15 Best Tourist Places in Shimoga

Shimoga, popularly referred to as Shivamogga, is a city and the administrative centre of the Shimoga district in the centre of the Indian state of Karnataka. On the Tunga River's banks is where the city is located. The city is known as the "Gateway of Malnad" since it serves as the entrance to the Western Ghats' hilly region. According to the 2011 census, Shimoga city has 322,650 residents. The city is bordered by beautiful green rice paddies, arecanut and coconut plantations and is located 569 metres above sea level. It is 195 miles from the port city of Mangalore and 267 km from the state capital Bangalore. Here is a list of some famous tourist attractions in Shimoga district.

1. Tyavarekoppa Tiger and Lion Safari

It is referred to as an "open zoo" since tigers and lions are allowed to roam freely in its interior. The location, which spans a sizable 200 hectares, is well-known for its 1998-launched Lion and Tiger Safari. In addition to safaris, the area is home to several wildlife species, including sloth bears, deer, and leopards. There is also a zoo and a playground nearby.

It is a beautiful picnic area with a variety of plants and animals tucked away in every crevice. Safaris, which provides captivating views and unique recreational ones for youngsters, have a stringent no-photography regulation that must be adhered to. This location is ideal for a day trip because it has a small cafeteria, a zoo, and a children's park. It remains closed on Tuesday. The time to visit this place starts from 9:00 a.m. till 5 p.m. the entry fee for adults is 50 INR and for Children 10 INR.

2. Mandagadde Bird Sanctuary

If you skip this lovely bird sanctuary, your tour of Shimoga's attractions may remain incomplete. It is a tiny, charming island in the river Tunga that is about 32 kilometres from Shimoga town on the route to Thirthahalli. This is the greatest area to discover in Shimoga if you enjoy exploring peaceful environments.

The months of July through October are the greatest for visiting this location if you want to have the best experience. You can witness several migrating birds including egrets, darters, and snakebirds during these months. One of the most stunning tourist destinations in Shimoga is this. It opens from 7 a.m. till 7 p.m. it doesn't have any entry fee but charges for safari services.

3. Gajanur Dam

Small village Gajanur is well known for its variety of birds. Visitors can also take advantage of an elephant training camp nearby. The environment, which has plantations and beautiful forests encircling the huge dam, is what makes it a well-liked tourist destination. There will be several photographic possibilities for this. It is situated 12 kilometres from Shimoga on the Thirthahalli road.

You can observe a great picnic location in a way of Tunga Dam erected over River Tunga. You also get a stunning view of the dam and the river Tunga. Nature enthusiasts, animal lovers, and a number of photographers will be exploring these locations and taking the greatest pictures.

The dam opens for visitors from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., daily. The dam will have water rushing through it from October to March, making those months the greatest time to visit.

4. Hosahalli

The town of Hosahalli, together with its neighboring village Mattur, is known throughout the world as the only site where the old Sanskrit language is being spoken on a daily basis and is also the official language. It is a special village that blends ancient India with modern civilization. It is located 4 km from the city of Shimoga on the Tunga River's banks.

The town of Hosahalli, together with its neighboring village Mattur, is known throughout the world as the only site where the old Sanskrit language is being spoken on a daily basis and is also the official language. It is a special village that blends ancient India with modern civilization. It is located 4 km from the city of Shimoga on the Tunga River's banks. The locals also speak a unique dialect which is a mixture of Sanskrit, Tamil, and Kannada known as Sanketi.

Hosahalli, which was formerly a part of the vast Vijayanagara empire, is home to many magnificent temples, including the Lord Channakeshava temple, which has an impressive Rajagopuram (royal temple tower) at its opening, the Shri Rama mandiram, which is located in the centre of the village and where, on Saturdays and special occasions, devotional singing or bhajans are recited, and the Lord Shiva temple, which is a very magnificent temple of Lord Shiva and Parvati. The religious and traditional way of life practised in this hamlet, which the residents are dedicated to maintaining, is well represented by these temples. To access the Mattur village, a bridge spans the Tunga River there.

5. Sakrebailu Elephant Camp

Plan a trip to Sakrebailu Elephant Camp if you're travelling to Shimoga with children and family; it's one of the must-see attractions nearby. One can observe elephant herds being taught at Sakrebayalu Elephant Camp. It is a well-liked tourist destination and is located about 14 kilometres from the main town of Shimoga. Elephants at this eco-tourism facility are handled by knowledgeable mahouts. As they wash in the backwaters, engage with their young, and go about their daily lives, the wild elephants can be observed in their natural habitat.

