Shimoga is a prominent tourist destination in Karnataka and a treasure trove of stunning sights. Handicrafts, rosewood carvings, sandalwood, sarees with Kasuri art, and lacquer toys are also popular in this town. Jewellery is well-known in this city, and it can be found on every street. Read more about the places to visit in Shimoga.
Shimoga, often known as Shivamogga, is a lovely city nestled along the banks of the Tunga river in central Karnataka. Shimoga is surrounded by lush green landscapes, coconut palm trees, and several waterfalls, making it a great tourist destination. Shimoga has a rich religious history as well as beautiful art, culture, and customs. The city’s prominent cultural venues include “Kuvempu Rangamandira,” “Karnataka Sangha,” and the recently constructed “Suvarna Samskruthi Bhavana.”
Yakshagana, a dance play, is popular in the district’s Thirthahalli, Hosanagara, Sagar, and Sorab Taluks, and it is also performed in Shimoga, adding to the city’s tourist attractions. This dance drama is performed across Karnataka by professional and amateur troupes from the Malnad area. The city was given the name Shimoga (Face of Shiva) by the Keladi monarchs since it was thought that Lord Shiva drank the river Tunga’s water. The Keladi monarchs established this city circa 1600 A.D. under the leadership of Shivappa Nayaka.
The Sahyadri hills, which are part of the Western Ghats, support streams throughout the year and submerge the fertile alluvial soil, making it Karnataka’s breadbasket. Shimoga, India’s “Heaven on Earth,” is made up of beautiful vistas of the hills and hillocks, soothing waterfalls, and serene and pleasant weather, among other things to do in Shimoga. Nature is unquestionably one of the scenic blisses of the location. Many visitors come to this city because of its tranquillity. Visit this magnificent city with your significant other or family, since it is an ideal tourist destination for everyone.
Shimoga is accessible by road from the state capital, Bangalore, via NH-206 (through Tumkur, Arasikere, Banavara, Kadur, Birur, Tarikere, and Bhadravathi). The Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation, or KSRTC, operates several buses from Bangalore, including Hitech and night services. By road, Shimoga is around 274 kilometres (170 miles) from Bangalore. Shimoga may be reached by bus or vehicle from the shore. Agumbe Ghat or Balebare Ghat roads are used on this trip. The road connects Mangalore, Sringeri, Dharmasthala, Udupi, and Hubli to this city. Shimoga is a major bus crossroads since it is better connected to roadways from all directions. Shimoga’s tourist attractions will undoubtedly capture your heart. Read more about the places to visit in Shimoga.
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2. 16 Best Places to Visit in Agumbe
3. 30 Places to Visit in Udupi
4. How Tinton Resorts Turns to the Best Agumbe Resort
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Kodachadri Hills
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The Kodachadri Hills provide a beautiful backdrop of evergreen trees for Maravanthe. They are one of the good walking paths, commencing from the South Kanara Forest, and are located in the Western Ghats at a height of 4411 feet above sea level, within Karnataka’s Mookambika Wildlife Sanctuary.
This hike is suitable for beginners or those who are new to trekking. Altitude sickness is unlikely because the majority of the adventure takes place in a woodland area at low altitudes. The entire distance between the two points is 14 kilometres. Read more about the places to visit in Shimoga.
2. Jog Falls Tourism: “Second Highest Waterfall in India”
Jog Falls, India’s second-highest plunge waterfall, is a prominent tourist destination in Karnataka and the state’s tallest waterfall. Second, in comparison to Meghalaya’s Nohkalikai Falls, Jog Falls plunge 253 meters (850 feet) in a single fall. The flow of the falls is greatly curtailed before the monsoons due to the building of Linganamakki Dam, a hydroelectricity facility close by. So, if you want to see the falls in their full glory, travel during the monsoon season.
Shimoga’s major city is about a two-hour drive from Jog Falls. This seasonal cascade, also known as Gerosoppa Falls or the Joga Falls, is divided into four sections: Raja, Roarer, Rocket, and Rani. They’re given names depending on the quality of the streams. Roarer is a strong and violent river that gushes down to meet the Raja stream. Rocket rushes down in diverse jets, and Rani is a peaceful stream with foam falls. Try identifying the streams the next time you come! Read more about the places to visit in Shimoga.
3. Honnemaradu Tourism: “The Land of the Golden Sands”
At the mouth of the Honnemaradu Reservoir, Honnemaradu is a quiet, charming community. The location is in the heart of a valley, and a weekend trip here is nothing short of an adventure camp. The small community has a small population, and the sole draw is the water activities offered by Honnemaradu Lake. Honnemaradu is ideal for a fast trip, whether it’s camping, kayaking, or simply resting by the lake. There are also additional sights nearby, such as the Dabbe Falls and the well-known Jog Falls.
4. Agumbe
Agumbe is a tiny town in Karnataka’s Shimoga district that is known as the “Cherrapunji of South India.” This biodiverse region receives the most rainfall in South India and India’s second-highest yearly rainfall. Visiting Agumbe is a rewarding experience since the hill station is surrounded by scenic beauty and hiking routes. It’s one of the few remaining lowland rainforests on the planet. In the television series Malgudi Days, Agumbe served as the backdrop for India’s most renowned fictitious town, Malgudi. Read more about the places to visit in Shimoga.
