Shivamogga (Shimoga), a city located in the state of Karnataka in southern India, is a treasure trove of natural beauty and cultural richness. It is nestled in the foothills of the Western Ghats and is surrounded by dense forests, picturesque waterfalls, and scenic landscapes. If you’re planning a trip to Shimoga, here are some of the best tourist places to visit.

1. Jog Falls: Jog Falls is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Shimoga. It is located at a distance of around 100 kilometers from the city center and takes around 2-3 hours to reach by car. Jog Falls is the second-highest waterfall in India, and it is a sight to behold during the monsoon season. The entry fee is nominal, and the timings are from 9 am to 5 pm.
2. Agumbe: Agumbe is a small village located around 55 kilometers from Shimoga. It is famous for its scenic beauty and biodiversity. Agumbe is also known as the “Cherrapunji of the South” due to its high rainfall. It is a popular destination for trekking, and you can also visit the Agumbe Rainforest Research Station. The entry fee is free, and the best time to visit is during the monsoon season.
3. Gajanur Dam: Gajanur Dam is a beautiful picnic spot located around 15 kilometers from Shimoga. The dam is built across the river Tunga, and it is surrounded by lush greenery. You can enjoy boating and fishing at the dam, and there are also facilities for trekking and camping. The entry fee is nominal, and the timings are from 9 am to 5 pm.
4. Koodli: Koodli is a historical town located around 20 kilometers from Shimoga. It is a confluence of the rivers Tunga and Bhadra and is home to many ancient temples and monuments. You can visit the Koodli Matha Temple, the Shankaracharya Temple, and the Rameshwara Temple, among others. The entry fee is free, and the timings are from 6 am to 7 pm.
5. Kodachadri: Kodachadri is a mountain peak located around 115 kilometers from Shimoga. It is a popular trekking destination and offers stunning views of the Western Ghats. You can also visit the Mookambika Wildlife Sanctuary, which is home to many rare and endangered species of flora and fauna. The entry fee is nominal, and the best time to visit is from October to March.
6. Mandagadde Bird Sanctuary: Mandagadde Bird Sanctuary is located around 30 kilometers from Shimoga. It is home to many species of migratory birds, including the river tern, the little cormorant, and the egret. The sanctuary is situated on an island in the middle of the river Tunga, and you can reach it by boat. The entry fee is nominal, and the timings are from 6 am to 6 pm.
7. Sakrebailu Elephant Camp: Sakrebailu Elephant Camp is located around 15 kilometers from Shimoga. It is a unique destination where you can interact with elephants and watch them being bathed and fed. The camp is also home to many other animals, including deer, peacocks, and crocodiles. The entry fee is nominal, and the timings are from 8 am to 11 am and from 4 pm to 5 pm.
8. Sharavathi Wildlife Sanctuary: Sharavathi Wildlife Sanctuary is located around 85 kilometers from Shimoga. It is a protected area that is home to many species of flora and fauna. The sanctuary is spread across an area of around 431 square kilometers and is surrounded by the Western Ghats. You can spot animals like tigers, leopards, wild dogs, and many others. The entry fee is nominal, and the timings are from 6 am to 6 pm.
9. Tyavarekoppa Lion and Tiger Safari: Tyavarekoppa Lion and Tiger Safari is located around 10 kilometers from Shimoga. It is a popular destination for wildlife enthusiasts and families. You can take a safari ride and spot lions, tigers, bears, and other animals. The entry fee is nominal, and the timings are from 10 am to 5 pm.
10. Shivappanaika Palace Museum: Shivappanaika Palace Museum is located in the heart of Shimoga. It is a historical palace that has been converted into a museum. You can explore the rich cultural heritage of the region through the exhibits displayed in the museum. The entry fee is nominal, and the timings are from 10 am to 5 pm.
11. Sri Sigandur Chowdeshwari Temple: Sri Sigandur Chowdeshwari Temple is located around 75 kilometers from Shimoga. It is a popular pilgrimage destination and is dedicated to the Hindu goddess Chowdeshwari. You can take a boat ride to reach the temple, which is situated on an island in the river Sharavathi. The entry fee is free, and the timings are from 6 am to 9 pm.
12. Kundadri Hill: Kundadri Hill is located around 65 kilometers from Shimoga. It is a beautiful hill station that offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. You can also visit the ancient Jain temple located at the hilltop. The entry fee is free, and the best time to visit is during the monsoon season.
13. Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary: Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary is located around 80 kilometers from Shimoga. It is a protected area that is home to many species of animals and birds. You can spot animals like elephants, tigers, leopards, and many others. The sanctuary is also a popular destination for trekking and camping. The entry fee is nominal, and the timings are from 6 am to 6 pm.
14. Hidlumane Falls: Hidlumane Falls is located around 40 kilometers from Shimoga. It is a picturesque waterfall that is surrounded by dense forests. You can take a dip in the cool waters of the falls and enjoy the scenic beauty. The entry fee is free,
15. Sakrebailu Elephant Camp: Sakrebailu Elephant Camp is a beautiful elephant camp located around 15 kilometers from Shimoga. It is home to several elephants that have been trained for forestry activities. The camp offers an opportunity to interact with elephants, and it also offers a beautiful view of the river Tunga.

