Salem Districts, Tamilnadu — Districts Guide

About Salem Districts

Salem ogg pronunciation is a city and a corporation in Salem district in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu, located in the north central part of the southernmost state of India.Almost completely surrounded by hills, Salem is also a part of the Kongu Nadu, an ancient division of Tamilakam from Sangam Tamil age encompassing the western Tamil Nadu. 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. There are also remote sites of beauty such as Kiliyur Falls.Yercaud is at an altitude of 1600 m above mean sea level.

The city is surrounded by a natural amphitheater of hills formed by the Nagaramalai to the north, the Jarugumalai to the south, the Kanjamalai to the west, and Godumalai to the east. It is divided by the Thirumanimuthar in the main division. The fort area is the oldest part of the town

The language spoken in Salem is predominantly Kongu Tamil. Salem is also home to significant number of North Indians, like Jains, Gujaratis and Marwaris who are mainly engaged in trade and business. The city has grown leaps and bounds in the last two decades, which can be observed from the official census data. Population in 1991: 499,024 & Population in 2001: 696,760. World-Gazetteer has projected the population of the city in 2009 to be 872,361 which makes the city to be the 4th largest populous city in the state However, the official figures are expected sometime in 2011.

Salem has long been established as a city of cinema theatres. It was unique in having a large number of cinema theatres at a particular place called Kitchipalayam. In 80s at the peak there was almost 28 theatres showing all kind of cinemas including Hollywood movies, Dubbed movies and old movies. But currently there are about 15 theatres there as some of them were closed and even now there are about 15 theatres functioning. Some of the famous theatres are ARRS Multiplex, BIG CINEMAS, etc, Salem is also emerging as one of the major shopping centers in the recent past. Saradha College Road and the Omalur Road have witnessed lots of growth in the shopping and retail portfolio, Kandaswarna Shopping Mall, Kandaswarna Mega Mall, Spencers, More for you, There also a good number of hotels and restaurants present in the city.

There are several Mariamman temples in Every year around July the city celebrates Mariamman festival for a fortnight. During this festival, goddess Mariamman is decorated with jewellery and flower chariots and taken around the city at midnight. On the first important day of the festival, people walk on fire (note: devotees call fire as flower) with their prayers. The second day is colourful with parades of fancy dress. Shevapet Mariamman temple car is the biggest one among the cars of Amman temples across the state. This festival is celebrated for a week. The Kottai Marriamman temple is very famous not only in Salem but throughout Tamil Nadu.

History of Salem Districts

The name Salem appears to have been derived from Sela or Shalya or Sayilam which are found in inscriptions referring to the country around the hills. Local folklore has it that the region around Salem was the birthplace of the Tamil poetess Avvaiyar[citation needed]. Inscriptions from the Ganga dynasty have been recovered from parts of the district. The city lies in the region that was once part of Kongu Nadu. Salem is well known for BAI SHOP BIRIYANI

Salem region remained under the Madurai Nayaks. Later, in the early 18th century, it came under Hyder Ali after a long feud know as the Mysore-Madurai war. Salem was then taken from Hyder Ali by Colonel Wood in the beginning of 1768. It was recaptured by Hyder ali towards the end of the year 1772. Under Lord Clive in 1799, it was again occupied by a detachment of the regiment stationed at Sankari Durg and remained a military station until 1861 when the troops were altogether withdrawn. you can still have the places like Magnum chowltry dated now Magudanchavadi.

Educational Institutions of Salem Districts

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 Districts

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 Districts

**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.travelchacha.com/cities/tamilnadu/salem.html

http://www.collegesintamilnadu.com/Tamil-Nadu-Districts/Salem-Colleges.asp

How to reach Salem Districts

**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 Districts

November to February when the weather is pleasant for travel and exploration. The district can be visited year-round, but summer (March–June) can be very hot.

Timings & opening hours

The district is accessible year-round. Government offices operate 10:00 AM–5:30 PM on weekdays. Tourist attractions within the district have their own hours.

Entry fee & tickets

There is no entry fee for the district. Individual attractions within the district may have separate charges.

Duration needed

1–2 days to cover the main towns and attractions within the district. A comprehensive visit exploring rural areas, temples, and natural sites may require 2–3 days.

Location info

Salem Districts is a district in Tamil Nadu, South India. It is located approximately 400 km from Chennai and is known for its cultural heritage, agricultural produce, or industrial significance..

Safety tips

Standard travel safety precautions apply. In rural areas, avoid travelling alone after dark. Keep vehicle maintained for long-distance travel within the district. Carry water, especially during summer months.

Things to carry

Water Bottle: Stay hydrated during your visit.
Comfortable Footwear: For walking and exploring.
Camera: Capture memorable moments.
Hat and Sunglasses: Sun protection.

Nearby visiting places

Neighbouring districts, major cities, and tourist attractions within a 50–100 km radius.

Nearest airport, railway & bus

Nearest airport: the nearest regional airport serving the district. The district has railway connectivity and a network of state highways. Regular bus services connect all major towns within the district.

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

Near Salem Districts, local restaurants and eateries serve authentic Tamil Nadu cuisine including idli, dosa, vada, sambar, and rice-based meals. Visitors can also find North Indian and Chinese options at multi-cuisine restaurants in the nearest town.

Things to do at Salem Districts

Explore the district’s towns and villages to experience authentic Tamil culture. Visit the district’s temples, historical sites, and natural attractions. Learn about local crafts, agricultural practices, and traditional industries.

Things to visit & highlights

The district’s main town or city, key temples and historical landmarks, local markets showcasing regional products, and rural areas offering a glimpse of traditional Tamil 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. The district headquarters has a government hospital with emergency services.

Nearest petrol pump

Petrol pumps are available at the district headquarters town and along major highways throughout the district.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best time to visit Salem Districts district? November to February offers the most comfortable weather for travel. Summer months (March–June) are very hot.

How can I travel within the district? Local buses connect major towns within the district. Taxis and auto-rickshaws are available in towns for local travel.

What is the local economy of Salem Districts district known for? The economy varies by district — some are known for agriculture, others for handlooms, textiles, or small-scale industries.