It is a lovely sanctuary and is situated on the river Tunga. Avoid utilising flash photography at the sanctuary to prevent upsetting the elephants. At the camp, elephants are not subjected to unethical treatment. The wild elephants are taken to the camp, where they are trained, fed, and cared for. Visitors may now get up close and personal with the elephants and serve them food that has been specifically prepared by the mahouts. Observe the elephants taking a bath in the backwaters by going there before 9 AM. It should be noted that the sanctuary does not permit outside food.

It opens from 8:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. daily. The entry fee for adults is 30 INR and for foreigners, it is 100 INR. For the elephant ride, the charge for an adult is 75 INR and for children, it is 38 INR.

6. Keladi

The Shimoga District's Keladi village is renowned for its illustrious history and culture. The Keladi Rameshwara Temple and the Keladi Museum may be found in this prime location, which once served as the Keladi Nayaka Kingdom's initial capital. Keladi, a popular tourist destination in Shimoga, is an absolute haven for those who value serenity and spirituality. The Hoysala, Dravidian, and Kadamba architectural traditions are best represented by the temple dedicated to Lord Rameshwara.

Further, the shrines of Lord Veerbhadra and Goddess Parvati are also located within the temple. A historical collection of antiques and other mementos from past eras pertaining to Keladi Nayaks may be found in the village museum. The rich history of the Chalukya and Hoysala periods is also reflected in a number of idols, statues, copper inscriptions, coins, and palm leaves. The best time to visit Keladi is from October to December and March to June. It opens from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Every Day.

7. Shivappa Nayaka Palace Museum

On the banks of the river Tunga, which was created in the sixteenth century, is where this well-liked attraction is situated. The palace was created under the direction of Shivappa Naik and it is designed with rosewood that's why it is ranked among the top sites to see in Shimoga.

An internal museum that provides detailed information about this palace can be found when touring the area. You will also be able to see magnificent stone sculptures and other period-appropriate items. The museum opens from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. It is closed on all Mondays. No entry fees.

8. Ikkeri

Ikkeri is a tiny historical location in the Sagar Taluk, around 3 kilometres from Shimoga Town. The Aghoreshwara Temple, which was built by the Keladinayakas, is Ikkeri's principal draw. The Lord Shiva-dedicated temple is surrounded by a sizable open area. The temple, which is on a somewhat higher height, has a modest but magnificent granite cubical through which one can enter. Due to its crystalline quality, the picture of the bull-headed Nandi at the temple's entryway is what draws attention. The beautiful carvings on the temple's environs show off the talent of former masters.

Ikkeri is a year-round attraction since it has pleasant weather all through the year. The best time to go there, meanwhile, is from August to the end of April if you want to avoid going during the summer to avoid the heat.

9. Heggodu

Heggodu is a spotless village and one of those popular tourist destinations in Shimoga that has a small mystery. It is situated in Sagar Taluk. It is one of the few places that can count on NINASAM. NINASAM is an abbreviation for Sri Nilakanteshwara Natyaseva Samgha. It is a renowned theatrical institute and organisation committed to the advancement of the arts and culture.

A prominent Kannada playwright and author named Kuntagodu Vibhuthi Subbanna formed NINASAM in 1949. About 100 people make up NINASAM. On your vacation to Shimoga, be sure to stop by this town to see performances by the local dance companies, theatre companies, and art organisations. In fact, this small town is so well-known that artists from all over the world travel here to support local artists and many more to participate in the residential courses. From Shimoga, you can take a taxi or a local bus to get from Hosangara to Heggodu.

10. Kundadri

The charming residence of Kundadri Hill, a solid rock building with a Jain Temple at the top, is located in the Theerthahalli Taluka of Shimoga area. The Kundadri Hills are a cool location that is ideal to explore in any weather because they rise 3,200 feet above sea level. This walk to Kundadri, which is protected by lush green forests, is a lovely experience. It is also a sacred site for Jains and a great area for adventure seekers to do a little hiking and trekking. The Kundakundacharya Jain priest is credited with performing a significant penance on these hills, which bear his name.

During Makara Sankranthi in January, the Jain Temple from the seventeenth century is very popular. A tar road connects to the temple in Kundadri Hills, a popular pilgrimage site. However, walking through the nearby jungles is the greatest way to discover the area. The walk can be a little difficult at first, but as you take in the breathtaking landscape all around you, it quickly becomes easier and more rewarding. As you stroll merrily to the top, you may see a number of streams running by.

11. Achakanya Falls

One of Karnataka's lesser-known natural wonders is the Achakanya waterfall. In the Shimoga district of Karnataka, the waterfall is close to the village of Aralasurali, which is located around 10 km from Thirthahalli. The River Sharavathi creates the waterfall when it makes a spectacular leap through the thick Western Ghats woods. The breathtaking fall is between 6 and 7 feet tall. A sight to behold is the little yet majestic Achakanya Falls.

