13 Best attractions near Shimoga tourist places

Shimoga tourist places, popularly called as Shivamogga is a gracious city in Karnataka, India. It is a best option to choose if you are looking for a nature filled trip in Western Ghats around Karnataka. This stunning place is situated in the banks of  Tunga river and it a major cultivator of coconut, arecanut and paddy. This gives rich and magnificent scenery to places in and around Shimoga.

Shimoga is a place of dense greenery located 569 m above sea level. Rice is the primary food in in this region. Some of must try drooling foods are Dosa varieties, Panipuri, PavBhajji and Thatte idly. Mainstream people follow Hinduism and some of their cultural festivals are Pongal, Sahyadri festival, Hampi festival and Ganesh Chaturthi. Kannada is official language of the state where Hindi and Sanskrit are also widely spoken. Shimoga is a World Heritage site and is acclaimed greatly for Tourism. Pleasant landscape and the exemplary nature makes Shimoga perfect for week-end getaway or a great family trip. Here, we have picked the list of attractive tourist places you should visit in Shimoga.

13 Best attractions near Shimoga tourist places

Sharavati River, Shimoga tourist places

Sharavati River is originated from Ambutheertha in Thirthahalli district where its major part lies in Western Ghats. The river flows to a length of about 128 Km and joins in Arabian sea at Honnavar in Uttara kannada district.Linganamakki and Gerusoppa dam have been constructed across the river to serve the purpose of electricity and its reservoirs hold a great amount of water.

It is believed that Sharavati is originated when Lord Rama hit an Ambu (Bow and Arrow) onto the ground to quench thirst of his wife Sita. Hence,Ambutheertha and Sharavati got its name.

The main Tourist attraction of Sharavati is SharavatiWildlife sanctuary that it is lively since 1972 and is home to many outlandish birds and animals. Sharavati possess some of special species like Giant squirrels, Lion tailed Macaque, Wild boars, Black Panther etc, which draws many people to the Wildlife Sanctuary.

Jog Falls, Shimoga tourist places

Jog Falls has its origination form Sharavati river and is South India’s highest waterfall with the height of 830 feet. The locals popularly call Jog falls as ‘Gerosoppa falls’ or ‘Joga falls’. There are four majestic plunges in Jog falls which are Raja, Rani, Roarer and Rocket where each one has its own significance and it is most popular places among Shimoga tourist places.

This scenic beauty is located 100 km from Shimoga and gives its best view in Winters. You can also get glimpse of fascinating rainbows occasionally during Monsoons if you are lucky. Head there in a right time and experience the luxurious charm of nature.

Sakrebailu elephant Camp, Shimoga tourist places

Sakrebailu Elephant Camp is found 14 Km from Shimoga in the road heading from Shimoga to Thirthahalli. This prominent elephant camp encompasses a lot of captive elephants which are nurtured and trained by skilled labors.

The camp is famous for elephant ride which you should never miss when you are in Sakrebailu. You should visit the camp in morning where they grant an interaction session to play, feed and interact with the jumbos. This Camp has elephants with different age which are well maintained and managed in forest and the visit gives you an unforgettable jungle like experience.

Kodachadri Hill, Shimoga tourist places

Kodachadri Hill also identified as ‘Hills of jasmine’ is situated 20 Km from Kollur and 78 Km from Shimoga. Kodachadri is well-known for its trekking adventures where you can reach the hill through Jeep ride or completely by trekking. Revel inthe audacious Jeep ride in the roads of Kodachadri hill from Kollur. The Jeep will stop by ShankaraPeetham and you will have to reach the hill top only through trekking and the distance will be 5 km approximately.

 If you want to stay and relish the nature, Nagodi or Nittur Village will be the finest. Halt in there and resume your trek to the top of Kodachadri Hill in next morning.Ganapathi cave and Sunset point are the must visit places in Kodachadri peak. You can explore greeneries and the landscape will be best in view from August to February.

Kundadri Hill, Shimoga tourist places

Kundadri Hill is located in the massive Western Ghats which is 826 meters high from the ground level. It is positioned 93 km from Shimoga and 70 km from Udupi. Kundadri is present in the border of Agumbe which draws lot of rainfall during Monsoon.

Kundadri Hill is also famous for aJain temple. It is also believed that Kundari is named after Jain priest Kundakunda Acharya. The temple is surrounded by two ponds and gives a scenic view for Kundadri. There is a road from Agumbe to Kundadri or you can reach the hill through trekking. Kundadri Hill gives breathtaking landscape view of backwaters of Varahi dam. Jain temple and Sunset should never be missed here.

Tiger and Lion Safari, Shimoga tourist places

Thyavarekoppa Tiger and Lion Safari is located at just 10 Km from Shimoga and spreads across an area of 250 hectares. This place offers a safari ride into the forest where you can spot Wild animals and birds. The most prevalent ones are Tiger, Lion, Black buck and Sambhar deer. This is a must visit place with children as the safari ride will be thrilling and exciting as you can see all these animals in such a short distance.

