Chennai to Salem Complete Travel Guide 2026
Planning a trip from Chennai to Salem? This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about the 345km journey. Watch the interactive route animation above to visualize your journey, then explore detailed information about travel options, costs, attractions along the way, and insider tips to make your trip memorable.
analytics Travel Comparison: Chennai to Salem
| Mode | Duration | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|
| directions_car Private Car | 6h 30m | ₹3,295 Fuel & Tolls |
| flight Flight | 1h 00m | ₹1,208 - ₹2,415 |
| train Train | 12h – 16h | ₹288 – ₹903 |
| bus Bus | 12h – 16h | ₹492 – ₹3,809 |
How to Travel: Chennai to Salem
Compare different travel modes to find the best option for your budget, schedule, and preferences.
By Car
Flexibility, scenic stops, family trips
By Flight
Speed, long distances, business travel
lightbulb Our Recommendation
At 345km, both driving (6h 30m) and trains are excellent options. Choose driving for flexibility and scenic stops, or trains for comfort and relaxation.
Before You Leave Chennai
Fuel up with these authentic local dishes before hitting the road:
Local Specialties
- local_dining Idli and Sambar - Soft, steamed rice cakes served with lentil soup and chutney (try at Murugan Idli Shop).
- local_dining Dosa - Crispy rice and lentil crepe filled with potatoes or other fillings (try at Saravana Bhavan).
- local_dining Chettinad Chicken - Spicy chicken curry with a blend of aromatic spices (try at Anjappar Chettinad Restaurant).
Saravana Bhavan • Various locations
Worth Stopping: Cities Along Your Route
These cities are within 50km of your Chennai to Salem route and offer excellent attractions worth a brief detour:
Tiruvannamalai
Yercaud
Sriperumbudur
Kanchipuram
Mahabalipuram
Mahabalipuram, also known as Mamallapuram, is a historic town in Tamil Nadu renowned for its UNESCO World Heritage-listed group of monuments. These monuments, primarily carved from granite, date back to the 7th and 8th centuries during the Pallava dynasty. The town also boasts a beautiful coastline and is a hub for stone carving.
attractions Top Attractions
Shore Temple
The Shore Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the oldest stone temples in South India. It comprises three temples dedicated to Shiva and Vishnu, built in the 8th century.
Arjuna's Penance
Arjuna's Penance is a massive bas-relief carved onto two huge boulders. It depicts scenes from the Mahabharata and is one of the largest open-air reliefs in the world.
Five Rathas
The Five Rathas are monolithic rock-cut temples, each carved in the shape of a chariot. They are named after the Pandava brothers and Draupadi from the Mahabharata.
restaurant Must Try Local Food
Seafood - Freshly caught fish, prawns, and crabs (try at Moonrakers)
Explore Salem
Salem offers a unique travel experience. For detailed information about local attractions, dining options, accommodations, and insider tips, visit our comprehensive destination guide.
Frequently Asked Questions: Chennai to Salem
Related Routes from Chennai
Planning to explore more destinations? Check out these popular routes from Chennai:
Other Routes to Salem
Traveling to Salem from a different city? Explore these alternative routes:
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