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
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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
.
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.
THANKS TO DR.DEEPAK MUNIRAJ.....
