Salem may be the fifth largest city in Tamil Nadu in terms of its area but is largest when it comes to breathtaking natural beauty and tranquil holy shrines. There are several famous Hindu temples – Kottai Mariamman Temple, Sugavaneshwarar Temple, International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), to name a few. The city also houses several noteworthy mosques and churches.
Located in the Salem district, the city is also surrounded by metropolises at a very short distance – Bangalore, in Karnataka is only 186 km away while Coimbatore, another major city in Tamil Nadu is located 160 km away. Salem is located 340 km away from the capital, Chennai.
Places to Visit
Oothumalai Hill
The Oothumalai Hill consists of a cluster of Hindu temples. It is famous for its calm, peaceful atmosphere. The various temples on this hill amplify the religious significance of this tourist attraction. Oothumalai Hill is known to attract devotees and tourists in large numbers.
Sri Balasubramanian Temple is one of the important temples located on Oothumalai Hill. It is dedicated to Lord Murugan and is well known for its unique portrayal of the Lord. Among the other major attractions on this Hill are, the Shiva Temple with intricate engravings of Gods and Goddesses on the rocks, the Vishnu temple that is also known as the Sathyanarayana Temple – it is of great importance as it is one of the few Vishnu temples in this region. You can view the entire city of Salem from the top of Oothumalai Hill.
Government Museum
The Government Museum of Salem is home to several archaeological artefacts and historical objects, belonging to the same region. It is an old museum and is situated just two kilometres from the city centre. It is also equipped with a library and occasionally organises lectures and events. Tour guides can help to organise School visits for children.The Salem Museum is a significant historical attraction and was constructed in 1979. This Museum houses a rare collection of various sculptures and intricate artefacts. It exhibits the glory of the Salem region in its full bloom. The gracefully carved stone sculptures are in praise of the kings of earlier centuries. The Government Museum of Salem is a must-visit destination for those interested in history and anthropology. Moreover, there are archaeological, numismatics, zoological and geological items among others. The Museum is often used for educational purposes and is an exciting place to take children. It holds educational films and lectures at regular intervals. The services of a pet tourist guide can also be requested.The government museum of Salem operates from 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM every day. It is closed on Fridays, second Saturdays, and public holidays. The entry for the Government Museum of Salem is Rs.5 for Indians and Rs.2 for Indian students. Foreign nationals have to pay an entry fee of Rs.50. The fee is rupees 25 for international students. There is, however, no entry fee on Monday.The best time to visit the Government Museum of Salem is a Sunday. Tourists are, however, advised that the facilities can get quite crowded.It would take about 15 minutes to reach the Government Museum of Salem on a bike or buy a car. Travellers can easily find an auto rickshaw to take them to the museum from the city centre.
Pravasa Ulagam
Paravasa Ulagam is a water theme park that is located on National Highway No. 7, at a distance of 16 km from Salem. It is nestled amid a cold, hilly region surrounded by lush green trees on all sides. Paravasa Ulagam offers a wide range of activities like water games, video games, wave pool, go-karting, science park and waterfalls, curating an exciting water adventure for all its visitors.
Paravasa Ulagam was started on a mere 6 acres of land and was opened to the public in 2004. Over the years, it has grown in capacity and has added many attractions. It is now spread over 15 acres of land with plans of future expansions. It is a must-visit as the water park offers a respite from the scorching city heat and helps one relax.
Kurumbapatti Zoological Park
The Kurumbapatti Zoological Park is filled with different species of animals but is more famous for its varied bird species like the white peacock and multicoloured cranes. There are new animals constantly being added to this enclosure. The Kurumbapatti Zoological Park is spread over 11.5 hectares of reserve forest land, and it is located at the foot of the Shervaroyan Hills of the Eastern Ghats.
The Park was developed at the cost of Rs. 10 Cr. There are separate enclosures for rare species of birds and animals and a children’s playground as well. The entire area has a refreshing forest feel and is an ideal picnic spot for families or groups. Children, especially, enjoy running around and spotting all the exotic species of animals and birds. Since the Kurumbapatti Zoological Park was built into a forest area, it has several natural enclosures for the wild animals. Specific regions that enclose the spotted deers and antelopes are very spacious. The zoo also encloses several watering holes. The entire enclosure gives one the experience of viewing the animals and birds in their natural habitat.
1008 Lingam Temple
Located in Ariyanoor, about 14 km away from Salem, 1008 Lingam is one of the most famous temples of the city. Devoted to Lord Shiva, the temple has 1008 Lingams placed in a way which 1007 Lingams surround the main one. The 1008th Lingam is the one with the statue of Nandi (a holy cow) placed in the front. The temple was constructed in 2010 and is managed by a private department under the Vinayaka Mission.
Kalangi Siddhar Temple
The Kalangi Siddhar Temple of Salem is one of the 18 Tamil Siddha temples. It is well-known for the medicinal herbs that are believed to cure a wide array of ailments. Pilgrims visit the temple regularly to attend the various pujas and also to take a dip in the holy streams surrounding it. There are several perennial wells, small reservoirs and tiny waterfalls present around the Kalangi Siddhar temple. The water that flows from these places is believed to have curative powers.
