu Sultan as well as the British army. The fort was impregnable because of its strategic location and was accessible on only one side due to the steep terrain. Make your way through the cemeteries, granaries, masjids, Varadhraja Perumal temples and old British Army administrative buildings that are part of this complex. An eerie death well adds a layer of mystery to this incredible attraction. Weapons, jewellery and other artefacts associated with Tipu Sultan and Dheeran Chinnamalai can be seen by visitors, too.
These hills are popular with nature lovers because of their beautiful scenery and opportunities for outdoor activities. The rugged terrain and lush greenery make it an ideal place for hiking, while the many water bodies on the mountain, including streams and lakes, add to its appeal. Tourists can bird watch, take pictures and camp here. Its tranquil setting and serene atmosphere make it the perfect getaway for those seeking peace and solitude in nature.
The Government Museum in Salem city opened to the public in 1976. It is a multipurpose museum featuring an archaeological collection of sculptures, sections on anthropology and ethnology, and departments given over to musical instruments, philately, numismatics, decorative arts, botany, zoology, geology, and paintings. The sculpture garden is the first thing visitors see when visiting the museum. Hero stones depicting regional warriors and chieftains who ruled the Salem district are found here. Learn about the evolution of the Tamil alphabet and look at the remarkable Stone Age tools from about 50,000 years ago that were recovered from Athirampakkam. The hours will pass by before you know it once you enter the Government Museum.
Spread across 58 acres, the lake is among the largest water bodies in Salem city. This picturesque location is home to a variety of birds (such as garganeys, northern pintails, grey wagtails, the common sandpiper and yellow bittern), fish (such as rohu and catla) and flora. There are 47 human-made islands in the lake, which were created by excavating and piling lakebed clay about 3 metres high. The place has a children's play area and mini auditorium set up in a natural environment, seating arrangements, flower pants on the bunds, and a walker's path along the lake. There are coracles available to visit the islands and doing so at sunrise and sunset is recommended.
In Salem city, check into the Radisson Hotel and Grand Estancia for a luxury stay. Consider Hotel Mithila and the Sri K Residency for budget-friendly accommodation. Backpackers should consider the YMCA Program Centre, the Vasavi Ladies Hostel and the Mayura Hostel for Men.
Land at Salem Airport (SXV) or take the train to Salem Junction (SA) in the city. Regular bus services are available to Salem from Chennai, Madurai, Tiruchirappalli, Tiruvannamalai and Coimbatore, among other places.