Salem City

About Salem City

Salem is a city in Tamil Nadu state of southern India. It is the headquarters of Salem District. Salem is the 5th largest city in Tamilnadu and it is situated on the banks of ThiruManimuthar River.Salem is known as the Mango city in Tamil Nadu Salem is also known as Steel City. It’s also famous for Sago, Bauxite, Lorry Body building, Hand loom weaving and Steel Plants. Salem is a Geologist’s paradise, surrounded by hills and the landscape dotted with hillocks. Salem has vibrant culture dating back to the ancient KonguNadu. As a district, Salem has its significance in various aspects.Salem is one of the major textile centers in the country. Shevaroys and Yercaud hills are famous tourist places in Salem District. Salem is an important regional centre. It is well connected with most of the city by rail and road networks

Salem district is bounded on the north by Dharmapuri district, on the east by Villupuram and Perambalur districts, on the south by Namakkal district and on the west by Erode district. The district headquarters is located at Salem. Salem is on the Tirumanimuttar River near Attur Gap between the Kalrayan and Pachamalai hills. Situated at the junction of the Bangalore, Tiruchirappalli, and Cuddalore roads, 332-km southwest of Chennai (formerly Madras), the city’s name derives from “Sela Nad” (a corruption of “Chera Nad”), a term denoting the visit of an early Chera king. The area around Salem is composed of a series of hills (‘Shevaroy’, ‘Kalrayan’, ‘Kollaimalai’, and ‘Pachaimalai’) in the east and a section of the Cauvery (also spelt Kaveri) River valley in the west.

Salem Airport- Salem has a domestic airport with international standards (code FR3241) at Kamalapuram near Omalur on NH7 towards Dharmapuri, but currently (2008) it is only being used for charter flights. The nearest airports are Trichy International Airport (135 km) and Coimbatore Airport (159 km).

Salem is the central part ofTamil Nadu. The city is surrounded by a natural amphitheatre of hills formed by the Nagaramalai to the north, the Jeragamalai to the south, the Kanjanamalai to the west and Godumalai to the east. It is divided by the Thirumanimuthar in the main division. It is located at 11.669437° N latitude and 78.140865° E longitude. It has an average elevation of 278 metres. Salem`s climate has maximum temperature is 37.9°C and minimum temperature is 20°C.

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. The Leigh Bazaar market is one of the largest regional markets for agro products. Salem had an active film production with former Modern Theatres Studios being the hub of Tamil film production.

History of Salem City

3rd Century B.C.The period of Bogar – a notable Tamil Siddhar. Arrival of Buddhism and Jainism in Salem.1st Century A.D.Around the beginning of the Christian era, the existence of a culturally and economically advanced society in Salem two thousand years ago is evident from the discovery of silver coins of the Roman Emperor Tiberices Claudices Nero (37-68) in Koneripatti of Salem in 1987.2nd Century A.D.Pandiyan dynasty rules Salem,Pandiyan Nedunchezhiyan Kanaikal Irumporai rules KolliMalai.4th Century A.D.Rise of Pallava dynasty in Salem.6th Century A.D.Period of Mahendra Varma Pallva.Rise of Saivite principles.7th Century A.D. Weakening of Buddhism & Jainism.

Period of Narasimha Varma Pallava.8th Century A.D.Pandiyan dynasty in Salem.9th Century A.D.Rise of Saiva samayam and fading away of Jainism and Buddhism. Rise of Pallava.10th Century A.D.Rise of Chozha dynasty and decline of Pallavas.11th Century A.D.Chozha rule.12th Century A.D. Rise of Hoysala rule in parts of Salem.13th Century AD.Hoysala rule established; Parts of Salem remained under Pandiyan dynasty.14th Century A.D.1310 Malikkafur goes through Salem.1368- Salem under Vijaya Nagar Empire 15th Century A .D.The Chalukya rule.Rise of Palyakarars.16th Century A.D.Rule of Madurai Nayakars.Rule of Emperor Krishnadheva Raya in part of Salem including Attur.17th Century A.D.Rise of local chieftains Gatti and Nayakas. Palayakara rule.18th Centrury A.D.Rule of Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan.Taking over by British. 1772 – First Collector to Salem.

