Best Places to Visit in Salem – Temples, Hills & Historical Sites

1. Kalangi Siddhar Temple 

In case you have any slight knowledge about the saints of Tamil Nadu or the religious affiliated to the state then it would or should not come as a surprise that there are 18 Tamil Siddha temples. The good thing about all these temples is that they are all located in Salem. One of these temples is the Kalangi Siddhartha Temple. This is not just a temple it is holy as well and looks very beautiful too.

This temple has water channels of small streams and water bodies around the place. These complement the beauty and the square of the planned facades, hence the beauty of the temple. These streams contain water which has the ability to reduce the troubles of a person; if you bathe in it then it can reduce or eradicate various of your troubles. This place has daily puja services and you can join them at any time you wish to be a part of it.

• Location: Kanja Malai is an eminent city in the southern part of India located in both the states of Chennai and Salem.

• Entry fee: None

• Timing: It’s even better, the temple is open for special puja on both new moon and full moon days. In addition to that, the operation of the temple runs from as early as 6 am in the morning to as late as 8 pm in the evening. However, the doors are shut from 1:00pm to 4:00pm.

2. Mookaneri Lake

It is considered one of the most beautiful lakes that one can find in the whole of this state of Tamil Nadu. To the city of Salem it is a privilege to be the habitat of such as water body. This lake is occupant in a total area of 58 acres. It was earlier spread in 39 hectares but it has been reconstructed in the year 2012 where a lot of amount was incurred for same.

This picaresque location is a breeding ground for birds and a number of plant species. There is a great opportunity for those who visit this place to get the best of nature. Interestingly, the lake is located in the vicinity of a residential area. Therefore, there are many families arriving here when the evening comes then in the morning as well. You can also get some other term as a picnic point. Okay, there is also some good arrangement of the parking and seating area over there. Therefore, if you visit it, you will not have such challenges.

• Location: Kannankurichi Main Road, Kannankurichi

• Entry fee: None

• Timings: 24 hours

3. Government Museum 

The first thing that we will want to say about this museum is that every time you visit this place there is much to observe. There are many objects in this museum associated with some history of the place. On that note, many students can be often observed visiting the place during their educational tours. As a history and anthropology freak as well as an art lover, I would recommend this place very much.

• Location: Fairlands, No. 2, Balaji Nagar Layout, Sarada College Road

• Entry fee: For Indians: INR 5 for the museum, INR 2 for Indian students, INR 25 for foreign students and INR 50 for foreign tourists.

• Timings: They operate from 9:30 in the morning up to 6:00 in the evening except on Mondays and the second Saturday of the month.

4. Oothumalai Hill

This place has the largest number of temples located in Oothumalai Hill. Apart from that, such place is famous for the fact that it will give you calmness and quietness you’ve always needed. It is due to the presence of many number of temples all at a single place that devotees and worshippers get pulled towards this place. Here itself exists the extremely famous temple of Shri Balasubramaniam where lord Murugan is apt to be prayed.

In addition, there is also a Shiva temple on the hill and this place also attracts a large number of visitors. On the rocks’ surface, there are engravings of not only the Lord Shiva but also of other Gods. One should not miss this hill as it is one of the most visited tourist destination in salem. This is actually one among the most preferred tourist attractions to visit in Salem especially during the entire extended month of October.

• Location: Seelanaickenpatti Bypass Road

• Entry fee: None

• Timings: 24 hours

5. 1008 Lingam Temple 

Lingam Temple is the sacred temple that is worshiped Lord Shiva and it is one of the most fascinating tourism destination for tourists in South India. In all there are thousand and seven Lingas and out of these they have installed 1007 Lingas around a very big Linga. This gigantic Linga is of Nandi, the cow. When you are inside the temple you will want to turn into an angel and soar high into the heavens. This huge idol of Lord Ganesha is there on the entrance of the house. The moment one enters the temple, there is a big statue of the main god Sri Umayambigai Sametha Sri Arunachala Sundareswara.

