Tourist Places in Salem - Unknown Treasure

About Salem 

If you are interested to spend your holidays in a calm and cool place, you can come to Salem. The Famous Tamil Poet – Avvaiyar’s birth place is Salem. Being the central part of Tamil Nadu, it is famous for stainless steel. Tamil Nadu’s fourth largest city is Salem.

Surrounded by hills, Salem is also a part of the Kongu Nadu (Coimbatore and Erode) region 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.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

During the month of July, Mariamman festival is celebrated in Salem for 15 days. Here lot of Mariamman (Hindu Goddess) temples are attracts large number of tourists. This is the best period to visit here.

The amusement Park - Anna Park is the favorite place for many kids. Yercaud hills is near to Salem. The climate in Yercaud is between 13o C and 30o C. The thick forest slopes are suitable for trekking. You can enjoy the smell of coffee and orange in the hills.

Nature

Yercaud Hills (Salem's Ooty)

 

 Yercaud is one of the most well known hill stations of Tamil Nadu, at a distance of 22 km from the city of Salem. These hills form a part of the Servarayan Range in the Eastern Ghats and are situated at an altitude of 1515 m(4,920 feet) above sea level. The area of these hills is also popular for coffee plantations and orange groves, along with an orchidarium, which is run by the Botanical Survey of India. The highest point at these hills is the site of the Servarayan Temple, due to which, these hills are also sometimes referred to as Shevaroy Hills. It is also home to the Murugar group of temples. The place also has a nearby lake, which is famous as a boating site, and also for its gardens.

The town gets its name from the lake located at its center - in Tamil 'Yeri' means 'lake' and 'Kaadu' means 'forest'.The highest point in Yercaud is the Servarayan temple, which is situated at a height of 5326 feet. Hence the Yercaud hill area is called Shevaroy Hills.

Kiliyur Falls  

The Kiliyur Falls is another popular attraction of Salem, situated 3 km away from the city. These falls drop from a height of 300 ft and are famous for its activities like boating and swimming.

 Kurumbapatti Zoological Park   

                   

Kurumpapatti Zoological Park is a small zoological park situated at a distance of 6 km from the city of Salem. This park is mainly known for its bird species, like the white peacock and small multicolour cranes.

Kolli Hills

Situated in Tamil Nadu, Kolli Hills rises 1300 m into the sky. It takes 72 pen bends to climb to the highest peak of this place. But the one’s you should go sight-seeing for would be Sekkuparai and Selur Nadu. They are at the moment being promoted as touristic places and that’s why this is your chance to explore the unexplored. Ever heard of hybrid pineapples? Well this place has pineapple research farm which breeds a variety of never seen before pineapples.

Kolli Hills not being of any use to adventure lovers is not really true. It has now been discovered by the trekkers, hikers and spiritual seekers. The government is going full guns and has already started giving this place a face lift. If the idea of being at an untouched Eastern Ghats excites you then Kolli Hills are definitely worth checking out. If you want to experience this offbeat destination at its best then come here during the monsoons or post-monsoons.. These mountains were sometimes known as 'Kolli Malai', the 'Mountains of Death'. The reason is because early literature records the existence of an image called Kollippavai on top of these hills. This image was believed to represent the spirit of a maiden who lured wayfarers by her beauty and then killed them. The mountain is a site of pilgrimage, because of the Arapaleeswarar temple, which is believed to have a secret path to the Shiva temple in Rasipuram.

Agaya Gangai Water Falls

Agaya Gangai (Tamil: ஆகாய கங்கை) waterfalls is located in Kolli Hills of the Eastern Ghats. Panchanathi, a jungle stream cascades down as the Agaya Gangai (En:Ganges of Sky), near the Arapaleeswarar temple atop the Kolli Hills in Namakkal district, Tamil Nadu. It is 300 ft waterfall of the river Aiyaru situated close to Arapaleeswarar temple. It is located in a valley that is surrounded by mountains on all sides.

Hogenakkal Falls

Hogenakkal is a place in Dharmapuri, where the Cauvery River enters Tamil Nadu. It is regarded as the chief picnic spot in Dharmapuri. This most beautiful place in the state of Tamil Nadu is full of picturesque scenes.
At this point in Hogenakkal, the broad stream of the river Kaveri gets forked. It forms an island from where one stream continues and plunges into a deep gorge to create a lovely waterfall. The spray of this waterfall raises clouds of droplets, which looks like a smoke, hence this place is known as Hogenakkal (Hoge means smoke and Kal means rock) i, e, smoking rock.

