Attur, a town surrounded by hills, is about 50 km east of
Salem. The term ‘Attur’ means the village by the river.
With a recorded history that dates back to 921, Attur was known as Milattu Attur, Kutratthu Brahmadheyam Malayaman Attur and Malaiyaman Attur. It also came to be known as Attur Ananthagiri (Attur of many hills), during the beginning of the Mysore rule in 1689. In 1796, the name was again changed to Attur.
The place is famous for an old fort. Prasanna Venkateswarar Temple, Dhrowpathi Amman Temple, Murugan Hill Temple and Vadachennimalai Murugan Temple are the important places of worship in Attur.
Attur Railway Station is on the Salem-Neyveli rail route.
