Tamil Nadu is often overshadowed by Kerala when it comes to choosing an ideal vacation spot, but you may be surprised by what Tamil Nadu can surprise you with. This small village, Salem, is an amazing place for all kinds of trips. From family trips to honeymoon trips and solo trips, Salem is an ideal destination for all kinds of travelers. The places also hosts one of the centuries-old temples, Sugavaneswarar Temple and is an extraordinary place to do a great number of things and participate in various activities that would rejuvenate you from the sloths of monotonicity. Below are the few popular and must-experience activities that would help you to enjoy your trip to Salem in Tamil Nadu, India. The experience becomes more lively if one is well aware of the things to do in Salem, when on a trip. So, take a brief look at the few interesting things that are mentioned below.
7 Best Things To Do In Salem
So, here we are sharing a list of some of the best things to try on your trip to Salem:
- 1008 Lingam Temple: Taking A Religious Tour
- Sankagiri Fort: Visiting The Historical Site
- Yercaud: Experiencing The Best
- Trekking: At The Killiyur Falls
- Shopping: Exploring The Markets
- Paravasa Ulagam Water Theme Park: Enjoying To The Fullest
- Kurumbapatti Zoological Park: Exploring The Wildlife
1. 1008 Lingam Temple: Taking A Religious Tour
While taking a tour of Salem village, you would be blessed by the grace of 1008 Lingam Temple. People who have religious beliefs can visit this temple to get some peace and the grace of Lord Shiva. This temple is one of the most popular temples in Tamil Nadu. It is located in Ariyanoor which is about 14 km away from Salem. The temple was constructed in 2010 and is devoted to the god Lord Shiva. The reason behind its name “1008 Lingam” is that this temple has 1008 Lingams that are placed distinctively. From 1008 Lingams, 1007 Lingams surround the main temple. At the 1008th Lingam, a statue of Nandi placed. Presently, this temple is maintained by a private department named Vinayaka Mission. It is said that the Lingams of this temple sends out the wishes and hopes of the pilgrims to Lord Shiva. Nearby this temple, there is also a statue of Lord Ganesha situated at the foothills of the area. The best time to visit this temple in the winter season is from November and February.
Location: 14 km away from Salem
Entry Fee: Free of cost
Timings: 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM
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2. Sankagiri Fort: Visiting The Historical Site
Sankagiri Fort is a popular place in Salem where you can visit while taking a tour of Tamil Nadu and visiting this historical fort is one of the best things to do in Salem. It is a famous historical place which is situated at a distance of 38 km from Salem. This fort is also one of the oldest forts in India. The construction of this fort was held in the 15th century by the Vijayanagar empire. Sankagiri Fort was served as a British tax storage facility for Kongu Nadu, which comprises the districts like Salem, Erode, Coimbatore, Tiruppur, Namakkal, Dindukal, and Karur. Rulers like Tipu Sultan and Theeran Chinnamalai once ruled at this fort. Within the fort, you can see vivid pictures of British rule during the 19th century. You can see some old jewelry, guns, and relics within the fort. The ruler Theeran Chinnamali was hanged by the Britishers at this fort. There is also a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva near the fort where you can visit. This fort, nowadays, is protected by the Archaeological Survey of India. The fort is surrounded by a beautiful and scenic view which makes this destination an iconic one.
Location: 22 km from Erode and 38 km from Salem
Entry Fee: INR 10 for adults
Timings: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
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3. Yercaud: Experiencing The Best
Yercaud is one of the most popular destinations in Salem, which attracts thousands of people per year. Yercaud is a beautiful hill station, which is located at a distance of 22 km from Salem in the Shevaroys range of hills in the Eastern Ghats. The atmosphere near the hills is so pleasing and cold that it will tranquilize the tourists. From the top of this hill station, you can see an amazing view of the city covered with beautiful nature. You can enjoy the many activities on the hill like a picnic, bird watching, and walking. Here, you can find different species of beautiful birds like doves and nightingale. There are also some parks for children to enjoy. Near the hill, is the famous Killiyoor Falls where you can take a bath. Yercaud Hill station is also known as Ooty of the Poor and remains a haven for middle-class people. Near this place, you can also get hotels located on the fine view. Apart from this hill, you can also visit The Shevaroy Temple, Big Lake, Pagoda Point, and Botanical Garden.
Location: Yercaud Ghat Road, Yercaud (22 km from Salem)
Entry Fee: INR 30 per person
Timings: Open for 24 hours
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4. Trekking: At The Killiyur Falls
Killiyur Falls is another popular attraction in Salem. It comprises a perfect atmosphere, beautiful weather, and serenity. Many people visit this place because of its cool environment and scenic beauty. It is situated at a distance of 4 km from the bus station of Yercaud and is also situated at a height of 300 ft. Trekking is one of the popular activities which you can enjoy at this place which makes it one of the best places to visit in Salem for thrill-seekers. You need to walk more than 200 steps to reach Killiyur Falls. This is a family-friendly place, where you can spend some precious time to create memories and click some amazing pictures. There are many other waterfalls formed by the Yercaud Lake. If you want to enjoy the waterfalls at its best view, you should visit here in the monsoon season. You can also enjoy some interesting activities like swimming and boating at this place. At the time of trekking, you are advised to carry your foods and drinks because you would not any shops on the way. For elderly people and children, trekking may be difficult here.