The Kaveri River flows in a particular narrow gorge so narrow that it could be easily leapt by a goat. Therefore, that place in Hogenakkal is called Meka Dhattu (Goat`s leap). Taking a bath in this fall is considered good for health as the water of Cauvery flows through a herbal forest before it reaches Hogenakkal. So, numerous people come here everyday to have bath in river.

The parisal is a round basket like boats, which are availed by the visitors to feel the thrill of adventure in the river here in Hogenakkal. It is a perfect holiday spot and one can take the best of it by taking long walks and treks.  

Poiman Karadu

Poiman Karadu is situated on the Salem- Namakkal National Highway, 9 km away from the city of Salem. The main feature of this place is that, from a particular spot, specifically a cave between rocks on the nearby hills, this place is visible like a deer with two horns. 

Mettur Dam

Mettur, meaning 'town with crests and troughs', obtained its name owing to the undulating rocky naure of the land that makes the town an ideal place for the DAM on Cauvery river the life line of north and central Tamil Nadu. Stanley Reservoir. The Mettur Dam is a large dam and oldest dam in India built in 1934.It was constructed in a gorge, where the River Kaveri enters the plains. It provides irrigation facilities to other district farm land.Built at a length of 1700 meters,the mettur hydro electrical power projects station is there.Sorrounded with the hills makes Mettur as a tourist attraction. The upstream of the dam is Hognekkal fall.

Panamarathupatti Lake

This is a Natural Lake situtated near a Village called Panamarathupatti. Situated very near to the suburbs of Salem City. This lake is used to meet the water needs in some parts of southern suburbs of Salem City, and as well as for the agricultural lands around the lake. The total area covered by this lake is around 500acres. Tourists are attracted by the scenic feautres of the lake. This lake is even called as Vedanthangal of Salem District, as the lake attracts many birds during the season.

PanamarathuPatti has fequent bus services from Salem Old bus Stand. A drive will also be a good idea. It takes around 20-30 minutes to reach this place from Salem City. A deviation from Namakkal road-NH7 takes to Panamarathupatti. 

Poolampatty water place (Salem's Kerala)

The daily boat ride across River Cauvery in picturesque Poolampatti in Salem district throws safety to the winds. In Salem we have a nice place Called Poolampatti which is nearly 40 km away from Salem city. Every one in Salem please Visit it once.Boat ride Poolampatti to Nerunjipettai in erode.

Aanai Maduvu Dam & Muttal Lake

Total height of 67.25 feet.Lot of people used to visit here for aadi-18 (ஆடி 18). Nice trekking place is there behind this damn, goes thru forest and then goes up in the hill. It used to be a popular place before the computer and internet age!

Pachaimalai Hills, Attur

 Pachimalai Hills are a part of the Eastern Ghats in the southern state of India,Tamil Nadu. The hills are spread over the districts of Tiruchirapalli, Salem and Perambalur. Pachai in Tamil means green and the Pachimalai hills is greener than the some of the hills located nearby. The rivers flowing through the hills are Kallar and Sweata Nadi. The Veeraramar Dam is located in the hills across the Kallar River. The waterfalls in the hills include Mangalam Aruvi, Koraiyar Falls and Mayil Uthu Falls. The most cultivated fruit in the hills is jackfruit. 

There are many native tribes inhabiting the hills. The hills are spread over the towns of Thuraiyur, Esanai, Perambalur, Gangavalli, Thammampatti, Arumbavur,Malayalappatti, Thedavur and Uppiliapuram. 

Mythulu Falls

Myluthu falls is located on the foot hills of Pachamalai, Tamil Nadu, a place of scenic beauty. Approximately 15 km away from Perambalur (district Perambalur) by road to Thuraiyur. 

A dense forest region, best for trekking and other adventurous activities. A natural stream, suited for swimming. There is also a waterfall, high up in the hills called Akaya Gangai. It is perceived to have high medicinal values as it flows across plethora of herbs with medicinal values.

