Shimoga is a nature blessed landscapes dotted with waterfalls, swaying palms and lush paddy fields make for picturesque locales.
Shimoga, almost central on the Karnataka map is the rice bowl of the State. The rivers Tungabhadra, Sharavathi, Varada and Kumudavathi inundate the luxuriant greens of the region.Shimoga was ruled by the great Indian dynasties of the Kadambas, Gangas, Chalukyas, Rastrakutas, Keladi and Vijaynagar Kings. Shimoga( Face of Shiva), was established by the Keladi rulers. It reached its pinnacle during the rule of ShivappaNayaka around 1600 A.D.
The Sahyadriranges,part of the Western Ghats, feed the rivers round the year, and inundate the fertile alluvial soil, this nature's blessing makes it the bread basket of Karnataka. The SharavathiHydel Project and Varahi Project provide a substantial portion of the state's power needs.
Some important questions arise when we choose a destination.
Most important places to Visit in Shimoga . / Sightseeing places in Shimoga .
Which all places I can visit along with Shimoga ?
Tour Itineraries along with Shimoga.
Best time to visit Shimoga.
How to reach Shimoga.
Most important places to visit in Shimoga ./ Sightseeing places in Shimoga
Agumbe(A 45 KM Drive)
It is famous for its breath taking sunsets, green forest and has one of India’s steepest hair pin Ghats. It also has one of India’s highest rainfall and is rich in wild life.
Jog Fall (A 115 KM Drive)
River Sharavathi roars down more than 900 feet into the deep valley to create a magnificent waterfall and generates hydro electricity along the way.
Varahi(A 25 KM Drive)
An underground hydroelectric powerhouse and a place of great scenic beauty.
Kavaledurga (A 35 KM Drive)
An ancient fort built by ShivappaNayaka on a hill top, which gives a wonderful view of western Ghats where beautiful Ice drops are formed by the Varahi backwaters.
Kundadri Hills (A 40 KMS Drive)
Hill is a huge monolithic rock formation with various outgrowths and is about 3200 feet above sea level. Surrounded by dense evergreen forest, Kundadri is an adventurous place for trekking. A rough stone paved path leading to the top of the hill in the middle of the dense forest. Kundadri has a Jain basadi on top of the hill. Kundadri named after the Jain priest, "Kundakundacharya" who was said to have performed penance here. On full moon day, one can experiment sun rise and the moon set simultaneously.
Kodachadri(A 70 KMS Drive)
Kodachadri is a mountain peak (altitude - 1343 m above sea level) in the Western Ghats in South India (Karnataka State). The roots of the name in Sanskrit is”Kutakachalam." In local Kannada language, it is also called KodashiParvatha. Kodachadri forms a picturesque background to the famous temple of Mookambika in Kollur. Situated in the middle of the Mookambika National Park, it is home to several endemic and endangered species of flora and fauna. The rain forests loom in a perpetual layer of mist around the peak. Around peak, shola forest is also there. This peak is where 'Shankaracharya' did meditation. You will find an ancient SarvajnaPeetha, (built out of rock) of Sri Shankaracharya at the top. Adi-Mookambika temple at Kodachadri village is believed to be the moolasthana (the origin) of Sri Mookambika Devi. It is also an excellent locale for Trekkers and backpackers. It is also known as a heaven on earth in Malnad.
Sringeri(A 65 KMS Drive)
Singeriis located in Chikmagalur district. It is the site of the first matha established by AdiShankaracharya, Hindu theologian and exponent of the Advaita Vedanta philosophy, in the 8th century C.E. It is located on the banks of the river Tunga.
Humcha( A 30 KMS Drive)
Humcha- or Hombuja (better known as Humcha or Hamchawadi) is aAtishayaKshetra, a place where divine events regularly occur. It is the most famous pilgrimage place dedicated to Lord Parsvanath and Devi Padmavati, in India. As per Historians and Jain religious leaders, Humcha or Hombuja is considered as the most sacred place for Mata Padmavati.
Lion safari (A 50 KMS Drive)
This is located near Shimoga at Tyavarekoppa village and is also home to leopards, tigers and other wild life.
Elephant camp (A 25 KMS Drive)
A unique elephant training camp in Asia, it is situated in SakareeBailur near tunga damn, at Gajanur.
Bird sanctuary (A 10 KMS Drive)
From June to September a variety of birds come to breed from all around the world on this spectacular island formed by the river tunga. boating is also available during the season.
Sibbulagudda (A 30 KMS Drive) - a fish sanctuary and a delightful place to visit.
Kavishaila (A 35 KMs Drive)
Kavishaila also known as Kuppalli, is a small village in Thirthahallitaluk of Shimoga district in the state of Karnataka in India. It is famous for being the birthplace and childhood home of the renowned Kannada playwright and poet Kuvempu. Indeed, this pen-name Kuvempu pays homage to the author's home, created as it is from the first letters from his full name "KuppaliVenkatappaPuttappa" (Venkatappa being his father's name). Kuppali is also the birthplace of PoornachandraTejaswi, the son of Kuvempu and a famous Kannada writer himself. It is also the place where Kuvempu and PoornachandraTejaswi have been cremated. The childhood home of Kuvempu at Kuppali has been converted into a museum by RashtrakaviKuvempuPratishtana (a trust dedicated to Kuvempu). This trust has undertaken immense developmental works in Kuppali to showcase Kuvempu and his works to the external world.
Thirathalli(A 18 KMS Drive)
It is a historic town built on the bank of river tunga, surrounded by beautiful hills. It is rich in its culture and scenic beauty.
Kollur(A 90KMS Drive)
Kollur is a tiny hamlet situated near Kundapur Town. This village lies at the foot of the Western Ghats, and is famous for the Mookambika temple, a Hindu pilgrim centre.
Which all places I can visit along with Shimoga ?
Tour itineraries along with Shimoga
Hyderabad – Gulbarga – Bijapur – Badami – Hampi – Chitradurga – Chikmagalur – Shimoga - Malpe – Coorg – Nagarhole – Mysore – Bangalore
How to reach Shimoga?
By Road
Shimoga is 273 km away from bangalore, capital of karnataka, india and is easy to travel by road. starting from bangalore - NH 4 till tumkur - NH 206 - till shimoga via tiptur, arsikere, banvara, kadur, birur, tarikere, bhadravathi.
By Train
Shimoga is well connect with train facility with most of the people prefer train service as the popular INTERCITY EXPRESS is faster than travelling by bus to the city.
From bangalore trains are available at
04.30 pm departure - shimoga-bangalore express.
11.15 pm departure - bangalore express
10.15 pm departure- mysore - shimoga express.
alsoshimoga - talguppe express was recently connected towards sagara which has future plan of extension towards south canara region of karnataka.
By Air
Shimoga airport is operational is in a village called soganne. the other nearest airports are located in -
Banglore - 275 KM.
MANGALORE - 180 KM.
HUBLI - 195 KM.
Best time to visit Shimoga
Best season to visit Shimogais July-January.
More references about Shimoga: http://www.shimoga.nic.in/