Educational Institutions of Salem City

Arts & Science:
Jairam Arts and Science College, Salem
Vinayaka Missions Kirupananda Variyar Arts and Science College, Salem
Vysya College, Salem
A.A. Govt. Arts College, Attur, Salem
Govt. Arts College for Women, Salem
Govt. Arts College, Salem
Periyar University College of Arts and Science, Mettur
Salem Sowdeswari College, Salem
Sri Sarada College for Women (Autonomous), Salem
A.E.T. College, Attur Taluk
A.V.S. College of Arts and Science, Salem
Attur Arts and Science College, Attur
Bharathiyar Arts and Science College for Women, Salem
Gem Gates Arts amd Science College, Attur
Paavendhar College of Arts and Science, Salem
Padmavani College of Arts and Science for Women, Omalur Taluk
Rabindharanath Tagore College of Arts and Science for Women, Salem
Sri Balamurugan Arts and Science College, Mettur Taluk
Sri Ganesh College of Arts and Science, Salem
Sri Sakthi Kailash College of Women, Salem

Hotel Management:
Vinayaka Missions Kirupananda Variyar Arts and Science College, Salem
Bharath Institute of Catering Technology and Hotel Management, Salem
Cenneys Institute of Hotel Management, Salem
Food Craft Institute, Tiruchirapalli
Shevaroys Institute of Catering Technology and Hotel Management, Yercaud
Thiagarajar Institute of Catering Technology and Hotel Management, Salem
V.S.R. Catering and Hotel Management, Salem

Dental:
Vinayaka Mission’s Sankarachariyar Dental College, Salem

Engineering:
Sona College of Technology, Salem
Vinayaka Mission’s Kirupanada Variyar Engineering College, Salem
Govt. College of Engineering, Salem
A.V.S. Engineering College, Salem
Bharathiyar Institute of Engineering for Women, Attur Taluk
Greentech College of Engineering for Women, Attur Taluk
Knowledge Institute of Technology, Salem
Maha College of Engineering, Valapadi Taluk
Narasu’s Sarathy Institute of Technology, Omalur Taluk
Rabidhranath Tagore College of Engineering for Women, Sankari Taluk
S.R.S. College of Engineering & Technology, Salem
Salem College of Engineering and Technology, Salem
Tagore Institute of Engineering and Technology, Attur Taluk
The Kavery College of Engineering, Mettur
The Kavery Engineering College, Mettur
V.S.A. Educational and Charitable Trust,s Group of Institutions, Salem
Vivekanandha College of Technology for Women, Kumaramangalam

Homoeopathy:
Vinayaka Mission’s Homoeopathic Medical College, Salem
Tamil Nadu Homoeopathy Medical College, Salem

Polytechnic Institutions:
CSI Polytechnic college,Yercaud Main Road,
MIT Polytechnic College, Cauvery Cross, Mettur.
Murugesan polytechnic college, Karumapuram,
Salem Polytechnic College, Panamarathupatti Pirivu Road,
Thiyagarajar Polytechnic College, Suramangalam,

