Periyar University is a university in Salem, Tamil Nadu, India. It was established by the Government of Tamil Nadu in 1997 the Government of Tamil Nadu established Periyar University at Salem on 17 September 1997, as per the provisions of the Periyar University Act, 1997. The university caters to affiliated colleges under the area comprising the districts of Salem, Dharmapuri, Namakkal and Krishnagiri. The university is on National Highway 7, 7 km (4.3 mi) from Salem city. The campus extends to about 110 acres (0.45 km2), accommodating the administrative and department buildings