Keladi temple, Shimoga tourist places

KeladiRameshwara Temple is one of the Oldest temple situated 8km from Sahara town in Shimoga. The temple has idols of Lord Rameshwara, Veerabhadra and Parvathi specifically. Keladi has its own history where it has served as capital to eminentKeladiNayaka and is built in 16th century.

Keladi Temple is built withHoysala-Dravida style architecture and all pillars and roofs in the temple were made of sandal wood. Every single thing in Keladi temple has its own significance.Even the Nandi is said be 600 years old and stands elegant even now.Intricate details of the temple and serene ambience will make your visit to Keladi temple worthy.

Kavaledurga, Shimoga tourist places

Kavaledurga is known for its majestic Fort and is situated 18 Km from Thirthahalli.Kavaledurga Fort was believed to be built in 9^th Century and renovated in 14^thCentury by famous king Cheluvarangappa. Kavaledurga Fort will be a perfect spot for trekking fanatics. The entire trekking experience will be fun and energetic with lush greeneries and ancient architectures.

Kavaledurga Fort was used by soldiers in ancient days to hide during invasions. Entire fort has seven gates to reach the top and during the course of reaching top, you can find imperial palace, fields, rocks, water pools and different temples like Kashi Vishwanath temple, Lakshminarayana temple and Shikareshwara temple. Finally, fort top will greet you with an wesome view of Western Ghats which makes all the efforts fruitful.

Bhadra River Project Dam, Shimoga tourist places

Bhadra River rise from a place called Gangamoola and runs over Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary.Badradam is built across Bhadrariver near Lakkavalli to broaden the agriculture of surrounding region.It also satisfies electricity need of the neighborhood.

Visit the dam to enjoyboat ride and adore the prettiness of flora and fauna. Water-cycling, Sailing and Sport fishing is also allowed in the water. You can also stop by Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary and get glimpse of rare birds like emerald dove, woodpecker, wild boars and imperial pigeon.

Dabbe Falls, Shimoga tourist places

Dabbe Falls is located 35km from Sagar town in a place near Hosagadde. Daabe Falls is a hidden beauty in Karnataka with a height of 110 meters and can be reached only through trekking. Trek to Dabbe falls is adventurous and confronting as it is in a dense forest. All the way throughDabbe falls you can feel the mother nature and its vibrant treasure. You have to cross all the steep paths and rocks to make to the falls. End point of the Dabbe falls is indeed a treat to experience and worth all the challenges.

Gajanur Dam, Shimoga tourist places

Gajanur Dam is built through RiverTumbain 1972 and is situated 12 Km from Shimoga. This recreational site is located on the way to Sakrebailu Elephant Camp from Shimoga. Gajanur dam is best to visit during Monsoon and Winter. The main attraction of the dam is that it is built in S-shape to channelize the flow of River Tunga. It attracts a large number of tourist each year due to the soothing weather and pleasant aura. It is an ideal place for picnic with your family.

Nagara Fort, Shimoga tourist places

The startling Nagara Fort is located in the enroute to Kollur and Kodachadri and is present 84 km from Shimoga. It is raised during 18^th Century and it is believed to be the last capital of Keladi Dynasty. Some epic attractions in Nagara Fort are ‘Durbar Hall’ in ShivappaNayakaPalace,Neelakenteshwara temple andDevaganga tank. This historical fort has tiny caves and dry well which was used by Royal families to hide themselves during difficult combats.

ShivappaNayaka Palace Museum, Shimoga tourist places

ShivappaNayaka Palace Museum, commonly known as Government Museum is a Palace turned Museum located in Shimoga. The palace was named after renowned ruler ShivappaNayaka of KeladiNayaka dynasty.

The Museum has collection of ancient coins, gemstones, swords, handcrafted sculptures, stone carvings and other utilities ofRoyal dynasties. The palace architecture and gracefully crafted interiors are pleasure to watch and doesn’t fail to impress us.

Agumbe Rainforest, Shimoga tourist places

Agumbe possess the name “Cherrapunji of South India” and is one of places which receives maximum rainfall in India.Agumbe is home to diverse Animals, Reptiles, Mammals and Birds.

Agumbe Rainforest Research Station (ARRS), a research organization has been set up in 2005 and is operational since then. It is located 1.5 km from Agumbe village and does a lot of research work based on the ecosystem and wildlife especially on King Cobras. This place is most recommended for all the bio fanatics and a must visit site too.

There are a lot of other amazing sight-seeing spots like Barkana and Kunchikal Falls, NishaniGudda and KudluTheertha Falls in Agumbe.

Mattur lake, Shimoga tourist places

Mattur Lake is located in the village of Mattur in Shimoga district which uses Sanskrit for communication. Mattur Lake is known for its amazing view, serene and soothing atmosphere where you can go to relax from your routine life. Other interesting sites in Matturare Shivalaya, Someshwara and Lakshmikeshava temple where you can stop by for some spiritual experience. The entire village of Mattur gives a holistic vibe and you should visit this place if you wish to recline from the hasty lives for a while.