Shimoga is city in Karnataka, India. It was initially called as “Shivamogga” which literally means ‘Nose of Lord Shiva’. Embellished with vast range of pastures, hummocks concealed with impenetrable forestry with some elite vegetation and wildlife. Shimoga also houses numerous religious shrines. With five chief tributaries sinuous over the district, the Shimoga province is very bountiful and is branded as the “Rice bowl of Karnataka”. The Sahyadri terrain keeps the tributaries well provided with sufficient rainwater almost recurrently.

Distance : 300 km form Bangalore, 207.5 km from Bangalore via NH 66 and NH169

History of Shimoga

The past dates back to 3^rd century when Shimoga was under the control of Mauryan Empire. During the 4^th century the west section was ruled by Kadambas and the east section was ruled by the Gangas. In 6^th century both the sections were combined and ruled by Chalukyas of badami. Then the Shimoga city was exchanged in the hands of Rastrakutas, Hoysalas, Kalachuris, Vijayanagar Empire and Keladi Nayakas. In the year1763 Haider Ali captured Bidnur the then capital of Keladi Nayakas and alongside with the other regions it was commandeered to Mysore. After the independence Shimoga assented to the dominion of India.

Tourist Attractions in Shimoga

1. Jog Falls

Positioned just around 100 km from Shimoga, is the most eminent landmarks in Shimoga. It is the chief perennial cascade in India and is sited at Sagara. It has an elevation about 253 meters. and comprises of four torrents Raja, Rani, Rocket and Roarer.

Jog Falls is created by the Sharavathi River, it is the second-highest plunge waterfall of India, Jog Falls is a major tourist attraction in Karnataka. It is located on the border of Shimoga and Uttara Kannada districts of Karnataka. Jog waterfalls is the highest waterfall in the state. Jog falls drops about a huge 253 mtrs (850 ft.) in a single fall.

Best Time to Visit

The months of June till September witness heavy rainfall in the region. The monsoon season is the best season to visit Jog falls, as the beauty of the place is enhanced during monsoons. The summer season begins in the month of March and continues till May.

How to Reach?

• By Road: National Highway number 206, from Bangalore 378 kms (Bangalore-Shimoga-Sagar-Jog), from Sagar 45 kms, Siddapur 21 kms, Honnavar 56 kms
• By Train: Nearest Railway Station – Thalaguppa, Shimoga district.
• Nearest Airport: Mangalore International Airport

Where to Stay near Jog Falls?

Hotel Mayura Gerusoppa is the best accommodation at Jogfalls.

Hotel Mayura Gerusoppa (KSTDC)
Jog Falls
Phone: +91-8186-344732

2. Gudavi Bird Sanctuary

This place is located near Gudavi Village, Banavasi Road, 16 km from Sorab, Sirsi. Gudavi Bird Sanctuary is positioned amongst the thick woodlands. It is a nature reserve and abode for diverse genus of birds. It is a paradise for birdwatchers to perceive and learn the assortments of birds. It acts as an abode to the wandering birds and the delicate splendor of the natural lake is again a prominent magnetism in this bird sanctuary.

Best Time to Visit: June to November (From 6 am to 6 pm).

Distance from Gudavi Bird Sanctuary:
Soraba: 15 km
Sagar: 41 km
Shimoga: 115 km

Watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ksZmC4HKT54

Sakrebayalu Elephant camp

Sakrebayalu Elephant camp is positioned just about 14 km from Shimoga. Bereaved baby elephants missed by their groups are provided accommodation in this campground. The elephants in the campground are taught and disciplined by proficient mahouts. It entices numerous populaces every year.

Shivappanaika Palace Museum

Shivappanaika Palace Museum built in the 16^th century by Keladi Sovereign Shivappa Nayaka. The complete structure of the castle is made out of rosewood. One can find a museum in this edifice that holds the prosperous antiquity and ethnicity of Keladi realm. Positioned on the basin of river Tunga one can sight several fascinating compilation of vintages, rock statuettes, impressions and effigies.

Sacred Heart Cathedral

Sacred Heart cathedral is a structural splendor in Shimoga and is renowned as the second biggest church in the country. The sight of the foremost vast manor of the big basilica traverses over 18000 sq. feet is remarkable. The cathedra appears quite attractive with the intense Classical realistic structural design and a dynamic giant statuette of Lord Jesus Christ. The chief manor in the church can effortlessly billet 5000 individuals.

Must See Places in and around Shimoga

• Kodachadri
• Tyavarekoppa
• Shettihalli Wildlife Sanctuary
• Mandagadde Bird Sanctuary
• Tunga Dam

Best season to visit Shimoga

The beat season to visit Shimoga is during the months October to March. The summers are pretty hot. It gets heavy rainfall during monsoon season. In the winter the climate tends to be pleasant and is the best time for tourists to visit Shimoga.

