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Salem pronunciation (help·info) is a city and a Municipal Corporation in Salem district in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu.
Salem, which is also called Mango city, is located in the North Central
part of the state, about 340 kilometres (211 mi) southwest of the state
capital, Chennai. Salem is the fifth biggest city in Tamil Nadu in terms of population after Chennai, Coimbatore, Madurai, and Tiruchirappalli[1] respectively. The area of the city is 100 km2 (39 sq mi). It is the fifth Municipal Corporation and Urban agglomeration
commissioned in Tamil Nadu after Chennai (year 1919), Madurai (1971),
Coimbatore (1981), and Tiruchirappalli (1994) respectively. Salem
Corporation consists of 60 wards categorized under 4 Zonal Offices,
namely Suramangalam Zonal, Hasthampatty Zonal, Ammapet Zonal, and
Kondalampatty Zonal.
Salem is a part of Western Tamil Nadu (Kongu Nadu) and is located at the base of the popular tourist destination of the Yercaud hills.
Salem later became part of the Western Ganga Dynasty . With the Southern invasion of Tamil Nadu by the Vijayanagar empire, it came under the Madurai Nayaks. Later, it was ruled by Gatti Mudalis Poligars who built some temples and forts in and around the city. In the early 18th century, after a long feud known as the Mysore-Madurai war, it came under the rule of Hyder Ali . Subsequently, Salem was taken from Hyder Ali by Colonel Wood at the beginning of 1768. It was recaptured by Hyder Ali towards the end of the year 1772. Under Lord Clive in 1799, it was again occupied by a detachment of the regiment stationed at Sankagiri Durg and remained a military station until 1861 when the troops were withdrawn.
One can find places like Mac Donald's Choultry renamed now as Magudanchavadi. During the times of Dheeran Chinnamalai, places like Salem and Sankagiri were the scene of battle between Kongu forces and British allied forces. The legendary Kongu chieftain Theeran Chinnamalai was hanged infamously in the Sankagiri fort on Aadi Perukku day which later became the army headquarters of the British.
Salem is located at
The city of Salem is surrounded by hills on all sides viz. Nagaramalai to the north, Jarugumalai to the south, Kanjamalai to the west, Godumalai to the east and the Shevaroy Hills to the north east. The Kariyaperumal Hill is situated within the city to the southwest. The Thirumanimuthar river flows through the city, dividing it into 2 parts. The fort area is the oldest part of the town.[4] Salem local planning area extends up to 100 km2 (39 sq mi) within the city.
Salem in general is characterised with scanty rainfall and a dry climate. Salem has moderate-dry weather throughout except during the monsoon season. Generally the first two months of the year are pleasant, but in March, the mercury gains an upward trend which persists till the end of May. The highest temperature is normally recorded during May. The scanty showers during this period do not provide any relief from the oppressive heat. There is a light improvement in the climate during June–July period. During this pre-monsoon period, the mercury reverses its trend and by August, the sky gets overcast heavily but the rains are meagre. the north-east monsoon sets in vigorously only during September–November and by December, the rains disappear rendering the climate clear but pleasant.
In present day politics, the AIADMK has mostly had an upper hand in the city. The Present MP of Salem is S. Semmalai from (AIADMK).[7] Former agriculture minister Veerapandy S. Arumugam of (DMK) and Tamil Nadu Congress Committee president K. V. Thangkabalu also hail from Salem.
Salem city is administrated by Salem City Municipal Corporation, which consists of 60 Wards.[12]
It also serves as the headquarters of the district with the same name
(Salem District). The city has one Member of Parliament constituency.
The city is headed by a Mayor, the Deputy Mayor and several councilors representing the administrative wards; as well as a corporation Commissioner of the rank of IAS to administer the city. The district is headed by the District Collector of the rank of IAS. The District court is the highest court of appeal in Salem. The city's police force is headed by a City Police Commissioner.