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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

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Mandagadde Bird Sanctuary in Shimoga district is a place worth visiting especially for bird lovers. The island amidst Tunga river offers food and shelter to a wide species of birds. On the way to Mandagadde, travellers can visit Sakrebyle elephant training camp and Gajanur dam site. Mandagadde Bird Sanctuary that is surrounded by river Tunga is known for its avian diversity of birds that include median egrets, cormorants, darters and snakebirds.

Spanning over 1.14 acres, this bird sanctuary is an ideal picnic and tenting spot too. Inside the sanctuary, there is a watchtower from wherein you could view different hen species with convenience. The wooded area department also offers boating services to observe birds and revel in the beauty of nature.

The well-known Tunga River is thought for lots of things, it’s superbly sweet water, the numerous temples located on its banks, and maximum outstanding of all, the little island in Mandagadde.

Location

Mandagadde Bird Sanctuary is situated in Shimoga district about 35 kms from the main city of Shimoga in Karnataka.

How to Reach

By Air: Hubli airport is the nearest and is about 160 kms far from the destination. Shimoga airport is about 195 kms; Mangalore airport is 200 kms and Bangalore airport at 275 kms. And coming up is the airport of Sogane.

By Rail: There is one station at Shimoga itself where regular trains come from Bangalore and Mysore. If you are from other states then you can use the Birur station, which is 60 kms away from sanctuary. One can catch up the KSRTC buses to cover rest of the distance.

By Road: National Highway – 206 is connected to Bangalore city, approximately 6 hours journey from the main point of the Bangalore city. Travel by KSRTC or private luxury buses or even a taxi anything that suits your pocket. Other route goes something like this from Udupi-Mangalore and then Shimoga.

Best Time to Visit

Plan your trip in the month of May and enjoy watching a huge collection of beautiful and colorful birds.

 Major Attractions

Enjoy your day watching the scenic beauty of nature. Click some beautiful pictures of rigid mountains and green landscapes from hill stations and viewpoints, as a remembrance of visiting this place. People who love adventure should not miss hiking and trekking.

You can find variety of wild animals, birds, butterflies, snakes, moths and insects. Birds chirping and tweeting is really nice to hear an ideal spot for people who love watching birds. Migratory birds fly from their native place to India in order to have fun at this beautiful place. It holds beautiful lush green landscape and river Tunga is an additional beauty of this sanctuary. Other tourist spots are Sringeri Math, Chintamani, Narasimha Temple and Brahma Temple.

Please don’t miss the Lion and Tiger safaris in the intense and sinister forest.

Food and Drink

You can find few bars and restaurants in the nearby commercial areas. Unfortunately there is nothing special for you at night. Taste some the native foods like the Patrode, colocasia, Jackfruit buns i.e. Halasina hannina Kadubu, Jackfruit pancake which is nothing but halasina hannina dose, tender mango chutney (maavina kaai chutney) and finally the hal garige a snack made from milk and rice powder.

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Most Beautiful Waterfall in Karnataka

Jog Falls is located in Shimoga district of Karnataka. The origin of the fall is from Sharavati River and it falls from a height of 829 feet (253mts). It is 30kms away from Sagara, 10Kms from Gersoppa, 21Kms from Siddapura and more than 400Kms from Bangalore city.

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.

Jog fall is the highest plunge waterfall in India and it is also known as Gerusoppe falls and Jogada Gundi. This fall is segmented into four parts which makes it a major tourist attraction spot. Unlike other falls it does not stream on a rock which means it is untiered. This makes it the highest untiered waterfall in India which gives a database of 83 scenic points. Here is the list of the splits up of river sharavathi.

Raja (King): The reason of naming it is its dignified and serene fall.

Roarer: When its stream flows out of mass rocks, it makes a stupendous amount of noise.

Rocket: There are a lot of small openings from which large volume of water flows out at very high velocity.

Rani (Queen): The torrent has a spiral pattern which is said to resemble the movements of a female dancer.

Best Time to visit:

Monsoon season is considered to be the best to visit i.e. from August to December. It is inhabited in the border of Western Ghats of mountain ranges. The prime beauty of Ghats is seen when sunlight falls directly on the water fall. So it is advisable to visit the falls in afternoon.

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 Jog Falls.

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

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