Location: Kiliyur Falls, Killiyur Road, Pattipadi, Tamil Nadu
Entry Fee: Free of cost
Timings: From early morning to evening
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5. Shopping: Exploring The Markets
Salem is a very popular destination for shopping and is considered as one of the major textile areas. When you visit Salem, your journey would be incomplete without shopping. If you are visiting Salem, you must visit some of the popular shopping markets in Salem. You can find different branded showrooms like a Puma, Biba, Adidas and Levi’s at the place. Most of these showrooms are located near the Saradha College road. If you want to shop for groceries, you can visit the main area of Salem. Some of the best shopping markets and malls in Salem where you can enjoy shopping are Reliance Mall, Nirmal Skywin Mall, Kandaswarna Mega Mall, Pothys Mall, Barathi Super Market, and Salem Saravana Store. Spices, natural cosmetics, textile products, and coffee powders are some of the popular things which you can buy in Salem and hence shopping is one of the best things to do in Salem.
Location: You can spot several markets and malls within Salem
Entry Fee: Depends on what you are buying
Timings: 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM
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6. Paravasa Ulagam Water Theme Park: Enjoying To The Fullest
Image Credit: mrkt for Pixabay
Visiting the Paravasa Water Theme Park is another thing that you can enjoy while having a journey of Salem. This park is brilliantly maintained as an amusement park and is located at a distance of 16 km from Salem (National Highway 7). Paravasa Ulagam Water Park was started in the year 2004 and initially, this park occupied an area of 6 acres, but today the size of the park has increased over 15 acres. The atmosphere in the park is cold because of it of the hilly regions nearby. It is surrounded by several green trees, plants, and mountains. Here, you can take a fresh breath of nature. You can enjoy some water rides in the park-like boating. Apart from this, you can also enjoy water games like go-karting, biking and wave pool. Within the park, there is also a science park and some waterfalls. This park offers some interesting activities for those who not want to get wet. They can enjoy rides of Airlines, Jallikattu Kalai, bungee jumpy, Dizzle wheel and breakdance.
Location: Salem to Namakkal Highway, NH-7, KK Valasu, Mallur, Salem
Entry Fee: INR 750 for adults and INR 600 for children
Timings: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
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7. Kurumbapatti Zoological Park: Exploring The Wildlife
A journey to the Kurumbapatti Zoological Park will make your holiday perfect. This zoological park is situated 10 km away from Salem on the foothills of the Servarayan Hills. It has occupied an area of 11.5 hectares of reserve forest land. It is considered as a mini-zoo in Salem. It was created in the year 1981 as a small museum and later it got a form of a park. You can spot several species of animals in this park, but it is more popular for its variety of bird species. White peacock and multicolored cranes are some of the popular birds of this park. It is an ideal place for a picnic. You can visit here with your family and friends. Apart from these, you can spot many wild animals and birds running around the park-like deer and antelopes. Since it is developed in a reserve forest area, there are different exposures for wild animals and birds.
Location: Kunumbalpatti R.F, Salem
Entry Fee: INR 5 to INR 25
Timings: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
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There is no end to the things to do in Salem on a trip to Tamil Nadu. Yercaud is a hilly region, whereas Mettur Dam would bring you to the water bodies. From trekking and cycling through the trails to shopping and eating through the local markets are some of the necessary things that one can do here. Salem has a pleasant climate and the people of the village are welcoming. The tour is incomplete without getting involved in some popular activities. We have tried to mention a few important things that can be done in Salem. It is worth visiting.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Things to Do in Salem
What is Salem famous for?
Salem is a popular city which is located in the north-central part of Tamil Nadu. It is mostly famous for its silk that is why it is called “Land of Silk and Silver.” Salem is considered the 5th largest city in the state. It is also famous with the name “The Mango City.”
How to get to Salem?
To reach Salem, there are many easy ways. If you are coming by flight, the nearest airport is Salem Airport where you can get some public buses and private taxis. Other available options are either by train, or by bus.
Is it safe to visit Salem during covid times?
Yes, it is perfectly safe to visit Salem during covid times, as it has a relatively low number of covid cases. But don’t take our word for it: check up on the latest travel advisory, Covid-19 measures, and the number of cases before your departure. It is safer to undertake solo travel or with a small group of people to somewhere that is not overly crowded at the moment.
How is the weather in Salem?
Salem city is considered as a warm and temperate place. The average temperature of Salem in the winter season is 16-17 degrees Celsius and in summer it is 28-30 degrees Celsius. In Salem, it rains mostly during the winter season.
How many national parks are there in Salem?
Salem, being one of the popular cities of the state, unfortunately, does not have any national parks. But it has some popular parks like Kurumbapatti Zoological Park, Dharan Natural Stone Park and Paravasa Ulagam Water Theme Park.
Are there any trekking spots in Salem?
Yes, Salem comprises a special grace of nature with many hills and mountains. For trekking in Salem, you can visit Kiliyur Falls, which is located on Yercaud Hills. Killiyur Falls is situated at a height of 300 ft where you can reach by trekking.
What is the best time to visit Salem?
To get dry and moderate weather in Salem, you should visit from October to February. At this time, the atmosphere of Salem does not get too cold. The maximum temperature of Salem in these months goes up to 38 degrees Celsius.
What is the distance between Sankagiri Fort and Yercaud?
Generally, these famous spots come under Salem city though the distance between them is about 69.1 km. It will take almost 2 hours to reach Yercaud from Sankagiri Fort. You can use public transportation or a private cab to reach.
How many temples are there in Salem?
Tamil Nadu is very popular for having so many temples. Salem is also a part of the state and it has several temples. Some of the famous temples in Salem are 1008 Lingam Temple, Linga Bhairavi Temple, and Arulmigu Sugavaneswarar Swamy Temple.
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Exploring new places and trying out new food cuisines are two things that bring Seema all the happiness. Travel freak and a die-hard foodie are the synonyms that define her the best. Popular on social media by the name of ‘PandaReviewz’, lazing around the beaches, exploiting the sunset points, visiting the farthermost villages, exploring the renowned cities, trying out new food cuisines, and blogging about them are few things that keep Seema occupied, and happy!