Kalrayan Hills 

Kalrayan Hills having tourist attraction like Megam Falls and Periyar Falls Gomukhi Dam at the Kalrayan foot hills.The Kalrayan Hills (கல்வராயன் மலை) are a major range of hills situated in the Eastern Ghats of the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Along with the Pachaimalai, Javadi, and Shevaroy hills, they separate the Kaveri River basin to the south from the Palar River basin to the north.^[2] The hills range in height from 2000 feet to 3000 feet and extend over an area of 1095 square kilometres.^[1]

The hills straddle a number of Tamil Nadu districts, extending northeast from the Salem District. The range serves as a boundary between the Salem and Villupuram districts.The Kalrayans are divided into two sections — the northern section, referred to as the Chinna ("little") Kalrayans, and the southern section, called the Periya ("big") Kalrayans. The Chinna Kalrayans average 2700 feet in height, while the Periya Kalrayans average 4000 feet.

The range as a whole is fairly smooth, with soil well-suited for plant growth. Scrub jungles reach up to 400 metres in altitude, while deciduous forests can be found between above 800 metres. Sholas, a type of high-altitude stunted evergreen forest, can be found growing on isolated plateaus. Though the forest stand is growing, due to "habitat uniqueness, human impacts and cultural tradition," conservation efforts are needed.

Attur Karumandurai Kariya koil dam 

This is a capital of the kalrayan hills. this is the big village panchayth. here suituated in primary school, higher secondary school,primary health cente, police station, regulated market, giant orchard for fruit(near 1 Km. here farmers are grown all english vegetable. the main crop of this hill is rain fed tapioca. Total height of dam is 52 feet.

Temples

Tharamangalam Temple     

The town of Tharamangalam is situated at a distance of 27 km from the city of Salem. The main feature of this town is the Kailasanathar Temple, which is known for its architectural beauty that consists of very detailed statues and stone carvings, along with a rotating lotus flower in its ceiling.

Kottai Mariamman Temple                     

The Kottai Mariamman Temple is one of the oldest pilgrimage centres of Salem City and is situated in the heart of the city and on the banks of River Tirumanimuthar. The presiding deity of his temple is Goddess Kottai Mariamman. The most popular feature of this temple is its Shevapet Mariamman Temple Car Festival, which is held at this temple every year, between the months of July and August and lasts for a week.

Sugavaneshwarar Temple                     

The Sugavaneshwarar Temple, situated near the old bus stand of Salem, is one of the important pilgrimage sites of Salem. It was constructed during the 13th century AD, by Mamannan Sundara Pondiyan. According to a legend, Sage Sugha Brahmarishi worshipped and performed penance at this place. Arunagirinadhar also sung a song on Lord Muruga, at this temple. The interiors of this temple contain several historical monuments and a statuette of its main deity.

Arulmigi Alagirinathar Temple                     

The Arulmigi Alagirinathar Temple, also known as Thirukoil Kottai Perumal or Kottai Perumal Koil, is situated in the heart of Salem City. This temple was constructed many centuries ago and its main features are its ancient sculptures. Vaikunta Ekadasi is the main festival celebrated at this temple, during which, the place is flocked by a large number of devotees. Some of the other festivals celebrated here throughout the year include Brahmotsavam, Pavithrotsavam, Navarathri and Puratasi.

The Aandaal Thirukalyanam is another special occasion at this temple, during which, a special garland is brought from Sri Villi Puttur, to honour the deity. There are two more important temples nearby that are dedicated to Azhagiri Perumal and Mariamman. In 1854, these deities were moved to the Karapura Nathar Kovil, when the Perumal Temple fell into ruins. They were brought back when this temple was rebuilt in 1865.

EllaiPedari Amman Temple                     

The EllaiPedari Amman Temple is situated near the Government Arts and Science College in Maravaneri, Salem. It is mainly popular for its week long festival that is celebrated between the months of March and April. The main custom of this festival is walking on fire.

Ayodhyapattanam                     

The Ayodhyapattanam is a suburban town, situated at a distance of 10 km from the city of Salem. The name of the town is derived from Ayodhya, which was the birthplace of Lord Rama. Lord Rama is said to have stayed here on his journey to Sri Lanka, at the end of his war with the demon king, Ravana. The surroundings of this temple also comprise a Vishnu Temple, with Kodandaramar as its main deity. A weekly market is also held here, which was established by the Taluka Board in 1895.

Kandhasramam                       

Kandhasramam is a temple complex situated at a distance of 5 km from the city of Salem. It lies in the extreme northern end of the Jarugu Malai Mountain, on the banks of a stream called Kannimar Odai. This complex was constructed between the years 1970 and 1971, by Santhanandha Brahmendra Sarasvathi Adhyavadhutha Swamy. There are three main deities of this temple, namely Murugan, worshipped as Skandha Guru; Lakshmi, worshipped as Ashtabuja Mahalakshmi; and Parvati, worshipped as Durga Parameshvari.

Kandhaswamy Kovil                     

The Kandhaswamy Kovil Temple, also known as Kalipatti, is a Murugan Temple and one of the richest temples in the Salem District. This temple was founded by Pazhani Kavundar and built by Katteri Lakshmana Kavundar, in the 18th century. Devotees that come to the place are cured by ‘karum sambal’, which is derived from the poison of a snake and is believed to act as an antidote.

1008 Lingam Temple                     

1008 Lingam Temple is another popular temple of Salem. This temple is located in Ariyanoor and is under the control of a private department of the Vinayaga Mission. The main feature of this temple is the presence of 1008 Shiva Lingams, with Nandi in the ‘moolasthanam’.

Sidhar Koil (10 km) 
En route to Elampillai, the place is associated with Siddhar saints and attracts devotes in large number.

Paravasa Ulagam Water Theme Park                     

The Paravasa Ulagam Water Theme Park is situated at 16 km from the city of Salem, near Mallur on the National Highway 7. This water park comprises a green and calm environment, complimented by water games, go-karting, biking, a wave pool, video games, a science park and water falls.

Dream land , Neikkarapatti, salem

Sathya Narayana Sithar Beedam                      

Sri Sathya Narayana Temple is situated 6 km from the city of Salem, at the hilltop of Oothumalai Hill. This temple shares its features with the Swami Muruga Temple.

Siddhar Temple                     

Kalangi Siddhar Temple is one of the 18 Tamil Siddha temples and is situated at the foot of Kanja Malai. Several perennial wells, small reservoirs and waterfalls are present around this temple; and it is said that the water of these wells have curative powers. On new moon and full moon days, special pujas are also held at this temple.

Jama Masjid (built by Tipu Sultan)                    

Jama Masjid is the oldest mosque of Salem, situated on the southern banks of River Thirumanimuthu. This mosque is said to have been built by the Mysore ruler, Tipu Sultan, who is also considered to have offered prayers at this mosque. This mosque was also given Masjid Inam by the British Government, in the year 1862.

Tiruchengodu

The famous Ardhanareeswarar (see Ardhanarishvara) hill temple (one of the 64 manifestations of Lord Shiva, representing the unity of Shiva and Parvati) is situated in Tiruchengode. This is an ancient temple mentioned in the Tamil work Silapathikaram as Neduvelkunru. It is also famous for Chenkottu Velavar (Lord Muruga) Temple, which is situated in the same hill.

Attur Fort 

300 years old fort

Sankakiri Fort                     

The Sankakiri Fort is one of the historical attractions of Salem, situated 30 km away from the city. This fort is located on the Sankakiri Hills, at a height of 40 ft. This fort has 10 compound walls, 5 temples, 2 mosques and 6 platforms. The significant items present at this fort include the weapons, pistols and jewels of some of the well known rulers of this region, Tipu Sultan and Theeran Chinnamalai. The St. Antony’s Church is located on the way to the Sankakiri Fort

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Sankari Durg
This place is popular for Someswar temple, which attracts lots of devotees. There is a boulder similar to one at Maladi hills, which is about 40ft. high and almost equally broad. A well known cement factory is also there since limestone is enormously found here.

Belur Temple

This place is 25 kms away from Salem on the banks of river Vashistanadhi. The white rock north of Belur is said to represent the ashes of the Yagam (Sacrificial fire) performed by Vashista.

Namakkal  Hanuman Temple

50 kms south of Salem is the town of Namakkal famous for its Vishnu temple, the fort and the massive Hanuman. The town lies at the foot of the rock, 200 mts. high and ½ mile in circumference. There is a fort on the rock. There are 2 rock cut cave temples dedicated to Narasimhaswamy and Ranganathaswamy. The huge Hanuman statue is carved out of a single stone.