The Salem Municipality which was first constituted in 1866, was upgraded from selection grade Municipality to special grade Municipality with effect from 1 April 1979 and later to City Municipal Corporation on 1 April 1994.[12]
As per the 2011 census results, Salem UA has a population of
919,150. City Population grew from 696,760 in 2001 to 831,038 in 2011.[13]
As of the 2001 Indian Census[14] the Salem Urban Agglomeration had a total population of 751,438, encompassing the town of Salem (696,760), Kondalampatti (16,808), Kannankurichi (14,994), Neykkarappatti (9,869), Mallamooppampatti (6,783) and Dalavaipatti (6,224). The population in 1991 was 499,024.
Males constitute 51% of the population and females 49%. Salem has an average literacy rate of 84% which is higher than the national average of 64.5%; male literacy is 88%, and female literacy is 78%. 9% of the population is under 6 years of age in Salem.
The Population is predominantly Hindu, and there are sizeable numbers of Christians and Muslims. Sikhs and Jains are also present in smaller numbers. The language spoken in Salem is predominantly the Kongu Tamil dialect of Tamil. Salem also has a significant number of Sourashtra Telugu and Kannada speaking people spread throughout the district. Salem is said to have the largest Kannadiga population in Tamil Nadu. There is also a sprinkling of Malayalees and North Indians in Salem.
Silk and cotton fabrics from Salem are sold throughout Tamil Nadu and are a big buy. The Indian Institute of Handloom Technology, the second of its kind in India, is found here. Salem is one of the chief producers of customary silver anklets, which are a rage with the women-folk here. The Leigh Bazaar market is known for selling agricultural produce and is usually abounding with visitors and shoppers. Fabric exporting has been the oldest business in Salem, going back to the 30s. Salem has always been known for exporting fabrics and clothes and is still consistently doing so.
There is an exclusive Electrical and Electronics Industrial Estate in the Suramangalam area of Salem town.[21] Coimbatore-Erode-Salem stretch was well known for Industries and Textile processings and it is announced as Coimbatore-Salem Industrial Corridor and further development works are carried by SIPCOT Linking Scheme.
A very big mall called Greenfields is being built by Reliance Industries and is expected to be opened at the end of this year. The northern part of Salem also has many famous shopping complexes like Maruthi Plaza, Ramani's Shopping Plaza, Pookoodai Shopping Complex, V V Shopping Plaza,Kandaswarna Shopping Mall, Chamundi Super Market and Santham Super Market.
In recent times, a number of branded showrooms have come up in Salem, mainly in Saradha College Road and Omalur Road. Some of them are Adidas, Reebok, Nike, Puma, Lee, Pepe Jeans, Levi's, Basics, John Players etc.
There are two major bus stations in Salem-
The nearest major airports are at Tiruchchirapalli (135 km) and Coimbatore (159 km).
In recent times, multiplexes also have come up. Salem's first multiplex is the ARRS Multiplex which is near New Bus Stand and is popular among young families and youth. BIG Cinemas, a large Indian theatre group owned by Reliance, also has a significant presence in Salem, running theatres like KS, Keerthana & Ramana and Kailash & Prakash, and providing a world class movie watching experience.[31]
This article appears to be written like an advertisement. Please help improve it by rewriting promotional content from a neutral point of view and removing any inappropriate external links. (March 2012) |
For other uses, see Salem.
Salem சேலம் |
|
---|---|
— City — | |
Salem NH7 bye-pass flyover from Oothumalai | |
Nickname(s): மாம்பழ நகர், மலை சூழ் நகரம் | |
Coordinates: 11°39′N 78°10′E / 11.65°N 78.16°E / 11.65; 78.16Coordinates: 11°39′N 78°10′E / 11.65°N 78.16°E / 11.65; 78.16 | |
Country | India |
State | Tamil Nadu |
District | Salem |
Government | |
• Mayor | S. Soundappan (AIADMK) |
Area | |
• City | 124 km2 (48 sq mi) |
Elevation | 278 m (912 ft) |
Population (2011) | |
• City | 831,038 |
• Density | 8,036/km2 (20,810/sq mi) |
• Metro | 919,150 |
Languages | |
• Official | Tamil |
Time zone | IST (UTC+5:30) |
PIN | 636xxx |
Telephone code | 0427 |
Vehicle registration | TN-30 and TN-54 |
Website | www.salemcorporation.gov.in |
Salem is a part of Western Tamil Nadu (Kongu Nadu) and is located at the base of the popular tourist destination of the Yercaud hills.
