Salem is a city rich in history and natural wonders and with a very diverse, vibrant culture. With its high yield of mangoes, it has also earned its name as “The Mango City”. It combines ancient temples, hills, lakes, and cultural sites. 

Here’s a comprehensive list of the best 20 things to do in the city of Salem:

Yercaud

Yercaud is located approximately 22 km from Salem and is a beautiful hill station in the Shevaroy Hills. It is popular for its cool climate and coffee estates. Yercaud Lake, Lady’s Seat, and Kiliyur Falls are some of the popular sites here. It is an ideal place for a weekend holiday and has splendid outlooks, especially sunrises and sunsets.

1008 Lingam Temple

One of the most renowned places and famous templesis ‘the 1008 Lingam Temple’ for spiritual events. This temple contains thousands of eight small Shiva Lingams with an equal number of Nandis. The lingam at the main temple with other small linga around it is indeed beautiful to the worshippers and critics. This place is also suitable for peace lovers since it is very quiet and calm creating a serene atmosphere for thoughtful parts.

Mookaneri Lake

Another famous spot in Salem for tourists is Mookaneri Lake, popular among nature lovers and bird watchers, especially in summer. This constructed lake, with a spread of 58 acres, is suitable for an early morning walk or a slow ride in a boat. This is a good place for remembering especially in the morning when sun rays are falling on the lakeis.

Kottai Mariamman Temple

Kottai Mariamman Temple is a Hindu temple which is devoted to the goddess Mariamman. This temple is famous for the Mariamman festival celebrated every year drawing in thousands of pilgrims. The temple is famous for its architecture and history.

ISKCON Temple

One ISKCON temple in Salem is a stunning temple that happily welcomes devotees from around the vicinity. Sanctified in the name of Lord Krishna, the temple stands remarkable in its peaceful atmosphere, accompanying numerous devotees for meditations and prayers. Festivals like Janmashtami are celebrated grandly here.

Sugavaneshwarar Temple

This ancient Shiva temple has a rich history associated with the sage Sugha Brahmarishi. Inside the temple is quite fascinating and consists of very beautiful and elaborate Dravidian sculptures. This won’t be a letdown to those who intend to take a trip to the religious sites of Tamil Nadu.

Kailasanathar Temple, Tharamangalam

The temple is located approximately 27 km from Salem and is famous for its exotic sculptures and architecture. Though the temple was made using ceremonial stones and wooden beams constructed in a circular manner adorned with magnificent pillars and carvings of mythological events, it’s enchanting. 

Jama Masjid

Jama masjid is the most ancient mosque in Salem and thus depicts the cosmopolitan character of the city. The mosque is undisturbed and allows simple elegance throughout the design. In the local region of the Muslim community, it is a useful place of prayer as well as showing the coexistence of many religions in the area.

Kurumbapatti Zoological Park

Kurumbapatti Zoological Park is about 11 km from the center of Salem city. It possesses many species of animals like deer, crocodiles, birds, etc. The park which is located in the area close to the foothills of Yercaud Hills is a perfect excursion for kids and families who want to indulge in the beauty of nature and animals.

Salem Government Museum

This impressive collection is filled with a lot of historical and cultural artifacts. This museum contains ancient Sculptures, Pottery, Coins, and Historical documents relating to the state of Salem. Additionally, there are also exhibits of the natural history of the region including the plants and animals.

Sankagiri Fort

The ancient Sankagiri Fort, located around 35 km from the city of Salem, is one of the reminders of the glory of the past in the region. Numerous sovereigns, especially Tipu Sultan and the British made use of this fortress as a military camp. The fort commands fantastic views over the surrounding landscape, and its remains are interesting for those who want to learn more about the history of the Salem region.

Pagoda Point

Pagoda Point in Yercaud offers beautiful views of the Salem skyline and the hills in the vicinity. It is easy to relax, recline, and appreciate the scenic splendor. The place is popular during the evenings as the view of the sunset is beautiful with the sky being filled with colors.

Kiliyur Falls

Kiliyur Falls is about 300 feet high and has a waterfall that is a short distance from Yercaud. It is an intermittent waterfall, visit it when it is full after the rainy season. The hike to the falls is thrilling and therefore it is a favorite place for nature lovers and trekkers.

Kandhaswamy Kovil

Kandhaswamy Kovil, its hillocks feature the temple to sculptor Lord Murugan. There is a peaceful atmosphere and all development has been excluding the views. Outside the festival of Thaipusam the temple area begins to fill up with devotees and special rituals are undertaken.

Paravasa Ulagam

Paravasa Ulagam an amusement and water theme park is mostly kids and family-friendly. Paravasa Ulagam is cushioned at a distance of around 16 km from Salem and has many rides, swimming pools, and fun games. It is also an ideal place to visit during summer as it is an adventure-packed destination.

Kannankurichi Aiyyanar Temple

Situated on the outskirts of Salem, surrounded by a calm milieu is the Aiyyanar Temple well known for its peaceful and artistic environment. The temple is devoted to Lord Aiyyanar, one of the Gods in Tamil culture. The calm environment also makes it a good place for religious excursions.

Kolli Hills

Kolli Hills may be a little farther away still it is quite worth the visit for the people looking for a little adventure and nature. Placed some 90 km from Salem, this hill station is known for its thrilling hairpin corners, beautiful viewpoints, Agaya Gangai Waterfalls, etc. It is a famous destination for trekking and hiking as well as tourism in nature.

Mettur Dam

Mettur dam is one of the biggest dams in Tamil Nadu located on the river Cauvery at 52km distance from Salem. The dam is an ideal place for outgoings with beautiful hilly regions and a reservoir view. Apart from that, it has a clean botanical garden park that is ideal for a family day out.

Anna Park

Anna Park is located in the center of the town with its lush lawns dotted with trees, colorful flowers, and children’s play facilities. Its location is superb for morning walks, jogging, or simply sitting back and enjoying the flora. There’s also a small lake, where people can go boating.

Thiruvagoundanur Anjaneyar Temple

This is an ancient temple dedicated to Hanuman and is one of the famous temples visited by many people in Salem. Many people believe that the temple is quite powerful and come to offer their prayers to seek blessings for health and wealth which are granted here. The calm environment and beautifully folded temple add more to the beauty of the place.