A city that blends nature and cultural heritage is Salem, a district in Tamil Nadu, South India. It is also known by various names such as Cheralam, Sailam, and Shalya. Salem is a major textile center with more than 125 spinning mills, weaving and garment units. Private handloom weaving began to surge after the 1960s while the 1980s saw the textile industry expand with major spinning mills and dying units being established. There are several attractions in and around Salem. Yercaud is a hill station situated in the Shervoroy Hills among coffee plantations and thickly forested slopes. Pyramid Point has cairns of stones and was once a Stone Age shrine before the new temple was built. Hogenakkal’s main attraction is its waterfall. Mettur boasts one of the largest dams of its kind in the world i.e. the Mettur Dam, not forgetting its park and hydroelectric power station. Kamalalayam is a prominent historical site. Sankagiri Fort is a historical fort built in the 15th century by the Vijayanagar Empire. Salem has a number of Hindu temples such as Kottai Mariamman Temple, Kottai Perumal, Skandhashram, et al. Jama Masjid is Salem's oldest mosque. Churches which dot the city include Christ Church, Lechler Memorial Church, Infant Jesus Church near Four Roads, the Calvary Assembly of God Church and Reformed Baptist Church.
Best Time to Visit Salem
The best time to visit Salem is from October to February. During these months, the temperature ranges between 13°C and 25°C. Festivals celebrated during this period including Diwali, which is celebrated in October and Pongal in January. In the summers, temperatures soar, and those who have very little tolerance for hot weather can skip traveling during this time.
Weather Of Salem
The climate is dry, except during the monsoon season. The dry summer begins in March, with the year's highest temperatures during May at 38°C. During the summer season, from March to June, temperature varies between 16°C and 30°C. Summer season is followed by the monsoon season that lasts from July to September and experiences medium to heavy rainfall. The weather becomes more temperate in June and July. The northeast monsoon occurs from September to November. January and February generally have pleasing weather with 18°C being the minimum.
How to Reach Salem?
By Air : Chennai International Airport located 24 km away from Salem.
By Rail : Salem Junction is located in Suramangalam, 5 kms west of the city. In 2005, the Railway Board approved the creation of Salem railway division from Palakkad and Tiruchirapalli divisions. It is connected to Bangalore, Chennai, Coimbatore and other cities.
By Road : Salem has six major roads which are Omalur, Cherry, Saradha College, Junction Main, Gugai Main and Attur roads. It is connected to National Highway 7, National Highway 47 and National Highway 68. The city has two major bus stations, i.e. MGR Integrated Bus Terminus in Meyyanoor and Town Bus Station (Old Bus Stand).