After seeing such beauty at the idol, one will not be able to move for a while. Not only the temple is beautiful only inside, but the surrounding of this temple is very beautiful too. It seems to be located at the back of Sankagiri Mountains and it enhances the aesthetic value of the area. This is the destination if you are the type of traveller who wishes to discover best places to visit in Salem.

• Location: Salem district is the Srinagar – Kanyakumari Highway that is located in Ariyanur village of the Salem district of Tamil Nadu state in India.

• Entry fee: None

• Timings: Operating time which ranges between 7:30 am and 12: 30 pm with breaks ranging from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

6. Kalipatti Kandaswamy Temple

This is one of the richest and first temple of Kalipatti Kandaswamy Temple situated in this area. This battle was fought during the eighteenth century. There is one more type of the antidote which is made of snake’s poison and you can purchase it in this place. The vaccine is called Karun Sambal and they treat those asterisms or devotees who come here. There are two chariots one is Chitra Ther and another one is Vinayaka Ther in the temple. that in the temple there is this famous cattle fair of the world which takes place in January. At that time both these Chariots are f obviously moved all round the temple. It is under Thaipusam Festival that cattle fair is normally conducted.

• Location: Its location is in Tiruchengode – Salem Main Rd, Kalipatti, Tamil Nadu 637 503.

• Entry fee: None

• Timings: 6:00 am to 7:30 pm

7. Kurumbapatti Zoological Park 

If you are a wildlife enthusiast than you are in for a treat when you set your eyes on this place. This zoological park has many kinds of animals but specifically it is famous for the kinds of birds that it has. The recommended products in the bird section are white peacock and beautiful looking cranes. The complex occupies the total area of 11.5 hectares. The authorities continue to introduce many species in the park. There are also private areas for different types of species and in categories as well.

They have their own playing ground for children and so one can say that it is indeed a place to visit with the family. The ease and freshness inside is sharp and reminds of the forest with many plants around. The only positive aspect of this place is that the authorities have attempted to amuse you without greatly incepting the animals’ surroundings.

• Location: Kunumbalpatti R.F, Salem, Tamil Nadu 636008

• Entry fee: The fee shall be INR 10 for adults and INR 5 for per child

• Timings: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm

8. Sankagiri Fort

Sankagiri Fort is one of the most popular historical places to visit in Salem which is located 10 km.away from the city. This archeological site is located on the Sankari hills and is estimated to be about forty feet above sea level. Belonging to the 10 compound walls, five temples, two mosques and six platforms, the fort is one of the Salem tourist attraction points that you ought to visit.

One can get to see a number of archeological finds at this fort such as arms, pistols, gems, and some other belongings of Tipu Sultan and Theeran Chinnamalai. If you want to explore more tourist destination near Salem, you have the Sankagiri Fort and on your way there is the St. Antony’s Church.

• Location: Palayam Village, Sankari Post, Salem Tamilnadu 637 301

• Entry fee: INR 25

• Timings: 8:00 AM -6:00 PM

9. Jama Masjid

The Jama Masjid is one of the must visit tourist spot in Salem and the most important religious place of worship in Salem. It was constructed more than 300 years before and is one of the oldest mosque structures in the country of India. This mosque built on the banks of river Thirumanimuthu is a piece of sheer beauty and has many stories untouched hidden beneath the arches and domes of it that you will be amazed to know on your visit. Constructed by Tipu Sultan this temple accustoms one of the 108 black Shiva Lingas of Salem city.

• Location: V Market Road, I Agraharam, Salem – 36, Tamil Nadu, India

• Entry fee: Nil

• Timings: 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM

10. Kiliyur Falls

The Kiliyur Falls also known as an amazing site to visit in Salem and is at a distance of 3 km from the city. One of the most refreshing wonders in the city is this waterfall that is situated high with approximately 300 feet before pouring its water into a big basin. This waterfall is located in the Servaroyan hill range of Eastern Ghats in Tamil Nadu therefore surrounded by a thick green forest and the most calming environment. For instance, it is popular for water activities such as boating and swimming which are some of the best things one can do in salem.

• Location: Killiyur Road, Pattipadi, Tamil Nadu 636601

• Entry fee: Nil

• Timings: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM

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