Salem is a city on the Thirumanimuthar River, in the south Indian state of Tamil Nadu. The centuries-old Sugavaneswarar Temple, dedicated to the Hindu deity Shiva, features colorful gopurams (towers) and gardens. Nearby, colonial-era Christ Church is an Indo-Saracenic landmark consecrated in 1875. Jamiya Masjid is a mosque believed to have been built by Tipu Sultan, the 18th-century ruler of the Kingdom of Mysore.

The name 'Salem' appears to have been derived from the word 'Sela' or 'Shalya' which refers to 'the country around the hills', as in the inscriptions. Local tradition claims Salem as the birth place of the Tamil poetess Avvaiyar.
Situated in the state of Tamil Nadu, Salem is a city best known for steel. Steel products made at the Salem Steel Plant are used by people all over India. Salem is one of the largest cities in the state and offers a great deal to a tourist. Salem is surrounded with hills and offers scenic natural beauty.