Picnic Spot around Salem
Salem, a city in Tamil Nadu situated at the base of the Yercaud hills is known for its astonishing scenic beauty. The name Salem is supposedly derived from the term “Shalya” or “Sailam” which refers to a country surrounded by the hills. Due to its scenic beauty and salubrious climate, Salem has developed into a major tourist destination.
There are numerous picnic spots around Salem which are popular with locals and tourists alike as a holiday destination. As an amphitheatre edged by hilly grandeur on all sides, Salem provides a plethora of natural attractions like waterfalls, lakes, thick woods, orange groves, coffee plantations, streams, rivers and caves besides the ubiquitous mountain ranges.
For the adventure lovers, Salem provides innumerable opportunities for trekking, biking, hiking, boating and camping while enjoying its lush green landscape.
For the adventure lovers, Salem provides innumerable opportunities for trekking, biking, hiking, boating and camping while enjoying its lush green landscape.
Some of the well known picnic spots around Salem are:
- Hogenakkal- Situated in Dharmapuri district, this place is one of the popular picnic spots for visitors to Salem.
It is a place where the river Cauvery flows into the state of Tamil Nadu. The picturesque and lush green landscape of Hogenakkal attracts both locals and tourists to camp and enjoy the natural beauty. The high point of the place is where the Cauvery River bifurcates. Forming an island one of the streams continues and enters a deep gorge creating an astounding waterfall.
A droplet cloud forms from the force of the water spray while falling and this resembles a smoke screen. This is the basis of the name Hogenakkal ascribed to the place. Literally it means “smoking rock” where Hoge means smoke and kal means rock.
The waters of the Hogenakkal falls are considered to be therapeutic as they flow through an herbal forest before reaching Hokenakkal. Thus people who come here for picnicking also make it a point to bathe in these waters for rejuvenation and rest.
The highlight of Hokenakkal as a picnic spot is their boat ride facility. For this a round basket called “parisal” is used to feel the thrilling experience and enjoy a perfect holiday with friends and family. - Mettur Dam- Another beautiful Salem picnic spot is the area around the Mettur Dam. Located 52 km from Salem, the Mettur dam had been constructed in 1926 across the Cauvery River in a gorge.
There is a very pleasing park formed with lawns and children’s play materials opposite the dam. This place provides excellent opportunities for relaxation amidst panoramic views of nature. - Panamarathupatti Lake- Situated in the suburbs of Salem, the Panamarathupatti is a natural lake and considered a prime tourist attraction in Salem.
It takes only 20-30 minutes to reach here from Salem. The scenic beauty of this lake draws many locals and tourists for picnicking here. Another attraction of this lake is the different species of birds that flock here during the migratory season.
Thus the picturesque and peaceful surroundings of the seemingly endless Panamarathupatti Lake makes it a prime tourist attraction of Salem.
Other holiday destinations for picnicking in Salem are the Siddeshwara Temple and the Palamalai Hills.These picnic spots around Salem provide you with treasured moments amidst pristine nature. Relax and admire the surreal landscape and get a deserved break from the bustle of life.