Contents[hide] |
[edit] Early history
The name Salem appears to have been derived from Cheralam(Chera Nilam- Chera Dynasty) or hai or Shalya or Sayilam or Sailam which are found in inscriptions referring to the country around the hills. Salem and the hilly region around it were part of the Chera and The city was ruled by Kings who were known as the Kurunila Mannargal of ancient Tamil Nadu. Inscriptions from the Ganga dynasty have been recovered from parts of the district.Salem later became part of the Western Ganga Dynasty . With the Southern invasion of Tamil Nadu by the Vijayanagar empire, it came under the Madurai Nayaks. Later, it was ruled by Gatti Mudalis Poligars who built some temples and forts in and around the city. In the early 18th century, after a long feud known as the Mysore-Madurai war, it came under the rule of Hyder Ali . Subsequently, Salem was taken from Hyder Ali by Colonel Wood at the beginning of 1768. It was recaptured by Hyder Ali towards the end of the year 1772. Under Lord Clive in 1799, it was again occupied by a detachment of the regiment stationed at Sankagiri Durg and remained a military station until 1861 when the troops were withdrawn.
One can find places like Mac Donald's Choultry renamed now as Magudanchavadi. During the times of Dheeran Chinnamalai, places like Salem and Sankagiri were the scene of battle between Kongu forces and British allied forces. The legendary Kongu chieftain Theeran Chinnamalai was hanged infamously in the Sankagiri fort on Aadi Perukku day which later became the army headquarters of the British.
[edit] Geography and climate
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WikiMiniAtlas
11°40′10″N 78°08′27″E / 11.669437°N 78.140865°E / 11.669437; 78.140865.[3] The average elevation is 278 m (912 ft).The city of Salem is surrounded by hills on all sides viz. Nagaramalai to the north, Jarugumalai to the south, Kanjamalai to the west, Godumalai to the east and the Shevaroy Hills to the north east. The Kariyaperumal Hill is situated within the city to the southwest. The Thirumanimuthar river flows through the city, dividing it into 2 parts. The fort area is the oldest part of the town.[4] Salem local planning area extends up to 100 km2 (39 sq mi) within the city.
Salem in general is characterised with scanty rainfall and a dry climate. Salem has moderate-dry weather throughout except during the monsoon season. Generally the first two months of the year are pleasant, but in March, the mercury gains an upward trend which persists till the end of May. The highest temperature is normally recorded during May. The scanty showers during this period do not provide any relief from the oppressive heat. There is a light improvement in the climate during June–July period. During this pre-monsoon period, the mercury reverses its trend and by August, the sky gets overcast heavily but the rains are meagre. the north-east monsoon sets in vigorously only during September–November and by December, the rains disappear rendering the climate clear but pleasant.
[edit] Direction Compass
Mettur | Omalur, Dharmapuri, Krishnagiri | Shevaroy Hills (Yercaud), Harur, Tirupattur | ||
Tharamangalam, Edappadi | Vazhapadi, Attur | |||
Salem City | ||||
Sankagiri, Tiruchengode, Erode | Namakkal, Karur | Rasipuram, Kolli Hills |
[edit] Politics
Salem city has 4 constituencies viz. Salem North, Salem South, Salem West and Veerapandi.[5] An MP constituency also had been created in the name of Salem containing Salem city, Omalur, Edappadi taluks of Salem district.[6]In present day politics, the AIADMK has mostly had an upper hand in the city. The Present MP of Salem is S. Semmalai from (AIADMK).[7] Former agriculture minister Veerapandy S. Arumugam of (DMK) and Tamil Nadu Congress Committee president K. V. Thangkabalu also hail from Salem.
[edit] Civic Administration
Main article: Salem City Municipal Corporation
Mayor | S. Soundappan |
Deputy Mayor | M. Natesan |
Corporation Commissioner | M. Ashokan[9] |
Collector | K. Maharabhushanam[10] |
Commissioner of Police | K.C. Mahali[11] |
The city is headed by a Mayor, the Deputy Mayor and several councilors representing the administrative wards; as well as a corporation Commissioner of the rank of IAS to administer the city. The district is headed by the District Collector of the rank of IAS. The District court is the highest court of appeal in Salem. The city's police force is headed by a City Police Commissioner.
