The name Salem is derived from word ‘SAILAM” meaning an area surrounded by Mountains. These mountains were important factor for Salem’s Industrial Development. Salem is famous for its Stainless Steel, Magnesite and handloom textiles. Kottai Mariamman Temple and Sugavaneswarar Temple are located in the heart of the town. There is a Government Museum in Salem near the District Collector’s office.

Tharamangalam : It is 27 kms from Salem. The place is famous for the Kailasanathar Temple. It has beautiful statues and stone carvings. Sculptures of different animals, Rathi-Manmatha[God of Love], Vaali-Sukriva of the epic Ramayana and Yali with rotating stone ball in its mouth, rotating lotus flower in the ceiling are some special arte facts features of the Temple found on the pillars and granite roofs. 

Mettur Dam : Also called as Stanely’s Dam is a 1700 m long dam, across the river Cauvery was constructed in the year 1934. It provides irrigation facilities for 2.75 lakh acres of farmland in parts of Salem, the length of Erode, Namakkal, Karur, Tiruchirappali and Thanjavur district. It also serves as a relaxing picnic spot situated 52 Km from Salem. A beautiful park opposite the dam with Lawns , Children Play area and children’s play equipments are an added attraction. A Hydro Electric and Thermal Power Stations are also located in this town. It is an industrial centre for Aluminum and Chemical products. The 75-foot Platinum Jubilee Tower at Mettur Dam serves as a good view tower

Visit Yercaud , 1008 Lingam Temple ,Siddhar Temple