Schools:
Vaigai Matriculation Higher Secondary School, Vazhapadi ,Salem - 636111.
MAM Higher Secondary and Matriculation School, Mettur dam.
Montfort Higher Secondary School, Yercaud.
SHY Higher Secondary School, Yercard.
Bharathi Vidyalaya Higher Secondary School, Maravaneri,
Government Higher Secondary School, Kondalampatti,
Glaze brooke Matriculation Higher Secondary School, Reddiyur,
Little Flower Higher Secondary School, 4 Roads,
Little Flower Matriculation School, 4 Roads,
C.S.I. Higher Secondary School, Shevapet,
C.S.I. Matriculation High School, Shevapet,
Holy Cross Matriculation Higher Secondary School,
Holy Angels Matriculation Higher Secondary School, Fairlands,
NotreDame of Holy Cross School [ CBSE ],
Cluny Matriculation Higher Secondary School, Salem
Golden Gates Matriculation Higher Secondary School,
Golden Choice Matriculation Higher Secondary School,
Gugai Higher Secondary School, Line Medu,
Gugai Matriculation Higher School, Line Medu,
Sri Vidya Mandir[ CBSE ], Ammapet,
Sri Vidya Mandir[ CBSE ], Shevapet,
Vasavi Higher Secondary School, Shevapet,
Sri Ramakrishna Saradha Higher Secondary School,
Sri Saradha Vidyalaya,
Sourashtra High School, salem - 1.
St.John’s Matriculation Higher Secondary School,
Bala Bharathi Matriculation Higher Secondary School
St.Paul’s Higher Secondary School, Salem-07
St.Joseph’s Matriculation Higher Secondary School, Line Medu
St.Mary’s Higher Secondary School, Arisipalayam,
St.Mary’s Matriculation School, Arisipalayam
Sri Vidya Mandir Higher Secondary School, Attayampatty.
Sri Saradha Bala Mandhir Higher Secondary School
Saraswathi Matric Higher Secondary School, Attur.
Maruthi Higher Secondary School, Manivizhundan(South), Attur.
Classic Matriculation School - Siruvachur, Attur.
Holy Flower Matriculation Higher Secondary School,
Tagore Matriculation Higher Secondary School, Attur.
Jothi Matriculation Higher Secondary School, Ammapet,
Raj Matriculation Higher Secondary School, P.G.Palayam, Attur.
sindhi hindu high school,naraya nagar. salem

Culture

Tamil Nadu finds a prime position on the cultural map of the country. The state’s contribution to literature, music, arts of Indian classical culture is praiseworthy. Dance, music, art and crafts and celebration of various festivals form important parts of Tamil culture. The various fairs and festivals are celebrated with great enthusiasm. Tamil people have their own living style which is reflected in their food, costumes, language and folk art and culture. Let’s find more about thecultural heritages of the state..

• Mango Festival:

  Krishnagiri is the venue for this famous festival, celebrated on the last 3 days of June. An event for the buyers and sellers to meet, various mangoes are kept on display at this festival.

• Car festival:

  Held in the month of May every year at nearby Denkanikottai, this popular festival is thronged by hordes of devotees.

Krishnagiri is the venue for this famous festival, celebrated on the last 3 days of June. An event for the buyers and sellers to meet, various mangoes are kept on display at this festival.

Held in the month of May every year at nearby Denkanikottai, this popular festival is thronged by hordes of devotees.

Tourist Attraction of Salem City

Yercaud:
30-km north of Salem is Yercaud, a lesser-known hill station when compared to Ooty and Kodaikanal. Yercaud is situated at an altitude of 1,500 meters (4,920 feet), on the Shevaroy hills of the Eastern Ghats. The lofty hills are of extraordinary scenic beauty endowed with a salubrious climate. Yercaud is also called “Ooty of the Poor “ and is known for Coffee Plantations and Orange Groves. The highest point in Yercaud is the Shevaroy temple, which is situated at a height of 5326.

Mettur Dam:
The Mettur Dam across the River Cauvery (also spelt as Kaveri) as it enters Salem district is one of the biggest reservoirs with a water spread of 15,540 hectares. This reservoir is not only a source of irrigation essentially in Trichy and Thanjavur districts but also a hydroelectric project besides being a big fish producing water source.
Government Museum: The government museum at Salem contains valuable collections of terracotta’s and sculptures.
Attur: Located at a distance of 13-km from Salem is Attur with a well-preserved old fort.

Aragalur:
Aragalur, 74-km from Salem has tow imposing temples; one is dedicated to Sri Kameswara and the other to Karivaradaperumal. There is a big Buddha statue at Thiyaganur village at the outskirts of Aragalur Village.
Sankagiri: At a distance of 35-km from Salem is Sankagiri famous for its fort, the origin of which is traced back to the 13th century AD.