The Salem Municipality which was first constituted in 1866, was upgraded from selection grade Municipality to special grade Municipality with effect from 1 April 1979 and later to City Municipal Corporation on 1 April 1994.[12]
[edit] Demographics
[show]Historical population | ||
---|---|---|
Year | Pop. | ±% |
1871 | 50,012 | — |
1881 | 50,667 | +1.3% |
1891 | 67,710 | +33.6% |
1901 | 70,621 | +4.3% |
1911 | 59,153 | −16.2% |
1921 | 52,244 | −11.7% |
1931 | 102,179 | +95.6% |
1941 | 129,702 | +26.9% |
1951 | 203,052 | +56.6% |
1961 | 249,145 | +22.7% |
1971 | — | |
1981 | — | |
1991 | 366,712 | — |
2001 | 696,760 | +90.0% |
2011 | 831,038 | +19.3% |
As of the 2001 Indian Census[14] the Salem Urban Agglomeration had a total population of 751,438, encompassing the town of Salem (696,760), Kondalampatti (16,808), Kannankurichi (14,994), Neykkarappatti (9,869), Mallamooppampatti (6,783) and Dalavaipatti (6,224). The population in 1991 was 499,024.
Males constitute 51% of the population and females 49%. Salem has an average literacy rate of 84% which is higher than the national average of 64.5%; male literacy is 88%, and female literacy is 78%. 9% of the population is under 6 years of age in Salem.
The Population is predominantly Hindu, and there are sizeable numbers of Christians and Muslims. Sikhs and Jains are also present in smaller numbers. The language spoken in Salem is predominantly the Kongu Tamil dialect of Tamil. Salem also has a significant number of Sourashtra Telugu and Kannada speaking people spread throughout the district. Salem is said to have the largest Kannadiga population in Tamil Nadu. There is also a sprinkling of Malayalees and North Indians in Salem.
[edit] Economy
Salem is one of the major producers of traditional silver anklets, which are popular among women.[15] It boasts large textile,steel,automotive, poultry and sago industries.[16] Salem also has one of the largest magnesite deposits in India. Companies like Dalmia and TANMAG have mines here.[17] The Leigh Bazaar market is a large regional market for agro products.Silk and cotton fabrics from Salem are sold throughout Tamil Nadu and are a big buy. The Indian Institute of Handloom Technology, the second of its kind in India, is found here. Salem is one of the chief producers of customary silver anklets, which are a rage with the women-folk here. The Leigh Bazaar market is known for selling agricultural produce and is usually abounding with visitors and shoppers. Fabric exporting has been the oldest business in Salem, going back to the 30s. Salem has always been known for exporting fabrics and clothes and is still consistently doing so.
[edit] Special Economic Zones (SEZ)
Being one of the fastest growing tier II cities, the Tamil Nadu government and ELCOT are planning to establish an IT park in Salem covering about 160 acres (0.65 km2).[18][19] SAIL is planning a Steel SEZ inside the Salem Steel plant covering about 250 acres (1.0 km2)[20]There is an exclusive Electrical and Electronics Industrial Estate in the Suramangalam area of Salem town.[21] Coimbatore-Erode-Salem stretch was well known for Industries and Textile processings and it is announced as Coimbatore-Salem Industrial Corridor and further development works are carried by SIPCOT Linking Scheme.
[edit] Tourism
[edit] Religious Places
[edit] Temples
Many Well Known temples located in Vicnity of Salem City. This City is a must visit for all Hindus. In the western region of Tamil Nadu, Salem is the only Place where Famous temples of Popular Hindu Gods such as Ganesha, Shakthi, Vishnu, Shiva lie within the Main Town. In other cities of Western region such as Coimbatore and Erode, one has to go different parts of the City to visit all temples for popular Gods.- Shevapet Mariamman Temple- Its temple car festival is the largest of all the cars of Amman temples across the state. This festival is celebrated for a week.
- Kottai Marriamman Temple- It is famous not only in Salem but throughout Tamil Nadu. It is located near the Old Bus Stand. Kottai Marrimman is known as Malarmari. During pre British period she is supposed to be guardian deity of Salem fort. The main Raja Gopuram is of seven tiers. We find pillars with beautiful carvings. There are about eight Mariamman temples; around Salem, out of which Kottai Mari Amman is eldest deity.
- Gugai Mariamman & Kaliamman TempleGugai Mariamman temple is situated in center of Gugai area. It contains Mariamman, Kaliamman and Murugan temples. Every year in Aadi month that is in August first to second week this temples celebrate its festival. Main event is Pookundam and Vandi Vedikkai. Vandi vedikkai is celebrated for last one century, it is very famous in near by Salem area. At this time of this celebration over 10000 people engaged there.
- Sowdeswari Amman Temple There are many Sowdeswari temples situated in Gugai and Karungalpatty area. Festivals are conducted by Hindu Kannada Devanga people for every year in any one area in Gugai on January 14th.
- Ellai Pedari Amman Temple- Located in Maravaneri, near the Government Arts College. This temple is located on the mark to road side which have its own history. Generally, temple festival starts between March - April every year.
- Sri Rajaganapathi Koil The temple is about 2 km distance from bus stand and it is nearer to Sukvaneswarar Temple, Salem Town. The temple is about 400 years old. Raja Ganapathy temple is in busy street, the temple is one of the popular temples of Salem City. Temple is small one but noted for its glory. Ganesha in the sanctum is of medium size and every day he is seen with Raja Alankaram, hence the deity is known as Raja Ganapthy.
- Kottai Perumal Koil- The temple is near Salem bus stand. It is on the banks of River Manimuttharu. Main Deity of this temple is Arulmigu Azhagiri Nadhar seen in standing posture. His consort known as Sundaravalli Thayar is seen in Yoga Padmasan. There is a separate sanctum for Sri Adi Venugoplan. There is a Dwajasthambam, and Garudazwar seen in front of the main sanctum. Sundaravalli Thayar. Other deities like Chakkrathazwar, Santhana Gopalan, Hanuman and Nagar are seen in temple premises. The temple was built centuries ago and has some beautiful sculptures. Vaikunta Ekadasi is the most famous festival in the temple, and on that day, lakhs of devotees visit the temple. In this temple, other festivals such as Brahmotsavam, Pavithrotsavam, Navarathri, and Puratasi are celebrated. Thousands of devotees throng the temple during these days. Aandaal Thirukalyanam is a famous utsavam in the temple for which a special garland is brought from Sri Villi Puttur (Soodi kodutha sudar malai). Ph: 0427-2221577.
- Sugavaneshwarar temple[22]- This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Mythology records that sage Sugha Brahmarishi worshiped the lord here. Arunagirinadhar has sung a song on Lord Muruga in Sugavaneshwarar temple. It was constructed during 13th Century by Mamannan Sundara Pandiyan. Main Deity is Lord Siva in Lingam form known a Sukavaneswarar and his consort known as Sri Swarnambikai Amman. In this temple, Lingam portion is little slanting and there is a cut on the top of Lingam. Swarnambikai Amman in standing posture is seen in separate sanctum. Sukahabrahma Rishi worshiped Lord Siva of this place in the form of a parrot and he was blessed hence, Lord Siva is known as Sukavaneswarar here. There is a metal urchava Vigraham of Sukavaneswarar in the main temple of Lord Siva near Natarajar. Other deities seen in the temple are Irrattai Vinaykar, in separate sanctum. Purana says Ovvayaar worshiped Vinayakar of this temple and left for Kailayam. We see Ovular idol in the sanctum.
- Sri Baktha Varaprasadha Anjaneyar, Ashram[23]
- Oothumalai- This is a temple for Lord Murugan at Seelanaickenpatti, 1 km far from Dadagapatty.
- Kumaragiri- It is a small temple for Lord Muruga.[24] It is situated 5 km from Salem city.
- Sri Vyasaraja Mutt - Sosale- A branch of Sri Vyasaraja Mutt - Sosale, is located in the First Agraharam of Salem. It was founded by the great Madhwa saint Sri Vyasaraja in the 15th century A.D. The mutt has one of the 732 hanuman idols installed by Sri Vyasaraya.
- Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama- It is located in Hasthampatti in north Salem. is located in Salem. The foundation for this Ashrama was laid by Swami Nirmalananda, a direct disciple of Sri Ramakrishna in 1919.
- ISKCON- A relatively new ISKCON ashram is also present at Salem.
- Devi Mayamma Ashram- An ashram containing the Jeeva Samadhi of great female avadhuta, Devi Mayamma.
- Sarguru Appa Paithiyam Swami Temple- A temple deticated to Sarguru Appa Paithiyam Swami.
- Tharamangalam Kailasnathar Temple- A Siva temple, perhaps the most beautiful of its kind in Salem District. Every year on February 21, and the following 3 days, a great solar and architectural wonder can be seen in the temple. At sunset, the rays of the sun travel down through the Gopura at the temple's entrance gate, and through a small hole in the end, and travels across the front plane to fall directly onto the statue of Siva. The movement of the sun beam can be witnessed as it progresses across the front of the temple, making the lingam appear to glow. A temple tank (about (180' x 180') is one of the finest of its kind in South India. Thirty Six Nandhi Sculptures (2' high) of black stone sit at intervals on top of the parapet wall whose inside holds 365 lamp niches. This is the holy place where lord Maha Vishnu gave her sister Sivakami Sundari as a gift to Kailasanathar (He gave by pouring water in the hands of Kailasanathar – (Tharai Varthar) So this place is known as Tharamangalam. Ph: 04290-252150.
- Skandasramam- Off the Attur Road (NH 68), 10 km from Salem City, near Udayapatti, is Skandasramam, located on a hillock, which is famous for the temples dedicated to Goddess Ashtadasa Bhuja Mahalakshmi and Lord Murugan.[25] A temple complex, constructed between the years 1970 and 1971 by Santhanandha Brahmendhra Sarasvathi Adhyavadhutha Swamy. It is situated on the extreme northern end of the Jarugu Malai mountain on the banks of stream called Kannimar Odai and is dedicated to three deities: Murugan as Skandha Guru, Lakshmi as Ashtabuja Mahalakshmi (Eighteen Armed Great Lakshmi) and parvathi as Dhurga Paramesvari.
- Sri Kodandapani Ramar Temple[26]
- Sidhar Koil- About 10 km from Salem city towards Elampillai.[27] Locals throng this temple every new moon day to offer prayers and to bathe in the nearby stream believed to have medicinal values.
- Ayothyapattinam Sri Kodandapaniramar Temple- The naming of this village may possibly have roots in the local Jain Buddhist traditions, not just the Hindu epic, Ramayana. It contains a beautiful Vishnu temple dedicated to Kothandaramar. The town includes the railway station, Ayodhya-pattanam, on the Salem-Atthur line. The place derived the name as it is said to have the foot prints of Lord Sri Rama. Every pillar is an outstanding example of temple architecture and produces a unique music note when tapped.
[edit] Mosques
- Jama Masjid - The oldest mosque in Salem, situated on the southern bank of the Thirumanimuthu Aru in the heart of the city. It was reportedly built by the Mysore ruler, Tippu Sulthan, who is said to have offered prayers here. The Masjid Inam granted to this mosque was confirmed by the British in 1862. By a special resolution in 1880.
- Meltheru and Keeltheru Mosques in Fort Area. There is a famous Arabic college located near Tamil Nadu Magnesite, Salem, offering world-class Arabic studies to the students.
- Al-Amin Masjid is in Mohammed pura, near old market. This mosque serves its purpose in Mohammed pura.
[edit] Churches
- Infant Jesus Church is situated at Four Roads, Salem.
- The Church at Anayampatti is situated at Gangavalli,Salem.
- The Calvary Assembly of God Church is situated at Bangalore high way, Mamangam, Salem.
[edit] Parks and Recreation
- Kurumbapatti Zoological Park- This is one small zoological park with natural beautiful surround. The Park is filled with different type of animals. Now, from the Chennai, Vandalur Anna Zoological Park two white Peacocks, some small Cranes are brought to this park. More animals are soon to be added to Park.[28]
- Anna Park (near four roads)- Anna Park is an entertainment centre focused on children.