The waterfall becomes an amazing sight to see during the monsoons when the water pours down with full force. Therefore, the months of July through October are the best times to schedule a vacation to the waterfall. The flow of white water, which is surrounded by vegetation on all sides, offers tourists a pleasing view. Trekkers should visit the Achakanya waterfall. Finding the waterfall, which is hidden in the heart of a forest, is difficult for hikers. To get to the waterfall, there are no clearly indicated paths or roads. To find the location, one must either navigate a path through a forest or ask for local assistance.

12. Hidlumane Falls

In the Karnataka district of Shimoga, there are 6-7 mesmerising waterfalls collectively known as Hidlumane Falls. It may be found deep in the Mookambika jungles. These waterfalls are all hidden from the sight of one another, with the most beautiful one being the last in the series and located at the top. Due to the shallowness of the pool, many guests can be seen swimming there. However, swimming is not allowed here during the monsoon season because of the choppy currents.

It is also a well-liked starting place for treks that leave from Kodachadri Peak. Trekking through luxuriant, deep forests that are also the habitats of numerous rare bird species is a memorable experience. There are numerous dead trees that have taken on unusual shapes because of the termites that are prevalent in some areas of the forest. Avoid hiking during the monsoon since the many huge boulders that are present make the trail slick.

The best time to visit is from September to February. You can complete the trek in the duration of 1 day. If you just want to enjoy the waterfalls it will take only 1 - 2 hrs.

13. Shopping

Shimoga, a well-known tourist location in Karnataka, has a wealth of goods to offer its shoppers. The region is renowned for its handicrafts, rosewood and sandalwood carvings, sarees decorated with Kasuti art, and wooden toys covered in lacquer. The market is filled with a broad selection of garments of different fabrics varying from silk to chiffon and jewels.

In particular during festival seasons, flowers are a specialty of the market. Natural fibre accessories and clothing are trendy. Porcelain and other lacquerware are also available for purchase. Nehru Road or Nehru Avenue, Balraj Urs Road, Durgigudi, Gandhi Market, B.H. Road, Savalanga Street and Shivappayanaka Market are the major commercial marketing locations.

Shimoga has a positive mall culture as well. These are contemporary shopping centres with a wide range of amenities for customers, such as dining options and gaming areas. Shri Lakshmi Galaxy, Mega Mart, Vikram Collections, and KSRTC Shimoga Mall are the ones that are worthwhile visits.

14. Gandhi Park

The city's inhabitants frequently use the Mahatma Gandhi Park. The park's swimming pool is its most prominent feature, and children can take swimming lessons while attending government-sponsored summer programmes. The Mahatma Gandhi Park's jogger's route is a great place for early-morning strolls and jogs because of the rich greenery that surrounds it. Each child will be drawn to one of the many various games in the kids' play area. The park has a miniature railway that travels through it, and there are several lovely pieces of art on display.

The Tehsil Horticulture Department operates out of the park and hosts yearly events including Flower Shows and Palla Pushpa Pradarshana. Ambedkar Bhavan, an auditorium, is also present in the park and is situated on its eastern side. Additionally, this park contains an aquarium with a variety of fish species that is quite fascinating to view. Anyone may afford to enter the park because of its extremely low entrance cost.

Shimoga's Mahatma Gandhi Park is easily accessible from all areas thanks to a variety of transportation options, making it convenient for locals and visitors alike. About two kilometres separate the Mahatma Gandhi Park from the Shimoga bus station, and visitors can get there by riding any bus.

15. Tripurantaka Temple

One of the most notable temples is the Tripurantaka or Tripurantakesvara temple, located in the Karnataka state town of Balligave in the Shivamogga district. During the reign of King Vishnuvardhana, the Western Chalukyas constructed the temple. It was built somewhere around 1070 AD. An ancient temple called Tripurantaka is located to the northeast of Balligave. Western or Later Chalukyas constructed it in the eleventh century. Tripurantaka, a manifestation of Lord Shiva, is the temple's principal deity.

The temple is an example of Chalukyan architecture. The door frames and pillars resemble the earlier constructions at Belur and Halebid. The paintings on the temple's outer wall also feature sensual sculptures. The Hindu festival of Shivaratri is the ideal time to visit this temple. Few sculptures from to Hoysala era still survive in the temple. A Hoysala ruler killing a lion is one such sculpture. There are also inscriptions underneath this sculpture chronicling the hunting journey of the monarch.