Taramangalam:
Taramangalam, 33-km from Salem is famous for Sri Kailasanathar Temple. Figures of tortoise, fish, monkey, crocodile are carved out on the walls and granite roofs. The Gopuram is bedecked with stucco figures. Statues of Rathi-Manmatha, Vali-Sugriva of the epic Ramayana and Yali with rotating stone ball in its mouth - the rotating lotus flowers in the ceiling are some of the beautiful sculptures.

Tiruchengodu:
Tiruchengodu, 45-km from Salem is one of the seven Shivasthalams in Kongunadu. The Arthanareeswarar Temple is located on a hillock here. The presiding deity of the temple is represented in half male and half-female form i.e. Shiva and Sakthi worshipped as one.

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.

Kolli Hills:
Located at a distance of 100-km from Salem and at an altitude of 1,190 meters are the Kolli Hills, another famous hill station in Salem district, next to Yercaud. Sri Arappaleeswarar Temple on top of Chathuragiri hills is one of the oldest. The terrace type 70 hairpin bent Ghat road, the fruits cultivated here, honey and the unchanged tribal cultures are unique memories. The wonderful Agasakangai waterfall flowing from a height over 200 ft is a unique scene. Valvil Ori Festival and Tourism Festivals are celebrated during August every year.

Hogenakkal Waterfalls:
Hogenakkal Waterfalls is one of the wonderful waterfalls in Tamil Nadu. It is located at a distance of 114-km from Salem and 133-km from Bangalore. It is a part of the River Cauvery (also spelt as Kaveri) and is about 250 meters above sea level. The main attraction of the falls is its vertical drop from a height of 20 meters with a thundering sound. Surrounded by mountains, Hogenakkal offers a quite holiday in comfort.

Dharmapuri:
About 53-km from Salem is Dharmapuri, the district headquarters of the district of the same name. It has an ancient temple. The famous Adiyamankottai fort is 8 km from Dharmapuri.

Hosur:
Hosur is known for its cattle farm. It is about 90-km from Dharmapuri and is now becoming an important industrial center. Thali known as “Little England” for its climate is 25-km from Hosur.

Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation in Salem City

**Salem Castle Hotel:**A/4, Bharathi Street, Swarnapuri, Salem, Salem, Tamil NaduPh:0427 2448702

**Leela Palace Hotel:**321-A LIC Colony Road, Opposite New Bus Stand, Salem, Tamil Nadu,Ph:0427 2447707

**Hotel Kallinga:**1st Agraharam, Fort, Salem, Salem, Tamil Nadu

**Hotel Maruthi:**No.84/28-B, New East Pulikuthi Street, , Gugai, Salem, Salem, Tamil NaduPh:0427 2465970

**Hotel Windsor Castl:**Salem, Salem, Tamil Nadu

**Hotel Ashok:**Salem, Salem, Tamil Nadu

**Hotel Selvam:**No. 231, Omalur Road, Swarnapuri, Salem, Salem, Tamil Nadu,Ph:0427 2334491

**Hotel City View:**Salem, Salem, Tamil Nadu

Links

http://www.salemcity.com/

http://www.indianetzone.com/8/salem\_tamil\_nadu.htm

Location info

Salem City,Salem Districts ,Tamil Nadu,India

How to reach Salem City

**Nearest Railway Station:**Salem Railway division has a total length of 842 km. Salem is a six railway routes merging junction, so it plays an important transit point in south India. Many Trains are passing through Salem Junction and Direct Trains are available

**Nearest Airport:**Salem Airport- Salem has a domestic airport with international standards (code FR3241) at Kamalapuram near Omalur on NH7 towards Dharmapuri, but currently (2008) it is only being used for charter flights. The nearest airports are Trichy International Airport (135 km) and Coimbatore Airport (159 km).