- Paravasa Ulagam Water Theme park - It is located at a distance of about 16 km from Salem city near Mallur on the NH-7 Trichy Main Road in the midst of cool hilly region surrounded by green trees in a calm atmosphere. Some of exciting water games, Wave Pool, Activity Pool, Rain Dance, Karting & Biking, Baby Fun Toys, Video Games, Science Park, Waterfalls, mist world and Jallikattu.
- Panamarathupatti Lake- This is a Natural Lake situated 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 features 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.
[edit] Shopping
The traditional shopping areas of Salem are located in the Town area. They are Bazaar Street, Car Street, 1st and 2nd Agraharams and Chinna Kadai Street. There are many famous shops here, such as ARRS Silks, Sri Bhavani Stores, Home Foods, ANS Jewellery, AVR Kumbakonam Silver Shop,Thangamayil Jewellery Madurai, etc. Salem's flower market is located in Chinna Kadai Street. Shevapet and Fort area are famous for hardware and furniture products. Leigh Bazaar in Shevapet is the main wholesale market dealing with commodities in Salem.A very big mall called Greenfields is being built by Reliance Industries and is expected to be opened at the end of this year. The northern part of Salem also has many famous shopping complexes like Maruthi Plaza, Ramani's Shopping Plaza, Pookoodai Shopping Complex, V V Shopping Plaza,Kandaswarna Shopping Mall, Chamundi Super Market and Santham Super Market.
In recent times, a number of branded showrooms have come up in Salem, mainly in Saradha College Road and Omalur Road. Some of them are Adidas, Reebok, Nike, Puma, Lee, Pepe Jeans, Levi's, Basics, John Players etc.
[edit] Excursions
- Yercaud (29 km)
- Mettur (52 km)
- Namakkal (53 km)
- Rasipuram(26 km)
- Sankagiri (37 km)
- Tiruchengode (42 km)
- Kolli Hills (100 km)
[edit] Transport
[edit] National Highways
Three important National Highways pass through or originate from Salem:[29]- NH 7 (North-South) - Originates at Varanasi and terminates at Kanniyakumari. Passes via Salem.
- NH 47 (Southwest) - Originates at Kondalampatti in the outskirts of Salem and proceeds towards Kanniyakumari via Coimbatore, Palakkad, Thrissur, Ernakulam and Thiruvananthapuram.
- NH 68 (East) - Originates at Seelanaickenpatti in the southern end of Salem and goes via Attur, Talaivasal, Chinnasalem and Kallakurichi to meet NH 45 (South Trunk Road) at Ulundurpettai. This is the preferred route used to travel from Salem to Chennai.
[edit] Road
Salem is the headquarters of the TNSTC Division 1, Salem (SLM-DIV-I) and Division 2, Dharmapuri (SLM-DIV-II). Salem is connected to all important Cities and Towns in Tamil Nadu. Salem has the maximum number of buses plying to Bangalore, Hyderabad and Tirupati in Tamil Nadu only after Chennai.There are two major bus stations in Salem-
- MGR Integrated Bus Terminus (New Bus Stand)- It is located in the Swarnapuri locality in the northern part of Salem. All mofussil, intercity and interstate routes originate from here.
- Town Bus Station (Old Bus Stand)- It is the located in the Town Area in the heart of Salem. Town Buses originate from here to various destinations in Salem district.
[edit] Rail
Main article: Salem Junction
Salem Junction Railway station is located in the suburb of Suramangalam, 5 km to the west of Salem. Salem is a divisional headquarters in the Southern Railway which was carved out of the existing Palakkad and Tiruchchirapalli divisions in the year 2007.[30] Salem Junction
is a very important railway station in the Southern Railway. Salem is
connected by rail to all important cities and towns in the rest of the
country. The station is well connected by buses to other parts of the
city around the clock.[edit] Air
Salem has an airport, which is located on Salem-Bangalore Highway (NH-7) in a place called Kaamalapuram near Omalur, which is about 20 km from the city. Though the Airports Authority of India (AAI) had spruced up the airport and made it ready for operation in 1993, airlines did not show interest to fly fearing low patronage. Kingfisher Airlines did provide a service from Chennai, but terminated the service in 2012 owing to its financial problems. In recent times however, SpiceJet has shown some interest in staring flights to Salem.The nearest major airports are at Tiruchchirapalli (135 km) and Coimbatore (159 km).
[edit] Media and entertainment
[edit] Newspapers
All major Tamil newspapers like Dina Thanthi, Dinakaran, Dina Malar, Dinamani, Malai Malar etc., are published from Salem. A popular Tamil daily, Kalaikathir, has its head office in Salem. English newspapers read in Salem are The Hindu (Tiruchchirapalli Edition), The New Indian Express (Coimbatore Edition) and The Times of India (Coimbatore Edition).[edit] Radio
All India Radio (Yercaud), FM Rainbow (Kodaikanal), Suriyan FM (Coimbatore), Radio Mirchi (Coimbatore) etc. are a few FM Broadcasting stations popular among people in Salem. They play exclusively Tamil music.[edit] Television
In addition to popular satellite Tamil TV Channels, many local TV Channels such as Thanigavel TV, Nila TV, Polimer Channel, CTN, Maruthi TV, Krishna TV, Raajam TV,nila TV,King channel,thendral TV,AARA TV,SUPER TV,PCC channel,etc. are also popular among people in Salem.[edit] Cinemas
Salem was once said to have the largest number of cinema theatres in Tamil Nadu, only after Chennai. However in recent times, some of them have made way for shopping complexes. But Salem still has a significantly large number of theatres, which show mostly Tamil films and also English and Hindi films, dubbed in Tamil. Many of these theatres are concentrated in a locality called Kitchipalayam in the southeastern part of Salem. Some of the popular theatres in Salem are Gowri, Rathna, Shanthi, Rajeswari, Modern, Palace etc.In recent times, multiplexes also have come up. Salem's first multiplex is the ARRS Multiplex which is near New Bus Stand and is popular among young families and youth. BIG Cinemas, a large Indian theatre group owned by Reliance, also has a significant presence in Salem, running theatres like KS, Keerthana & Ramana and Kailash & Prakash, and providing a world class movie watching experience.[31]
[edit] Healthcare
Salem Super Speciality hospital has been conceptualised. There are several MultiSpeciality Hospitals such as Gokulam Hospital, Manipal Hospital, soodamani hospital, Global Medical Center & Urology Hospital, Shanmuga Hospital, SKS Hospital, Shellapha Hospital etc. In addition to MultiSpeciality Hospitals there are number of Clinics, General Medicine, Ayurvedic, Siddha, Homeopathic Hospitals present in Salem.[32][edit] Cuisine
Salem cuisine is predominantly South Indian, with rice as its base. Salem flavours are generally fairly mild to spicy. Salem people still retain the traditional flavour, with many restaurants serving food on a banana leaf. North Indian, Chinese and continental cuisines are also available in the city restaurants.[edit] Hotels and Restaurants
Some of the famous hotels/restaurants in Salem are Hotel GRT Grand Estancia, Hotel Cenneys Gateway, Hotel Ganesh Mahal, Hotel Pearls, Hotel Pride Biznotel, Sri Saravana Bhavan Classic, Royal choice, Munchiyappar, Hotel NNR, Ponram Restaurant, Hotel Adhiparasakthi, Hotel Mangalam, Thalapakattu Biriyani, Blue Moon etc. There are also modern restaurants in the city such as Domino's Pizza, Pizza Corner, Big Chick, Yummy (Cafe), Boomerang Ice Creams and Marry Brown, which have come up in recent times.[edit] Education
Salem has several reputed educational institutions.[edit] Universities
- Periyar University is located in Karuppur, on NH 7 and was established in 1997. It is a government university and many of the degree colleges in Salem, Namakkal, Erode, Dharmapuri and Krishnagiri districts are affiliated to it.
- Vinayaka Mission University is located in Ariyanur, on NH 47 and was established in 1981. It is a deemed university, providing courses in Medicine, Dentistry, Paramedical Sciences, Homeopathy Medicine, Engineering, Technical and Management Sciences, Humanities, and Arts and Sciences.
[edit] Gallery
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