Salem, natively spelt as Selam (pronounced [seːlam] ), is a major city in Salem district, located on the banks of the Thirumanimutharu river in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu surrounded by mountains. Salem is the fifth largest urban agglomeration in the state, exceeded by Chennai, Coimbatore, Madurai, and Tiruchirappalli, and third largest metropolitan region in the state only after to Chennai and Coimbatore metropolitan regions.
The city is 124 km2 (48 sq mi) large.
Major products of Salem include silver anklets, sago, mangoes, steel, and textiles.
*Anna park is a nice lively place to spend an leisure evening. There are lots of movies playing Tamil, English and Hindi movies. A new multiplex (ARRS) has been built, which hosts 5 screens. *
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.
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.
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.
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.