Accessibility to Shimoga

By Air: The nearest aerodrome is at Mangalore 175 km from the town. One can hire a cab from airport or get into a local transport to reach Shimoga.

By Train: The Shimoga railhead connects it to Bengaluru and Mysore. Birur Junction connects it to the northern parts of the country. One can hire a taxi from station or get into a local transport to reach Shimoga city.

By Road: National Highway 206 connects the Shimoga city to the major towns in southern India. Public and private transportation provide numerous buses to Shimoga.

Accommodations in Shimoga

Shimoga city has some fine eminent hotels, resorts, guest houses and lodges. The hotels provide many conveniences and the costs differ from hotel to hotel. Many hotels in Shimoga undertake advanced booking and reservation for safe and relaxed stay of the tourists. Some high end hotels offers host of world class amenities to the tourists like big ventilated rooms with room heaters, LCD TV’s, broadband facilities with Wi-Fi, intercom facilities, washing facilities, swimming pool, clubhouse, gym, steam bath, spa and pub etc. List of hotels in Shimoga are as follows:

• Royal Orchid Central Hotel
• Hotel Jewel Rock
• The Gateway Hotels & Resorts
• Simha Farms
• Navarathna Hotel
• Royal Orchid Central
• Hotel Surya Comforts
• Mathura Residency Hotel
• Hotel Samrat Ashok
• Sri Durga Lodge
• Meenakshi Bhavan
• Vihangama Holiday Retreat
• Adventurer’s Campsite
• Hotel Bright
• Hotel Santhrupthi
• Sri Venkateshwara Ootada Hotel

The post Best Tourist Places to Visit in Shimoga, Karnataka, India appeared first on MustVisitPlace.com.

Well, if you are a tourist who has done some research on India before he comes here, you will already know that one of favorite places for history buffs is the state of Karnataka. Though you have a city like Bangalore that is considered to be a main Information Technology hub, Karnataka stills holds its place as one of the best heritage destinations in India. Bringing out the complete flavor of the true traditional India in all its colors, Karnataka mesmerizes not only the international tourists but also the domestic tourists.

And when it comes to the best heritage destinations in Karnataka, how can we ever forget the name of Srirangapatna? Originally spelt as Srirangapatnam, this place is a mark to the great era of Tipu Sultan and Hyder Ali. Located in the Mandya district on the Mysore Highway coming from Bangalore, this is a must see place of Karnataka. The beauty of the town is that it is enwrapped within the river Cauvery and that separates it from the other places. It is a place of great historical, cultural and religious importance. If you are new to the state of Karnataka and want to taste the flavor of old and young India, you have to visit here, after Bangalore.

What you find in Srirangapatna is a question now. It sure sounds to be a small town, but it bears the bravado and glory of the great Hyder Ali and his legendary son, Tipu Sultan, who fought single-handed with the British with his legendary sword. Even the place where he fell dead is delineated with an obelisk. Within the main fort, you will be able to find the museum and the famous Sri Ranganathaswamy temple.

This is one of the oldest and most important Vaishnavi temples in the whole of the southern India. It was initiated by the rulers of the Ganga dynasty during the ninth century. It was renovated by the rulers of Vijayanagar and Hoysala dynasties. This temple is dedicated to the Lord Vishnu (Ranganatha). You will find these at the three pilgrimages, viz. Antya Ranga, Madhya Ranga and Adi Ranga. Even the western flowing section of the river Cauvery is considered to be sacred waters and pulls tourists from far and wide.

Haven’t you heard of the Masjid-E-Ala or the Jamia Masjid? This is the first monument that Tipu Sultan built. With around ninety-nine names of Allah carved on the wall of the monument, this is built in the middle of the 18th century. The spacious domes coupled with the minarets are what add to the mystical charm of the monument.

Amidst the famous Lal Bagh garden, you will come across the Gumbaz. Standing on a high plinth, this is the mausoleum of Tipu Sultan and his parents, Hyder Ali and Fatima Begum. You will love to watch the scenic beauty around from the verandah, surrounded by polished pillars. The typical dome shape, ivory inlaid windows and doors, carved stoned windows, and the favorite tiger stripes makes this monument a must watch for every tourist visiting Srirangapatna.

Would you like to see the prison that led to fear of the British? This is where Colonel Baird, Captain Rulay, Colonel Braithwaite, Lindsay, Samson and Frazer were imprisoned. Even the cannon ball that fell from the ceiling during a war is being kept with utmost care.

The post Heritage Destinations in Karnataka – Srirangapatna appeared first on MustVisitPlace.com.