Best Tourist Places to Visit in Shimoga, Karnataka, India

Best Places to Visit in Shimoga, Karnataka, India

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: