Main Tourist Spot

YERCAUD - JEWEL OF THE SALEM

The Yercaud Lake with a picturesque pool surrounded by gardens and well-wooded trees are the first things that attract a visitor. The garden surrounding the lake is well groomed and best seen during the month of May when the Summer Festival is organised.

GENERAL INFORMATION:

Area	383 sq.km
Altitude	1515 metres
Population	40546 (approximately)
	Max	Min
Winter	25 C	13 C
Summer	30 C	16 C
Average	13 C	30 C
Rainfall	2000 mm	1500 mm
Season	Throughout the year
Clothing	Winter: Ordinary cotton with light woolen pull-over is enough Summer: Ordinary cotton
Language spoken	Tamil, English
STD Code	04281

PLACES OF INTEREST:

YERCAUD LAKE:

It is a picturesque pool surrounded by gardens and well wooded areas. Boating in the cold water of the lake is enchanting as well as refreshing.

THE ANNA PARK

This is a lovely garden, near the lake, maintained by Horticulture Department.

PAGODA POINT:

Pagoda point or Pyramid Point named after the ancient pyramidal cairns found here. Around the ridges of the crest are four cairns stones resembling temple towers (Pagodas) In the centre of the open space is a shrine dedicated to two anionic stones held sacred by the local Malaiyalis.

LADY'S SEAT

Natural Seat on a rock overlooking a steep drop of many hundred feet. It overlooks the winging ghat road and provides a breath-taking view. This view is spectacular at night with the twinkling lights of Salem town in sight. The Tourist can have a panoramic view of the plains below through the telescope mounted at the Lady's seat. Looking through the instrument, one can obtain a clear view of the magnese deposits of the chalk Hills.

KILLIYUR FALLS:

This 90 feet high waterfalls is situated amidst picturesque surrounding.

THE SERVAROYAN TEMPLE

This is the third highest range in this part with a modern cave temple at its top. The hill top is bald with a real open view of all the hills around. It presents another angle of the distant town. The adjacent hill is gradually chopped (mined) off daily as it is a very rich source of Bauxite.

THE MONTFORT SCHOOL

These are the two famous educational institutions at Yercaud imparting education to boys and girls respectively.

OTHER PLACES OF INTEREST

Ornamental plants at Green House, Orchard cum Nursery of Rose plants, Silk farm, Arthur Seat, Horticulture Research Station, Orchiderium, Mettur View (on Nagalur Road), Cauvery Peak, Salem View (between 16th and 17th bends) are other places of interest.

METTUR DAM

Mettur is a picnic spot situated 60 k.m. from Salem. An industrial town on the west bank of the Kaveri. The river fish caught here are exported as far as Calcutta.

METTUR CHEMICAL AND INDUSTRIAL CORPORATION:

A heavy chemical industrial company. It was established by V Seshasayee in 1941 and is generally known by its abbreviated name METCHEM. It produces bleaching powder, carbon terachloride, caustic soda, chloroform, hydrochloric acid, liquid chlorine, methyl chloride, methleyne chloride, and silicon. The success and products of this company have attracted other companies to Mettur of which Chemplast Chemicals, Plastics India, Madras Aluminum(MALCO) and Micopharm Chemicals are notable. In 1988 Chemplast absorbed METCHEM and the operations of both have been integrated. The Mettur chemical has installed a captive generating set of 6.5 MW for overcoming power shortage. This will ensure manufacture of polyvinyl chloride resins, water treatment chemicals, caustic soda, chloromethanes, and refrigerant gases without interruption.

METTUR SYSTEM

An irrigation and hydroelectric power production system built around the Mettur Dam and the Stanley Reservoir. The irrigation system supplies water and controls irrigation works ( Grand Anaikat and Vadavar canals of the Thanjavur District.

METTUR THERMAL POWER STATION:

A new electric power generation system to augment the existing Mettur Hydro Electric power production system. It is designed to meet the energy needs of the state in general and industrial and agricultural requirements of Mettur and Salem in particular.

