Shimoga

Shimoga is a town in Karnataka State. The name is a corrupted form of Shiva-mukha i.e., face of Lord Shiva. In 2006, the local government renamed Shimoga as Shivamogga.

Get in

By rail

Shimoga can be reached by train from Bangalore or Mysore. There are many trains running from Bangalore since morning till late night everyday. If you can rush out of the station soon, you'll be lucky to hit the city service bus (auto-rickshaws are also available) which will take you to the main bus terminus from where you can take buses to other places, e.g., Saagar, and Talaguppa. Also there is railway station link bus to Sagar at the time of arrival of train at Shimoga Railway station

By bus

There are ample buses from the state capital Bangalore during day as well as night time. There are various classes of buses which one can take as per their wallet size. It takes nearly 7 hours by bus and it traverses through Tumkur, Tiptur, Arsikere, Kadur, Tarikere and Bhadravati before reaching Shimoga bus terminus.

Get around

Shimoga as such does not have many places to look around since it is the district headquarters. But it consists of many smaller towns and is one of the greenest districts. Hiring a cab is not a bad idea though, but the better choice is try to catch a person who can take you around.

Autos are not metered, and the minimum fare is ₹20 for intra-city distances.

See

The list is huge:

• Lion and Tiger Safari is around 11 km from city bus stand on the way to Sagar town. This place comprises of a zoo and animals in the wild. You can see animals like lion, tigers (which are in plenty), and deer.

You have buses which are well covered which takes you into the wild every 30 mins. All cameras are allowed at a cost of ₹150-400 depending on the type. The zoo is also great, highlights being cheetah, bear and peacocks.

