Shimoga Travel Guide
Shimoga is a colorful district with attractive landscape, waterfalls , green forests ,river valley , bountiful fields with areca palms and paddy fields. Situated in the center of Karnataka state. It has about 3.28 lakh hectares of forest with sandalwood , teak and other valuable trees. Forest occupies about 60% of the total land area with large forests . The rivers and water falls in the district are world famous. Tunga, Bhadra,Sharavathi, Varada and Kumudvathi rivers has made this district a rice bowl in the state. There are many places of Architectural splendor in the district. The district is known for its world famous tourist spots and also equally for its areca markets

The Kadambas, Gangas, Chalukyas, Rashtrakutas and Vijayanagara emperors ruled over this region.Keladi Nayakas were the most important rulers among the ruling families, which held high the torch of Hindu culture. During Vijayanagara period, Keladi rulers ruled as sub-ordinates of the Vijayanagara emperors and later as independent rulers.

The District has several places of tourist interest, having living traditions in the field of education, learning, fine arts and culture.

Located at distance of 277Km from Bangalore with Mangalore being the nearest airport. Shimoga is connected by train from Bangalore, Mysore and Hubli.It is situated in Birur Talguppa section.


Shimoga is connected with all important cities and towns in the state. It is also connected by road Panaji(Goa),Hyderabad,Salem and Manthralaya.


City Sights
Accessibility
Shimoga is connected by rail to Bangalore, Mysore and Hubli and by road to all the important places in the state. The nearest airport is Mangalore (200Kms).


Around Shimoga
Gajanur
Lies 10 Kms southwest. The dam here is ideal for picnics. Elephants are trained at the elephant camp here.

Tavarekoppa
10 Kms northwest, has a lion and tiger safari.

Agumbe
70 Kms southwest, is unforgettable for its glorious sunset.

Jog falls
These magnificent falls are 100 Kms away from Shimoga. The river Sharavathi takes a spectacular leap at a height of 292 m in four distinct falls- Raja, Rani, Roarer and Rocket- to form the highest waterfalls in India. The best time to visit these falls is soon after the monsoon during July-August. The backwaters of the Sharavathi Wildlife Sanctuary offer excellent opportunities for water sports.

Kodachadri
120 Kms from Shimoga, this beautiful hill station is nestled in the Western Ghats.

Ambuthirtha
This town is about 16 Kms northwest of Thirthahalli. The river Sharavathi takes its origin here and a Shivalinga is installed at the spot.

The Mandagadde and Gudavi Bird Sanctuaries are not to be missed.