METTUR DAM:

The major Dam ( 5,300' long, 176' high) of the state, across the Kaveri. It was built between the hills of Seetha Malai and Palamalai during the late 1929s. The water in its reservoir ( 5,46,000 cubic feet) is primarily intended for irrigation. A portion of its is let down for generating electricity.

DAM PARK

A beautiful park opposite to Dam was formed with Lawns, fountains. This park attracts large number of tourists from nearby districts.

UTTHUMALAI HILL

Utthumalai is situated 6 K.M from Salem. Viewing Salem from this point is pleasant memory.

Main Places

MARIAMMAN TEMPLE

A mother goddess. The Tamil word mari means death but when the letter a in it is accented, the word changes to mean rain. She is the most ancient and popular deity among the village deities of Salem and is worshipped under several other names such as Amman, Atthu, Ayam Ayee (Mother) Dharmapuri (Mari with army) Magamayee ( Great Mother) and Vadivattha ( Beautiful Mother) all indicating an ancient form of ancestral mother worship Iconographically, Mari represented in a sitting posture with four bands. They hold a drum, a trident a bundle if ropes and a skull.

Mari Amman rules over discuses that bring death, especially small pox. At times of small-pox incidence, the leaves of the neem tree (netta azadirachia) sacred to the goddess, are spread on the bed of the afflicted person and a bunch of them tied in the entrance of the patients house indicating the presence of the goddess. In the benevolent aspect, the goddess brings rainy to put an end to the diseases which result from the heat.

She is believed to cure a variety of illness of those who offer silver sheet metal models of their affected organs. This type of prayer is commonly found in almost all Mari Amman temples in Salem.

IRON AND STEEL

Iron ore is abundant in Salem. Salem has been the chief centre of supply of the finest steel throughout historical times and iron was a historical mark of Salem's contact with the western world in ancient times. J.M.Health the prized that the tools used by the Egyptian sculptors may have been made of Salem Steel.

IRON ORE

Magnetic oxide of iron deposits occur in the mountains of Godumalai, Kalrayan, Kanjamalai, Kolli Malai, and Thalaimalai. The total reserves of Kanjamalai and Kolli Malai are estimated at between 235 and 245 million tons. Salem is the promotion centre of mangoes.Silver ornamental jewllery are the famous business in this region. Wood carving and designing windows and doors are the attractive business in this region.

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, Thippu 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.

About Salem

SALEM is a Geologist’s paradise, surrounded by hills and the landscape dotted with hillocks. Salem has a vibrant culture dating back to the ancient Kongu Nadu. As a district, Salem has its significance in various aspects.

What is Salem noted for: There are many things in Salem that are noteworthy by virtue of its location and social set-up.

The Stanley Reservoir: An architectural marvel and important land mark in the Mettur Division of Salem, it is the heart that pumps the life giving water to the farmers of the Cauvery basin who suffer the vagaries of Indian monsoons.

The sixteen Gates is an Engineering master-piece and regulates the flow of water released from the Mettur Dam to the lower reaches covering the paddy fields in the eight districts of Salem, Erode, Namakkal, Karur, Tiruchirapalli, Thanjavur, Thiruvarur and Nagapattinam.

The Salem Steel Plant: This was an ambitious project started with a view to utilise the locally available iron-ore from Kanchamalai to produce steel. Now it is a public sector company engaged in rolling out cast steel blacks into sheets of required dimensions by cold and hot extrusion methods.

Mineral Deposits: The district is rich in mineral deposits like Magnesite, Bauxite, Granite, Limestone, Quartz and Iron ore. Allied industries like Magnesite mining, cement manufacture, refractory bricks manufacture, Aluminium smelting etc thrive well.

Agriculture produces: Many agricultural products from Salem have a wide spread market throughout the country.

• Mango fruits from Salem are enjoyed and much sought after, specially the variety Malgoa-which is the pride of Salem besides a number of other newly introduced hybrid varieties.
• Tapioca locally known as Maravalli (or) Kuchi Kilangu is extensively cultivated by the farmers of Salem. Salem holds a monopoly in Tapioca production. The tubers are used primarily to produce starch. A variety of food items like chips, fryums, papads, Noodles and vermicelli are also produced from tapioca. Tapioca and castor Research centre functioning in Salem is engaged in Research and Development activities to produce high yielding and disease resistant varieties

• Sago-serve is run by the Government, to provide a competitive market where farmers gain a broader profit margin without to hassle of the middle-men dealings.

• Coffee The slopes of Yercaud hills are covered with vast plantations of coffee, shaded by silver Oak trees, Narasus coffee – a popular brand has its origin in Salem.

Sandal wood: Santalum album species of Sandal wood grows in the forests of Salem. They fetch high prices as their heart woods yield high oil content about 6% (average). The Mysore Sandal soap company is a noted buyer of Sandal woods from Salem.

Animal Husbandry: The Sheep Research station located at Mecheri in Mettur, developed and introduced the popular Mecheri Breed. The breed is popular among the farmers and is reared mainly for meat purposes.

Dairy: Salem Diary has an impressive milk production and the district stands first in milk production. A variety of milk products have been introduced by the Diary recently and are effectively marketed.

Cottage Industries:

• Production of un-bleached sugar-vellam or Nattu Sarkarai – is a major cottage industry among the sugarcane cultivators of Salem.

• Rope making is another major cottage industry. Ropes are made by people out of the fibres of coconut, Aloe vera, Cotton, Jute. Salem has a sizeable weaver population and weaving is an important house hold industry here. Both silk and cotton fabrics woven in Salem find popular market throughout the State.

• The Ammapet weaver’s co-operative society has a turnover of 2.40 crores and its main products are cotton sarees, bed sheets, towels, silk sarees and dhotis.

• Silver works: Making of Silver ornaments and artifacts by hand work is an important cottage industry in Salem. Silver anklets made in Salem are popular throughout the country

Cinema Theatres: Salem was once a popular Tinsel town where the earlier Tamil movies were created in the Modern Theatres.

The people of Salem are great movie viewers and the popularity of cinema is evident from the fact that there are nearly a hundred and odd Theatres in the district-perhaps the largest in any district.

Temples: Many temples with intricate sculptures and imposing towers are found in the district of Salem, built by indigenous rulers centuries before the British era. Some of the popular temples are the Taramangalam Shivan Temple in Omalur and the Sukavaneswarar temple, Kottai Mariamman temple, Parsanna Venkatesha Perumal temple in Salem.

Forts: Forts had existed in Salem town and Omalur said to have been visited by Tipu Sultan. Uncared for, not even the ruins of these monuments remain to be seen today. However at Sankagiri an impressive fort is seen on a hillock, with its elaborate and massive ramparts running all the way up the hill. This fort is said to have been the holding of “Theeran Chinnamalai” – an indigenous warrior who fought against British oppression.

Tourism: Yercaud is a popular summer resort in Salem, quite inexpensive yet exquisitely picturesque. The cool and mild climate prevailing here makes it an ideal summer retreat.

The Shervarayan temple deep inside a narrow cavern with a rivulet rippling behind the idols is one of th main spots of tourist attraction. The flowering of ‘Kurunji’ once in twelve years also attracts tourists. Coffee, spices like cardomom, pepper, fruits like "Kamala" Orange, butter fruit, Jack fruit are grown in Yercaud and find good market.

Yercaud houses many colonial buildings and churches. The prestigious residential school ‘The Montfort School” is at Yercaud.

History of Salem

The Date of human civilization in this district reaches far back to the stone ages. The existence of prehistoric culture in Salem is evident from the discovery of Paleolithic and Neolithic stone implements and dung ash heaps in and around Salem. A concise chronology of the district is presented.