• Gajnur dam which is around 10 km from city center.
• Jog falls Jog Falls is about 101 km from Shimoga, water falls down in four different streams named as Raja, Rani, Rocket and Roarer.
• Thirthalli, a small laid-back taluk headquarters.
• Agumbe, the 'Cheerapunji of Karnataka' gets the state's highest rainfall, is around 2 hours away from Shimoga, is an amazing village known for its forest resource, sunset spots, trekking passes, lakes, mountains. This one is a must see.
• Linganamakki dam, very close to Jog Falls.
• Kodachadri, A glorious and enchanting mountain provides the perfect escape from the hectic pace of the hum drum of everyday life. Paradise for trekkers, the place attracts lot of trekkers around Karnataka state. Kodachadri is situated at 435 m (1411 ft) above sea level and 115 km from Shimoga city. A beatific hill abode that overlooks the panoramic Western Ghats. It is clothed with splendid evergreen forests. The first portion of the hill is very steep and difficult to ascend. On the west, the hill descends almost perpendicular for about 1300 m (4026 ft), meeting the South Kanara forests that lie below. The sea appears quite close, and on clear day, you can also see the ships go by. The famous temple town of Kollur is 12 km away. The steep hills challenge the trekkers for an adventurous trekking experience. If you want to stay you can go to Kalyani Chowka in Nittur and from there to Nisarga Dhaama. Manjanna always will be their for your help.
• Shivappanayaka's fort at Nagara.
• Sharavathi Wild Life Sanctuary.
• Kavaledurga - Fort of Shivappanayaka very close to Thirthahalli.
• Elephant Training Camp-Sakrebayalu. On the way to Thirthahalli from Shimoga, 14 km away from the city you can hear elephants reciting their lessons. Yes its not a joke, its a fact that here you can find many elephants being tamed by professionals, for log lifting and other such work. Elephants from the adjoining forests bathe at this spot, before they re-enter their forest abode. Every morning these majestic creatures waddle down to the waters and after playfully cleansed their bodies and having satiated their thirst, they leave the waters before the rays of the sun get stronger. They are off to deal with their day's routine, only to return the following day. To catch a glimpse of these mammoths at play in the waters, get there before 9AM. 
• Mandagadde Bird Sanctuary. 32 km from Shimoga city on the way to Thirthahalli you can hear the birds tweeting. This place is picnic spot for birds migrating from far places around the world. The place is surrounded by dense lush green forest and the flow of river Tunga has created a small island which adds to the beauty. The dense trees on the island provides shelter to migrating birds. Birds like Egrets, Bellakki Cormorant, Darter, Snake bird etc immigrate from different parts of the world during may season for breeding A high platform is built on the edge of river Tunga for bird watching. Boats are available for a closer watch. 
• Guduvi Bird Sanctuary. This bird sanctuary is unique for many reasons but is the only sanctuary located in the midst of dense forest. Guduvi is one of the 5 famous bird sanctuaries of Karnataka. The place is 16 km from Soraba taluka of Shimoga district. This bird sanctuary is spread over an area of 73.68 ha. As per 1993 survey, it is told that 191 varieties of birds are found at this place. A natural lake and the trees gives shelter to this birds. Some important birds found are White Pebis, Stone Bill, Egret, Cormorant, Snake bird, Heron. Different birds immigrate from other parts of the world in different seasons for breeding. A platform is built for a closer look of birds. 
• Honnemaradu. Honnemaradu, a small town alongside a reservoir, is tucked away in the lush greenery of the Western Ghats along the Sharavati backwaters near Sagar. Encompassing an area of 50 km by 80 km, this reservoir stretches as far as the eye can see. Honnemaradu or “Golden Lake” has some of the most spectacular views of the sunrise and sunset. Deep in a forest, without the slightest trace of civilisation, Honnemaradu is a haven for die-hard outdoors fanatics as well as those who want a complete break from the city. Hiking is permitted along roads only, and boats are available with a hired guide. Honnemaradu is 8km outside of Talaguppa. Some of the water sports activities here include coracling, canoeing, kayaking and wind rafting. There are many travel groups who organizes island camping and water sports. 
• Nagara. A 16th-century place situated 84 km from Shimoga. This was also known as "Beendanoor" in the 16th century. This place was also capital of Keladi rulers and later on was captured by Hyder Ali. Other places of interest are Shivappanaika palace, Neelakenteshwara temple, Devagana tank and Gudde Venkataramana Swamy temple. 
• Shivappa Nayak Palace Shivappa Naik Palace. Situated on the banks of River Tunga in the busy lanes of Shimoga city. A 16th-century place built by Shivappa Naik of Keladi. A good architectural piece built with rose wood. The palace is equipped with museum which has several interesting and rare archaeological collections of stone carvings and antiques of Keladi period. Recovered idols of Hoysala and Chalukya period from the early 16th century to late 18th century are displayed here. 
• Sacred Heart Church. Situated in the heart of city. The church renovated and said to be second largest church in India with an area of 1800 m² (18000 square feet). Also equipped with a prayer hall with a capacity to hold 5000 people at a time. 
• Bhadravathi. Bhadravathi, a town in the South Indian state of Karnataka, is about 20 km from Shimoga. There are many buses to this place and also many taxis available. Lakshmi Narasimha temple built by Hoysalas in the 13th century is located in Bhadravathi. This beautiful Hoysala architecture temple is maintained by the Archaeological Department of the Karnataka state. This temple is dedicated to Lord Narasimha (incarnation of Lord Vishnu). Bhadravathi is around 20 km from Shimoga in Karnataka. Bhadravathi is also known as steel town as there is one huge steel factory called Vishweshwaraya Iron and Steel Limited (VISL), earlier known as Mysore Iron and Steel Limited. There is a Dam called Bhadra River Project (BRP) which is located 15 km from Bhadravathi. It is a very beautiful sunset point. 
• kuppalli. Birthplace of renowned Kannada poet Kuvempu (Jnanapitha award winner). 18 km from Thirthahalii, it is a must-see place for its natural surroundings and well-kept house of Malnad architecture. 
• Ambuthirtha (Via Thirthahalii to hosanagara route). 1/2. Birthplace of River Sharavathi. This river forms a beautiful waterfall at Jog. Sharavathi River is the major source of hydro electric power in Karnataka. 12. 
• Sri Sigandur Chaudamma temple. The Chaudamma/Chaudeshwari temple in Sigandur in Sagara Taluk. Of note is the "launch" which is used to get across the backwaters of the Sharavathi river. This launch also transports vehicles - including cars and buses and also people. 

Do

Nature photography and hiking are the best things to do in this district which houses a plethora of waterfalls, trekking passes, mountains, viewpoints, and hill stations. Also it is home to a large variety of wild animals, butterflies, moths, snakes, and insects.

