Salem (India)

Salem is a city in Tamil Nadu. Nicknamed the Steel City, it is best known in modern times for its steel plant and manufacturing industry. It is also a short trip away from the hills of the Eastern Ghats, offering natural scenic beauty.

By train
Salem Junction (Station code: SA) is well connected by a good railway network. In fact, it is a divisional headquarters in Southern Railway. It's connected to Bangalore, Chennai, Coimbatore and other major cities and towns of Tamil Nadu and India. The much smaller Salem Town railway station (Station code: SXT) also connects you to Chennai and it is in the heart of the city.



By bus
Salem is well connected to Karnataka, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh and the rest of Tamil Nadu by TNSTC, SETC buses and also by private A/C Volvo buses like KPN travels. Buses are available as far as Hyderabad and Kollur Mookambike temple. KPN travels headquarters is in Salem and every KPN bus crossing Salem will get into the city and stop near New Bus Stand.

There are 2 major bus stations in Salem.

MGR Central Bus Terminus (New Bus Stand): Inter-state and Intra-State bus terminus. One of the busiest bus stations connecting all the places in Tamil Nadu, very much active for 24 hours and the most busiest bus stand in the state as per movements are considered.

Town Bus Stand (Old Bus Stand): Local bus services.

24 Hour bus services (No 13) from Salem Junction (Railway station) to both the Bus stations.

By plane
Salem has one airport (code SXV) at Kamalapuram near Omalur on NH7 towards Dharmapuri. However, the flights have been running on and off and is not reliable to do pre-booking.

Get around
One can hire a taxi (it's relatively cheap, compared to other cities) or use the public transportation (buses, which will usually be crowded). Other option is to hire an auto-rickshaw (three wheeled), but beware there's no standard price defined for a particular distance, it depends on the driver's mood, financial condition and time of the day.

Buses are very cheap in Salem. They charge only ₹12/- for a 30 km distance.

Do

 * Anna park is a nice lively place to spend a leisurely evening. There are lots of movies playing Tamil, English and Hindi movies. A new multiplex (ARRS) has been built, which hosts 5 screens.

Buy
Salem is very good place for buying dresses and also mangoes.

Check out men's shirts, saris and beautiful dresses for women, all for ridiculously cheap prices.



Drink
7Up seems to be more commonly drunk than water, but isn't so great in the intense heat. Try the local mango juice, although it seems a tad sweet for some.

You will find any number of Wine shops around the city.

Coffee shops and juice junctions are everywhere.


 * 24 Hours Coffee shop near Salem Bus stand and Junction.
 * Iyengar bakeries open 24 hours.
 * Siva Coffee Bar is a chain of coffee shop around the city.

Go next

 * Bangalore
 * Male Mahadeshwara Betta (MM Hills)
 * Sankagiri old fort which was built in Tippu Sultan Period.
 * Thammampatti Sculptural Centre (Hindu, Muslim, Christian temples in one hill) (60 km from Salem)
 * Tharamangalam is famous also for its beautiful and historic Kailasanathar temple. It is 24 km from Salem bus terminus
 * Yercaud is a hill station which is easily commutable from Salem. It is 30 km from Salem bus terminus. It is an ideal weekend getaway especially during summer time.