Salem is also known as the Mango city in Tamilnadu, India. It’s also famous for Sago, Bauxite, Lorry Body building, Hand loom weaving and Steel Plants. The name ‘Salem’ appears to have been derived from Sela or Shalya by which the term refers to the country around the hills, as in the inscriptions. Local tradition claims Salem as the birth place of Tamil poetess Avvaiyar. The town is surrounded by an amphitheatre of hills, the Nagarmalai in the north, the Jeragamalai in the south, the Kanjanamalai on the west and Godumalai on the east. It is divided by the Thirumanimuthar in the main division.
Jama Masjid: The oldest mosque in Salem situated on the southern bank of the Thirumanimuthu Aru in the heart of the city. It was reportedly built by the Mysore ruler, Thippu Sulthan, who is said to have offered prayers here. The Masjid Inam granted to this mosque was confirmed by the British in 1862.By a special resolution in 1880.Ph:0427 – 2267227
Kailasanathar Kovil: A Siva temple, perhaps the most beautiful of its kind in Salem District. Parts of it existed as early as the tenth century: as it stands now, it is the product of the Gatti Mudhali dynasty of the seventeenth century. Reconstruction and elaboration of the old temple was begun by Mummudi, continued by Siyazhi, and was brought near completion by Vanangamudi. This west facing temple is enclosed by a massive stone wall measuring 306’ by 164’ reportedly built in the thirteenth century. The main entrance tower (5 storeys 90’ high) is conceived as a chariot on wheels, drawn by elephants and horses. Twice a year, during August – September and February-March for three days in succession, the race of the evening, Sun shine through the entrance tower, the portico, and enters the sanctum sanctorum and falls on the deity, an anionic stone. The consort of Kailasanathar is Sivakami.
Killiyur Falls: This 90 feet high water falls is situated amidst picturesque surrounding.
Muniappan (or) Aiyanar Temple: Muniappan (or) Aiyanar Statue is situated near the Dam Park near the river.
Pagoda Point: Pagoda point or Pyramid Point named after the ancient pyramidal cairns found ere. Around the ridges of the crest are four cairns stones resembling temple towers (Pagodas). In the centre of the open space is a shrine dedicated to two anionic stones held sacred by the local Malaiyalis.
Mettur Dam :One of the largest of its kind in the world. It was completed in 1934.The total length of the dam is 1700 meters. The Mettur Hydro Electrical power project is also quite large. The dam, the park, the major Hydro Electric Power stations and hills on all sides make Mettur a good tourist attraction. Ph: 04298 – 242200
Sankakiri Fort: The Sankakiri Fort is one of the important historic places in Salem District. This fort has been constructed on the hill of Sankakiri. This fort has ten compound walls having individual name for that. Inside of this fort, there are 6 platforms and 5 Temple, 2 Mosques. The Weapons, Pistol and Jewels used by the emperor Tipu Sultan, Theeran Chinnamalai were found there. On the way to Sankakiri Fort we can see one Christian Church in the name of St.Antony.
Tharamangalam Temple: A historically and commercially important town 30 k.m from Salem. It is renowned for the beautiful Kailasanathar temple. Legendarily, the goddess Sivakami was given away to Siva in a Thaarai ritual. Another source for the name is the belief that there was a forest of tharuka trees in the area.
The Bear’s Cave: It is situated near the Northern Bungalow on the way to Servarayan temple. It is an important tourist spot.
The Grange: The castle like building built by the then Collector of Salem, M.r M.D.Cockburn who first introduced coffee from Arabia and Apples and other fruits from South Africa between 1820 A.D. and 1829 AD. In Yercaud is said to have played an important role in the revolt of 1958 A.D.
The Montford School: The Montford School and the Sacred Heart Convent are the two famous educational institutions at Yercaud imparting education to boys and girls respectively. The Montford school is named after the founder Saint Louis Merie Grigmon de Montford. A fair number of students came from foreign countries. Ph: 04281 – 222228.
The Retreat: Started in 1945 by the Brothers of Don Bosco. This institution serves as a Novitiate House where students of the religious order stay and study.
The Servarayan Kaveri Amman Temple: A Malaiyalai tribal temple dedicated to Lord Servarayan also known as Ramaswamy. It is located in a narrow and dark cave on the tallest peak (5.342) on the Servarayan mountain. The annual festival held in May is very popular and attracts thousands of Malayali pilgrims. The mouth of the cave is built up like a Hindu shrine. The God Servarayan and Goddess Kaveri representing the Servarai Hills and Kaveri River respectively are seated in the temple.
Uthumalai: Uthumalai is situated 6 K.M from Salem. Viewing Salem from this point is pleasant memory.
Yercaud :It is one of the lovely Hill Stations in Salem district. The cool and pleasant climate attracts tourists throughout the year. Boating in the Yercaud Lake is enchanting and refreshing. The Anna park nearby is a good picnic spot. Another place of interest is the ‘’Lady’s seat’’. It provides a breath taking view of the winding Ghat roads.