Those interested in a very different culinary experience can visit one of the local temples for lunch. (See suggested day trip below)

Kudali Sangama-14 km from Shimoga where Tunga and Bhadra rivers merge. It also has a branch of the Sringeri Math, Chintamani Narasimha Temple, a rare Brahma temple and inscriptions on stones. There is no shade for visitors and it is also like a Land's End since two rivers are meeting, hence, even though people specifically come to this place, there is no place for them to linger on. It is called Kudali Sangama and not to be confused with Kudalasangama, as otherwise this place will show up in all searches for Kudalasangama and add to confusion.

Itineraries

A suggested day trip is Jog Falls - Varadahalli - Ikkeri - Lion & Tiger safari

Jog Falls

Ikkeri temple

• Jog Falls is about 101 km from Shimoga. This is the highest waterfalls in India and during the monsoons the 4 jets of water named Raja, Rani, Rocket, and Roarer gush in full strength. It takes the better part of 2 hours to climb down and a little more to climb back up. A trail of approx. 1400 steps has been constructed from the top of Jog Falls till the bottom. Though it eases the descent and ascent greatly, it can be quite tiring and exhausting. Its always advisable to carry a water bottle (though refreshments are available till a point) and some snacks when going to the bottom.
• Varadahalli is a hamlet that is off the main road near the town of Sagar. This is the place where Guru Sri Sridhara Swamy meditated for salvation. There is a temple here and like most other temples in the region, free lunch is provided at a communal dining hall every day to all visitors between 12:30-14:00. The fare is a simple vegetarian meal consisting of rice with rasam, sambar, and buttermilk. Although the lunch is free, donations are recommended (₹50 per person is adequate). Local traditions require all people to remove their footwear before entering the dining hall, and for all males to remove the shirts at the time of lunch. Also, the seating is on the floor and there are no tables or chairs.
• Ikkeri is best visited on the way back from Varadahalli and has an approx. 500-year-old beautiful stone temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.
• Lion and Tiger Safari is around 12 km from the Shimoga bus terminus. Not a safari in the true sense of the word because the lions and tigers are housed in fenced enclosures and a sighting is guaranteed. The park also has a mini zoo housing hyenas, bears, porcupines, pythons, and alligators. Entrance is ₹15, cameras ₹50 (video cameras ₹150) and safari bus ticket ₹40. Unlike some other tourist spots in India, the charges here are the same for Indian and foreign nationals.

Drink

There is no nightlife in Shimoga. A few bars may be found in the commercial areas only. There are a few remote bars near Mandagadee which serve alcohol till 2AM.

Pineapple is cooked in a spicy sauce for special occasions like weddings

Sleep

• Hotel Royal Orchid Near to bus stand,Shimoga
• Hotel Jewel Rock Durgigudi Road,Shimoga
• Meenakshi Bhavan Hotel BH Road.
• Hotel Mathura Residency Mathura Arcade,Balraj Urs Road,Shimoga
• Hotel Sundar Ashraya Thirthahally Road,Shimoga
• Tirumal Lodge Park Extension,Shimoga
• Hotel Ashok Deluxe Shimoga
• Hotel Surya Comforts Shimoga
• Hotel Sanman Lodge Garden Area, 3rd Cross Nehru Road, Shimoga
• Hotel Durga Lodge Shimoga
• Hotel Chandrika Lodge Shimoga
• Hotel M.G. Palace Shimoga
• Ramakrishna Lodge Shimoga
• Vihangama Holiday Retreat, Bharathipura Post, Thirthahalli Taluk, Shimoga Dist. 577432 (4 km from Thirthahalli on Highway 13 towards Shimoga), ☎ +91 8181 - 228211-227025. A family-run resort in the middle of the Western Ghats on the bank of river Tunga. 
• Hotel Heritage, Opp Railway Station, B.H.Road, Bhadravathi, ☎ [phone]. (low average) 
• River View Farm Stay, Harakere, Thirthahalli Road,Shimoga 577 202 Karnataka, India (River View Farm Harakere is located on National Highway-13, Thirthahalli Road 3 km from Shimoga bus terminal and 6 km from Shimoga Railway station), ☎ [phone]. The guest accommodation lies on the river bank with rooms facing the Tranquil Tunga River. The region around farm is blessed with outstanding natural beauty, panoramic river views and lush greenery. The local tourist attractions are only a short drive away from Harakere Farm 

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