Shimoga (Shivamogga)

What is the best time to visit Mahabaleshwar?

The optimal time for a visit to Shimoga is during the winter months from October to February, when the pleasant weather enhances the beauty of the region. Shimoga experiences a delightful interplay of seasons, transitioning between dry and wet periods. Monsoons grace the town from June to October, transforming it into a refreshed and blooming paradise. During this time, rivers and waterfalls surge in full force, offering a breathtaking spectacle of nature's abundance.

click here to: current-weather-forecast:

How to reach Shimoga (Shivamogga)

Is convenient with multiple transportation options. The closest International Airport is Mangalore Airport, approximately 195 km away. Shimoga boasts its own Railway Station, Shimoga Nagar Railway Station, connecting it to major cities in Karnataka and beyond, including Mangalore, Hampi, Bangalore, Pune, and Mumbai. Bus services from Bangalore to Shimoga are frequent, providing an accessible and economical travel choice. Alternatively, you can opt for a taxi, ensuring both arrival in Shimoga and convenient exploration within the city using the same transport.

By Flight: The nearest International Airport is Mangalore Airport, Mangalore, roughly 195 km from Shimoga city. Frequent flights to various national and international destinations such as Hyderabad, Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, Kozhikode, Bangalore, and Chennai take off from here. You can hire a taxi from the airport to reach the main town.

Nearest Airport: Mangalore International Airport (IXE) - 132 kms from Shimoga (Shivamogga)

By Road: You can take a bus from the main cities in both Karnataka and Maharashtra to reach Shimoga. Many state transport buses ply on this route. However, the best way to explore Shimoga is to hire a car. You can use the same car to explore the city, with various rental companies offering services based on the type of car, duration, and distance covered.

By Train: With its own railway station, Shimoga District is well-connected to major cities in the country. A regular rail service also connects the region to Bangalore directly, which is 280 km away. Outside the station, buses or taxis are available for convenient commuting within the district.

Local Transport in Shimoga (Shivamogga): Shimoga, as a small town and district headquarters, offers easy commuting with taxis. Auto-rickshaws are also available, charging a minimum of Rs. 20 for intercity commuting, with room for negotiation. Consider a guide for exploring the place.

Tourist Information: click-here

Known as Shivamogga, this vibrant city and district in Karnataka, Southern India, beckon with a blend of tradition and allure. Explore the heart of Karnataka's beauty and culture in the captivating city of Shimoga!

Jog Falls

Jog Falls, the second-highest plunge waterfall in India, is a must-visit in Karnataka, reigning as the state's tallest cascade. With a breathtaking drop of 253 meters            (850 ft.), it stands only second to Meghalaya's Nohkalikai Falls. Linganamakki Dam, a nearby hydroelectric plant, regulates the flow, making the monsoon season the prime time to witness the falls in their full splendor.

Just a scenic 2-hour drive from Shimoga city, Jog Falls, also known as Gerosappa Falls or Joga Falls, unfolds into four distinct segments: Raja, Roarer, Rocket, and Rani. Each segment, named for its unique characteristics, invites exploration and awe.

Best Time: Jul-Dec

Direction: map.

Agumbe

Agumbe earns its moniker as the "Cherrapunji of South India" owing to its abundant rainfall. With the highest rainfall in the south and the second-highest annual rainfall in India, this biodiverse haven offers a rich tapestry of picturesque landscapes and enticing trekking trails. As one of the last surviving lowland rainforests, Agumbe played a pivotal role as the backdrop for the iconic fictional town Malgudi in the TV serial Malgudi Days.

Renowned for its rare medicinal plants like Myristica, Listsaea, Garcinia, Diospyros, Eugenia, and more, Agumbe is dubbed "Hasiru Honnu," signifying green is gold. Hosting the Agumbe Rainforest Research Station, India's oldest weather station exclusively monitoring rainforest changes, Agumbe is also known as the "Cobra Capital" due to its high cobra population.

Best Time to Visit : Monsoons (October to June)

Direction: map.

Sakrebailu Elephant Camp

Located just 14 km from Shimoga, Sakrebayalu Elephant Camp offers a captivating glimpse into the training of herds of elephants. This popular eco-tourism spot boasts skilled mahouts overseeing the elephants along the scenic River Tunga, where they naturally bathe and interact with their young ones. Strictly adhering to ethical treatment, the camp ensures no harm to the elephants. Visitors can engage closely with these majestic creatures, feeding them specially prepared food. To witness the elephants bathing in the backwaters, it's recommended to visit before 9 AM, while note that outside food is not permitted in the sanctuary

Timings : 8:30 AM to 11:00 AM,

Daily Entry Fee : Indians: INR 30 Foreign Nationals: INR 100

Elephant Ride : Adults (13 years+): INR 75 Child (5-13 years): INR 38

more details....

Direction: map.

Dabbe Falls

Tucked away in the lush embrace of Saravathi Wildlife Sanctuary, Dabbe Falls emerges as a captivating secret in Shimoga, Karnataka. Drawing nature enthusiasts and explorers, the falls present a mesmerizing fusion of a verdant forest backdrop and a cascading stream of water down the cliff. The name 'Dabbe,' translating to 'steps' in the local language, perfectly captures the essence of the falls, where each step forms pools that overflow, creating a picturesque cascade effect. The journey to Dabbe involves a challenging perpendicular walking track down a cliff, making it less accessible for those with ailments or disabilities

Timings : No timings. But 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM is recommended as it is safer.

Time Required : 1-2 hours

Entry Fee : No entry fee

Direction: map.

Kanoor Fort

this fort, located in the Shimoga district, derives its name from the ruling Keladi dynasty. "Kote" translates to fort in Kannada. Visitors must carry their own food and tents, as the fort is not directly accessible by road, requiring a few minutes of walking. Due to this accessibility challenge, the site is best avoided by individuals with ailments or physical disabilities. The historical significance of Keladi Kote, coupled with its unique approach, makes it a distinctive destination for those seeking a bit of adventure in the Shimoga region.

Direction: map.

Sigandur Chowdeshwari Temple

Nestled in Karnataka's Taluka District, the picturesque town of Singandur, or "Sigandooru," is renowned for the revered Shri Chowdeshwari Temple. Dedicated to the goddess Chowdeshwari, this temple on the Sharavati River's banks is a global pilgrimage site. Known as Chowdamma Devi, the goddess is believed to protect devotees from theft while punishing wrongdoers. Surrounded by lush greens and bordered by the Linganamakki dam, Sigandur village is embraced by the Holy Sharavati River.

During the annual January festival, visitors engage in a sacred tradition of bathing in the Sharavati River, a unique worship aspect of this village

Temple Timings : 3:30 AM - 7:30 PM

Entry Fee : Free

Direction: map.

Achakanya Falls

Nestled in the heart of Aralasurali village in Shimoga, Karnataka, Achakanya Falls unveils itself as the town's hidden gem. Emerging over the Sharavathi River in the lush Western Ghats, this 6-7 feet high waterfall is a captivating visual feast, a cherished secret among locals. Beyond being a popular picnic spot, Achakanya Falls stands as an ideal trekking destination, inviting adventurers to uncover its natural splendor. 

Direction: map.

Kavaledurga

Kavaledurga, an ancient hill fort near Shimoga in Karnataka, stands proudly at a height of 1541 meters. Despite its current state of ruins, the fort retains its status as one of the most scenic and captivating places in the state. Nestled in lush greenery and embraced by the majestic Western Ghats, this heritage spot remains a hidden gem, untouched by the typical tourist crowds. 

Direction: map.