Kalipatti Kandaswamy Temple
The Kandaswamy Temple, which is also known as Kalipatti, is a Murugan temple. It is one of the richest temples in the Salem district. The temple was built in the 18th century and is devoted to Lord Murugan. The Pazhani Kavundar founded the Kalipatti Kandaswamy Temple. It was built in the 18th century by Katteri Lakshmana Kavundar. ‘Karun Sambal’ is derived from a snake’s poison and is used as an antidote to treat the devotees that visit the temple. The Kandaswamy temple is decorated with chariots that are known as Chithra Ther and Vinayaka Ther. In the event of festivals, the chariots are pulled around the temple. During the Thaipusam Festival in January, a cattle fair is held at the temple. This is considered the most significant cattle fair in the country.
Mookaneri Lake
The picturesque Mookaneri lake is spread over 58 acres. It is a significant water body in Salem City and also a popular tourist attraction. The Lake boasts of facilities like a park and seating arrangements which have boosted its spot as a tourist attraction. The Mookaneri Lake was initially a 39-acre water body by the Public Works Department. It was resurrected in 2010 by the Salem Citizens Forum using 87 lakhs under the public initiative.
It is now an abode to a varied species of birds and flora. There are several other facilities like a park, seating arrangements for visitors, a parking lot for vehicles among all else. Families frequent the lake in the morning and evening hours to spend their time pleasantly without burning a hole in the pocket. There is a natural auditorium also set up in the Lake’s premises. Local fisherman and enthusiasts try their hand at fishing, especially during weekends. The abundance of water present in Mookaneri Lake has also significantly improved the groundwater levels of the surrounding areas.
Jama Masjid
The historic Jama Masjid stands tall in the heart of Salem. It is the oldest mosque in Salem. The 135 feet tall minaret is located on 1.5 acres of land. It is believed to be one of the tallest structures built in South India during its time. The Mysore ruler, Tipu Sultan, is supposed to have built it. Despite the rich cultural history and astounding architecture, Jama Masjid emanates a peaceful and calm vibe into its vicinity.
Jama Masjid of any town or city refers to the chief mosque of that place. It is where the Muslim worshippers gather to offer their prayers, especially on Fridays and during Ramzan, Bakrid and other festivals. These mosques are often referred to as Friday mosques or congregational mosques. Fridays are packed with ardent worshippers. The prayer hall of this grand structure is on elevated ground. It is decorated with elaborate granite pillars. The Jama Masjid skillfully flaunts the intricate jali work and floral ornamentation. The ruler of Mysore, Tipu Sultan, is believed to have built the Jama Masjid in Salem around 300 years ago. It is also thought that he would offer prayers here regularly. He also carries the reputation of having laid its first brick.
Kottai Mariamman Temple
The Kottai Mariamman Temple is located on the banks of river Tirumanimutthar. It is regarded as one of the oldest pilgrimage centres of the city of Salem. The presiding deity at this temple is Goddess Kottai Mariamman. Pilgrims travel from near and distant places to seek blessings at this temple and to soak up the calm and quietness.
Must Try Food in Salem
1. North Indian Restaurant Tandooriwala
2. South Indian Restaurant Sri Saravana Bhavan’s Aasai Dosa
3. Tangerine The World Kitchen
4. Hotel Lakshmi Prakash
5. Chettinad Restaurant Selvi Mess
6. South Indian Restaurant Hotel Sree Anandha Bhavan
7. Chinese Restaurant The Cascade
8. Sri Parasakthi South Indian Restaurant
9. Saravana Parottas Indian Restaurant
10. Palmyra Restaurant
How To Get Here
By Air
Salem Airport is located in Kaamalpuram on NH7 (Salem to Bangalore), 15 kilometres from the central city. Several domestic, regional flight services connect other cities to Salem. Trujet Airlines started their services from Salem to Chennai in March 2018. Air Odisha connects Bangalore and Pondicherry to Salem and was started in June 2018. Other major airports nearby are Tiruchirappalli Airport ( about 152 km away) and Coimbatore Airport (about 148 km away).
By Road
Three main highways connect Salem – NH 44 (from Srinagar to Kanyakumari), NH 79 (from Salem to Ulundurpet), and NH 544 (from Salem to Kochi). There are two major bus stations in the city, one in Meyyanoor called MGR Bus Terminus and the other, Old Bus Stand (Town Bus Station). Several private buses stop in Salem. Intercity and interstate buses run from Central Bus Stand while local buses start from Old Bus Stand.
By Train
Salem Junction is located in the western part of the city in Suramangalam. Lokmanya Tt Express from Mumbai, Nizamuddin Express from Delhi, Kongu Express from Kongu, and Shatabdi Express from Chennai are few major trains running on this route. Salem Junction is also noted to be the cleanest railway station in the south railway division.