Shimoga Travel Guide

Discovering the Hidden Gems of Shimoga: A Travel Guide

Shimoga, a city located in the state of Karnataka, India, is a hidden gem that offers a perfect holiday destination for those looking to explore the natural beauty and rich culture of the region. Known for its scenic waterfalls, ancient temples, and delicious local cuisine, Shimoga offers a diverse range of activities and experiences for visitors.

One of the main highlights of Shimoga is the Jog Falls, one of the highest waterfalls in India. The falls are located about 30 km from the city and can be reached via a scenic drive. Visitors can also take a trek to the nearby viewpoint for a panoramic view of the falls.

Nature lovers can also explore the nearby Kodachadri Hill, a popular trekking destination that offers stunning views of the Western Ghats. The hill is also home to the Hidlumane Falls, a beautiful waterfall that can be reached via a short trek.

For those interested in history and culture, Shimoga offers a number of ancient temples to visit such as the Sri Rameshwara Temple, a 12th century temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, and the Sri Gopalakrishna Temple, a 17th century temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu.

Shimoga is also famous for its delicious local cuisine, which is heavily influenced by the South Indian culinary tradition. Visitors can try dishes such as the famous "benne dosa" (butter dosa) and "mangalorean biryani" ( a popular rice dish) in the local restaurants.

Overall, a holiday in Shimoga offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, adventure, culture, and delicious food making it an ideal destination for those looking to discover the hidden gems of India.

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Best Places To Visit In Shimoga

From historical cities to natural wonders, come see the best of Shimoga.

Agumbe

Located in the Shimoga district of Karnataka, Agumbe is a small village often referred to as the "Cherrapunji of South India". This biodiversity-rich region receives the highest rainfall in South India and the second highest annual rainfall in India. Agumbe is an enriching experience as this hill station is blessed with picturesque beauty and trekking trails. It is one of the last surviving lowland rainforests.

Dabbe Falls

Dabbe Falls, nestled within the lush green folds of the Saraswati Wildlife Sanctuary, is a hidden gem in the Shimoga region of Karnataka. The lush green forest and the gorgeous stream of water flowing down the cliff attract nature lovers and explorers. You will not only get to enjoy the crystalline, pristine waters of DabbÃ© but also experience the rich diversity of flora and fauna in the surrounding forest.

Gudavi Bird Sanctuary

A paradise for ornithologists, Gudavi Bird Sanctuary is spread over an area of about 0.75 sq km. The sanctuary is situated in the Sorab town of Shimoga on the banks of Gudavi Lake. It serves as a popular destination in the region and is home to various species of migratory birds such as white ibis, little cormorant, Indian cormorant, pariya kite, little grebe, jungle fowl, etc.

Honnemaradu

Honnemardu is a great getaway for those who love a taste of adventure and love water sports. The small village is situated on the slope of a hill near the Honnemardu reservoir. This village is located in Shimoga district. Honnemardu derives its name from the Honne tree. However, the literal meaning of 'Honnemardu' is 'Golden Lake'. This is probably a reference to the fact that Honnemardu is situated on the backwaters of river Sharavati.

Jog Falls

One of the highest waterfalls in India Jog Falls is one of the major attractions in Karnataka. Created on Sharavathi River, Jog Falls is also known by alternative names of Gerusoppe Falls, Gersoppa Falls and Jogada Gundi. The Western Ghats give rise to the Sharavati River which falls from a height of 829 feet into four magnificent waterfalls named Raja, Rani, Roarer and Rocket. Jog Falls, being the highest waterfall in India, is situated in the dense evergreen forests.

Kodachadri

A hill called Kodachadri in Shimoga district is a lesser known trekking destination. This peak of the Western Ghats flows through dense forests and is a natural habitat for a variety of wildlife. Kodachadri is a mountain peak in Shimoga district with an altitude of 1343 m above sea level. It is located near Mookambika National Park, and is the natural habitat of the Malabar Giant Squirrel, Malabar Langur, Emerald Pigeon, Bison, Tiger, King Cobra and Python.

Sakrebailu Elephant Camp

Sacrebile Elephant Camp is a forest camp for captive elephants in Karnataka. Situated at a distance of 14 km from Shimoga on the Shimoga-Tirthahalli road, it is considered to be the best elephant training camp in the state. The camp is maintained by the Karnataka Forest Department. Sacrebile Elephant Camp attracts wildlife enthusiasts and tourists alike. It is one of those eco-tourism centers in Karnataka.

Tyavarekoppa Tiger and-Lion Safari

It is considered to be an 'open zoo' where tigers and lions roam freely in its deep parts. Covering a vast area of â€‹â€‹200 hectares, this place is famous for its lion and tiger safaris, which started in the year 1998. Apart from safaris, the place also has wildlife species like leopard, deer, sloth bear, etc. There is also a zoo and a children's park. It is a picnic spot which is rich in variety of flora and fauna