3rd Century B.C.	The period of Bogar – a notable Tamil Siddhar. Arrival of Buddhism and Jainism in Salem.
1st Century A.D.	Around the beginning of the Christian era, the existence of a culturally and economically advanced society in Salem two thousand years ago is evident from the discovery of silver coins of the Roman Emperor Tiberices Claudices Nero (37-68) in Koneripatti of Salem in 1987.
2nd Century A.D.	Pandiyan dynasty rules Salem. Pandiyan Nedunchezhiyan Kanaikal Irumporai rules KolliMalai.
4th Century A.D.	Rise of Pallava dynasty in Salem.
6th Century A.D.	Period of Mahendra Varma Pallva. Rise of Saivite principles.
7th Century A.D.	Weakening of Buddhism & Jainism. Period of Narasimha Varma Pallava.
8th Century A.D.	Pandiyan dynasty in Salem.
9th Century A.D.	Rise of Saiva samayam and fading away of Jainism and Buddhism. Rise of Pallava.
10th Century A.D.	Rise of Chozha dynasty and decline of Pallavas.
11th Century A.D.	Chozha rule.
12th Century A.D.	Rise of Hoysala rule in parts of Salem.
13th Century AD.	Hoysala rule established; Parts of Salem remained under Pandiyan dynasty.
14th Century A.D.	1310 Malikkafur goes through Salem. 1368- Salem under Vijaya Nagar Empire
15th Century A .D.	The Chalukya rule. Rise of Palyakarars.
16th Century A.D.	Rule of Madurai Nayakars. Rule of Emperor Krishnadheva Raya in part of Salem including Attur.
17th Century A.D.	Rise of local chieftains Gatti and Nayakas. Palayakara rule.
18th Centrury A.D.	Rule of Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan. Taking over by British. 1772 – First Collector to Salem.

19^th Century A.D.:

1856	New Revenue survey under taken ; Settlement department established. End of company rule and Taking over by British Crown.
1860	Salem city as capital of District
1862	Salem Central Jail built.
1866-67	Severe famine. (A series of famines and epidemics)
1875	Cholera epidemic rages.
1876-78	The Great famine
1891-92	Another famine.
1896-97	Last famine of the century.

20^th Century:

Developmental activities in Salem like constructing railways and Ghat roads and construction of Mettur dam.

1947 - Salem is a independent part of Free India.

1951 – Exchange of villages between Mysore and Madras State took place under the provinces and states (Absorption of Enclaves) order 1950.

1961- Sankari Taluk was formed from Tiruchengode Taluk.

1965- Salem district was bifurcated into Salem – Dharmapuri districts (2-Oct-1965)

Salem constituted 8 Taluks – Salem , Attur, Yercaud, Omalur ,Sankari, Tiruchengode, Rasipuram and Namakkal.

Dharmapuri constituted 4 Taluks – Hosur, Krishnagiri , Harur and Dharmapuri.

1966- Mettur Taluk was formed from Omalur Taluk and Salem constituted Nine taluks.

1989 – Paramathi Velur Taluk was newly formed.

1997 – Salem District was bifurcated into Salem and Namakkal district (2-Feb-1997). Salem constituted 8 Taluks - Salem, Yercaud, Attur, Omalur, Mettur, Sankari, Gangavalli, and Idappadi and Namakkal district constituted 4 Taluks - Namakkal, Tiruchengode, Rasipuram and Paramathi-Velur

1998 – Attur Division was newly formed and a new Taluk Valappadi was formed. Salem attained its present administrative set-up.

Table-1. Revenue Administrative set-up of Salem.

Sl. No.	Revenue Sub Division	Taluks
1.	Salem	Salem, Valappadi, Yercaud
2.	Attur	Attur, Gangavalli
3.	Mettur	Mettur, Omalur
4.	Sankari	Sankari, Idappadi