It is home to various rare medicinal plant species such as Myristica, Listsaea, Garcinia, Diospyros, Eugenia, and others, earning it the moniker “Hasiru Honnu,” which translates to “green is gold.” Agumbe is home to the Agumbe Rainforest Research Station, which is home to a large rainforest with a diverse range of flora and wildlife. This is India’s oldest weather station, and it focuses solely on changes in the rainforest. Agumbe is also known as the “Cobra Capital” because of the large number of cobras that can be found there. Agumbe offers excellent trekking opportunities, luring adventure seekers to an off-the-beaten-path location in the heart of nature.
5. Keladi
Keladi is a Shimoga District hamlet recognized for its rich history and culture. The Keladi Rameshwara Temple and the Keladi Museum are two prominent sights on this great site, which served as the first capital of the Keladi Nayaka Kingdom.
The Lord Rameshwara temple is the greatest example of three architectural styles: Hoysala, Dravidian, and Kadamba. Lord Veerbhadra and Goddess Parvati have shrines at the temple. The museum in the hamlet houses an old collection of Keladi Nayak antiques and other mementoes from bygone eras. There are also several idols, sculptures, copper inscriptions, coins, and palm leaves on display, all of which illustrate the Chalukya and Hoysala periods’ rich history. Read more about the places to visit in Shimoga.
6. Sakrebayalu Elephant Camp
Sakrebayalu Elephant Camp is a facility where elephants are taught in herds. It is a renowned tourist destination, located roughly 14 kilometres from the town of Shimoga. At this eco-tourism centre, elephants are taught by professional mahouts. Wild elephants may be observed bathing in the backwaters and interacting with their young in their natural surroundings. It is a magnificent refuge located on the Tunga River. Avoid utilizing flash photography at the sanctuary since it may irritate the elephants.
At the camp, elephants are not treated unethically. The wild elephants are brought to the camp and tamed, as well as given food and medical attention. As a result, guests may get up close and personal with the elephants, as well as offer them specially prepared food by the mahouts. Watch the elephants wash in the backwaters before 9 a.m. Please keep in mind that no outside food is permitted in the sanctuary.
7. Dabbe Falls
Dabbe Falls is a hidden gem in Karnataka’s Shimoga district, situated amid the lush green folds of the Sharavathi Wildlife Sanctuary. Nature enthusiasts and adventurers are drawn to the thick woodland and the beautiful trickle of water cascading down the rock. Because the stream bed of the falls resembles steps, the native language term “dabbe” means “steps.” Each step’s waterfalls and pools overflow, forming a cascading wall of water that cascades down to the next, and so on. Dabbe is thus one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the area.
The path to Dabbe is more akin to a perpendicular walking path down a cliff. As a result, people with illnesses or impairments would have a tough time getting there. However, the short climb to the falls is well worth it for the grandeur that awaits on the other side. You’ll be able to appreciate Dabbe’s crystalline, clean water as well as the great diversity of flora and fauna in the surrounding environment.
8. Kundadri
Kundadri is a hilltop around 12 kilometres from Thirthahalli that is famed for the Jain Temple situated on top. The location is a trekker’s heaven and a nature lover’s dream, with abundant natural beauty and a wonderful view of the mountains in the background.
Kundadri, which is surrounded by dense Western Ghats woods, attracts a large number of visitors and pilgrims who come to enjoy the surreal natural beauty and pay homage to Parshawanatha, the presiding deity of the Jain temple. In addition, two little ponds have grown adjacent to the temple on the rock, which is a lovely sight to see.
9. Bhadra Dam
The Bhadra dam is built on the Bhadra River, which is a tributary of the Tungabhadra River. The dam is surrounded by lush vegetation and is a magnificent sight to see. Migratory species such as the red spurfowl, emerald dove, black woodpecker, and green imperial pigeon make their homes on the river’s many tiny islands.
It is located in the Chikmagalur district, 30 kilometres from Shimoga. It is a renowned tourist attraction that also provides communities with energy and irrigation. Kayaking, boating, and other water sports are all popular here. The Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary, Mullayanagiri Hills, Kudremukh, and the Baba Budangiri Hills are just a few of the nearby attractions.
10. Ikkeri
Ikkeri, another temple village near Shimoga, is worth seeing. This location, known as the Aghoreshwara Temple, is known for its lush surroundings and tranquillity. The temple, which is devoted to Lord Shiva and is located on a hilltop, attracts visitors with its beautiful aura and spectacular views of the surrounding valleys. Ikkeri is one of the most attractive spots to visit near Shimoga if you want to get away from the city’s hustle and bustle.
11. Gudavi Bird Sanctuary
Shimoga’s Gudavi Bird Sanctuary is a mesmerizing sight and one of the most commonly visited Shimoga tourist attractions for ornithologists. This refuge, nestled behind Gudavi Lake, is home to more than 48 different bird species. Between June and December, you may see black-headed cranes, small grebes, jungle fowl, white-headed cranes, bitterns, Indian shags, and white ibis, among other species. You should go to one of the most tranquil areas in Shimoga, Karnataka! This is one of Karnataka’s most popular bird sanctuaries.
12. Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary
Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary, like the others mentioned above, is on the list of Shimoga locations to visit for a brief and relaxing break. This wildlife reserve, which is surrounded by the Western Ghats and located on the banks of the Bhadra River on the boundary of Shimoga and Chikmagalur, offers some of the greatest animal-seeing opportunities. Tigers, jackals, elephants, panthers, spotted deer, sambar deer, sloth bears, barking deer, crocodiles, and snakes may all be seen at any time. This is one of India’s top wildlife sanctuaries, as well as one of Shimoga’s most popular tourist destinations.
Exotic birds such as the paradise flycatcher, hornbill, racquet-tailed drongo, and butterflies call the area home. In addition to the animals, the refuge offers island camping, trekking, safaris, and rock climbing.
13. Mandagadde Bird Sanctuary
If you skip this gorgeous bird sanctuary, your Shimoga sightseeing trip will be incomplete. It is a little island located on the banks of the Tunga River. This is the best spot to visit in Shimoga if you prefer to discover areas that smell like tranquillity. If you want to get the most out of your stay, go from July to October. During these months, you may see a variety of migrating species, such as egrets, darters, and snake-birds. This is one of Shimoga’s most gorgeous tourist destinations.
14. Kunchikal Falls
If you’re driving between Shimoga and Udupi, you should stop to see Kunchikal Falls, which is one of India’s tallest waterfalls. You may not be able to view the waterfall straight since you must first pass through the deep forest. The sight of the waterfall in the middle of the vegetation is likely to take your breath away. Because a hydroelectric plant has been built here, the power of the falling water is utilised to create energy. This cascading splendour is, without a doubt, one of Shimoga’s top tourist attractions.
15. Barkana Falls
When in Shimoga, who would want to miss a spectacular view? Isn’t that true? As a result, be sure to visit Barkana Falls, which is one of Shimoga’s most popular tourist destinations. The name of this waterfall comes from the word “barka,” which means “mouse deer,” a reclusive mammal found exclusively in this area. To get to the falls, you’ll have to embark on a short hike through a deep forest. This location is one of the most romantic in Shimoga, with its enchanting surroundings. After the monsoon season, when the area is alive with activity, is the best time to visit. Read more about the places to visit in Shimoga.
16. Hosahalli
During the monsoon, most of Shimoga’s tourist attractions become overcrowded; nevertheless, there are certain areas in Shimoga that have yet to be discovered and hence remain unaffected by the complications of city life. Hosahalli is a tiny town in Shimoga that is the only spot on the planet where people regularly speak Sanskrit. Sanketi is their dialect, which is a blend of Sanskrit, Kannada, and Tamil. This location was formerly part of the magnificent Vijayanagara kingdom and is now home to numerous historic monuments that history fans will enjoy exploring. Read more about the places to visit in Shimoga. The location is low-key and away from the main city, making it an ideal weekend getaway spot for a memorable experience.
17. Gajanur Dam
Shimoga’s Gajanur Dam, another renowned tourist attraction in Shimoga, offers a breathtaking view of the Tunga River and rich flora, making it an ideal picnic destination. There is also an elephant camp to visit, and this is one of the intriguing places to visit near Shimoga for nature and animal enthusiasts, where you can spend quality time with your loved ones. Read more about the places to visit in Shimoga.
18. Kavaledurga Fort
Kavaledurga is a fort on top of a hill in the middle of a deep forest that takes at least a 5-kilometre journey to access. Several temples to Virupaksha, Vijaya Vittala, Veerabhadra, Mallara, and Bhuvaneshwari are housed in the fort, which is a stunning blend of history and natural beauty. A mosque erected by Venkatappa Nayaka may also be discovered here, in addition to the remains of an ancient palace. It’s also a beautiful sight to see the sunset over the Arabian Sea.
19. Sharavathi Valley Wildlife Sanctuary
The Sharavathi Valley Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Sagar Taluk of Shivamogga District, in the Sharavathi River Valley. The Sanctuary has an area of 431.23 square kilometres. The Sanctuary is located in the Western Ghats and is mostly covered with evergreen and semi-evergreen forests in the valleys and grassy areas on hilltops. It is quite diverse in terms of flora and fauna. Dhoopa, Gulmavu, Surahonne, Mavu, Nandi, and other species abound in the sanctuary. Bison, spotted deer, tigers, and panthers are among the animals that live there. Read more about the places to visit in Shimoga.
20. Maricha Mrugavadhe
Ram’s brother, Lakshman, slew a demon named Maricha during the Ramayana period. Maricha is a Ravana relative who is responsible for adopting the form of a golden deer and enticing Lord Rama away from Sita, as well as playing a significant part in Ravana’s kidnapping of Sita. The site where Lakshmana murdered Maricha is known as Maricha Mrugavadhe. Mrugavadhe features a Mallikarjuna temple located 26 kilometres from Thirthahalli.
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