**Road Transport:**Three important National Highways NH7(North-South), NH47(Leading to West) and NH68(Leading to East) intersect at Salem. At sankari in 1960 only around 25 goods vechile were operated and now 10000 goods vehicle are being operated by 1000 lorry owners in 2005. Mr K Asaithambi who was previous president of Sankari Lorry Owners Association, Seceratry Tamil Nadu lorry owners federation and Vice President All India Motor Transport Congress had fought for the rites of the Transport industry and Mr K Asaithambi become one of the pillars for the growth.

Best time to visit Salem City

November to February when the weather is pleasant with lower humidity. Evenings are ideal for exploring markets and food streets. Mornings are best for temple visits and sightseeing.

Timings & opening hours

The city is accessible 24/7. Major attractions within the city have their own visiting hours. Markets are typically open 10:00 AM–9:00 PM. Temples and religious sites open early morning to late evening.

Entry fee & tickets

Entry to the city is free. Specific attractions (temples, museums, parks) have separate entry fees ranging from INR 10–100 depending on the site.

Duration needed

1–2 days to explore the main attractions. A longer stay allows for deeper exploration of the city’s culture, cuisine, and nearby areas.

Safety tips

Standard city safety precautions apply. Keep valuables secure in crowded markets and public transport. Use registered taxis or app-based cab services. Avoid isolated areas after dark. Follow local customs and dress codes at religious sites.

Things to carry

1. Comfortable Walking Shoes: City sightseeing involves significant walking.
2. Water Bottle: Stay hydrated.
3. Sunscreen and Hat: Protect against the sun.
4. Camera: Document your tour.
5. Power Bank: Keep devices charged.
6. ID Proof: For hotel check-in.

Nearby visiting places

Other towns and cities in Tamil Nadu, historical sites, temples, and natural attractions within a 50–100 km radius.

Nearest airport, railway & bus

Nearest airport: the city’s own airport or the nearest regional airport. The city has a railway station with express train connectivity. Well-connected by state and private bus services to all major cities.

Mobile network coverage

Airtel, Jio, BSNL, and Vi all provide coverage across Tamil Nadu. 4G is reliable in Chennai, Coimbatore, Madurai, and along major highways. Coverage may be weaker in remote sections of the Western Ghats, deep forest reserves, and certain rural interior areas. Free Wi-Fi is widely available in hotels and cafes in urban areas.

Food & restaurants nearby

Salem City offers traditional Tamil Nadu restaurants and multi-cuisine eateries.

Things to do at Salem City

Explore the city’s historic temples and heritage buildings that showcase Tamil architecture. Visit local markets for traditional crafts, textiles, and local produce. Sample the diverse Tamil cuisine at local restaurants and street food stalls.

Things to visit & highlights

The city’s main temple or historic landmark, its bustling market areas, local parks, and cultural institutions. The surrounding residential and commercial areas reflect the city’s character and daily life.

Climate & weather

Tamil Nadu has a tropical climate with generally hot and humid conditions year-round. The best time to visit is November to February, when temperatures are a more comfortable 20°C–28°C. March–June is very hot, with interior areas reaching 40°C+. The state receives rainfall from both the southwest monsoon (June–September, mainly in western ghats) and the northeast monsoon (October–December, bringing rain to coastal areas including Chennai). Hill stations (Ooty, Kodaikanal) are pleasant year-round.

Helpline & emergency contacts

Tourist Helpline: 1364. Police: 112. Ambulance: 108. City has government hospitals, private clinics, and 24-hour pharmacy services.

Nearest petrol pump

Multiple petrol pumps are available throughout the city. Major fuel stations (Indian Oil, Bharat Petroleum, HPCL, Reliance) operate in all parts of the city.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best time to visit Salem City? November to February offers the most pleasant weather. Evenings are ideal for exploring the city’s markets and food scene.

How can I get around Salem City? Local buses, auto-rickshaws, and app-based cab services are widely available. Auto-rickshaws are the most convenient for short distances.

What are the must-try local foods in Salem City? Traditional Tamil dishes like idli, dosa, vada, sambar, and filter coffee are must-tries. Local specialities vary by city — ask for regional specialities.

Quick facts

• Type: Destination
• State: Tamilnadu
• Category: City