Shimoga - "Capital of Malnad"

Shimoga is located on the north western cost of Karnataka. It shares boundary with Uttara Kannada in the north, Udupi in the south and south west and Chikmagalur in the south, Davangere in the east and Haveri in the north and north-east.
District Headquarter: Shimoga
Distance: 274 km from Bangalore, 180 km from Mangalore and 205 km from Hubli
Journey time: Around 6 hours from Bangalore by bus or train.
How to reach there: On can reach there by bus, train or private vehicle. There are numerous buses available through out the day and late night from KSRTC bus stand Majestic.
Route: Bangalore – Tumkur – Birur – Kadur – Arsikere – Bhadravati – Shimoga (NH 206)

Language spoken: Kannada, Hindi and English understood in the urban areas.

The name Shimoga is derived from two words Shiva (Lord Shiva) and Mukha (Face), meaning face of Shiva. In 2006, the erstwhile JDS government changed the name to Shivamoga. The lanscape of Shimoga is very beautiful with lush green forests, hills and water falls. The main occupation apart from the urban areas are agriculture. The present CM of Karnataka hails from Shimoga. A new airport is under construction there.

Other Tourist Spots near Shimoga:

The list is huge:

· Lion and Tiger Safari is around 11 km from city bus stand on the way to Sagar town.

· Gajnur dam which is around 10Km from city center.

· Jog falls which is around an hour and half from Shimoga, water falls down in four different streams named as Raja, Rani, Rocket and Roarer.

· Thirthalli, a small laid-back taluk headquarters .

· Agumbe, the 'Cheerapunji of Karnataka' gets the state's highest rainfall, is around 2 Hrs away from Shimoga, is an amazing village known for its forest resource, sunset spots, trekking passes, lakes, mountains. This one is a must see.

· Linganamakki dam, very close to Jog falls.

· Kodachadri, A glorious and enchanting mountain provides the perfect escape from the hectic pace of the hum drum of everyday life. Paradise for trekkers, the place attracts lot of trekkers around Karnataka state. Kodachadri is situated at 1411 ft above sea level and 115 kms from shimoga city. A beatific hill abode that overlooks the panoramic Western Ghats. It is clothed with splendid evergreen forests. The first portion of the hill is very steep and difficult to ascend. On the west, the hill descends almost perpendicular for about 4026 ft, meeting the South Kanara forests that lie below. The sea appears quite close, and on clear day, you can also see the ships go by. The famous temple town of Kollur is 12 Kms away. The steep hills challenges the trekkers for a adventurous trekking experience.

· Shivappanayaka's fort at Nagara.

· Sharavathi Wild Life Sanctuary.

· Kavaledurga - Fort of Shivappanayaka very close to Thirthahalli.

· Elephant Training Camp-Sakrebayalu. Sakrebayalu Elephant Camp On the way to Thirthahalli from shimoga, 14 kms away from the city you can hear elephants reciting their lessons. Yes its not a joke its fact that you can find here many elephants being trained by training professionals. Elephant from the adjoining forests bathe at this spot before they re-enter their forest abode. Every morning these majestic creatures waddle down to waters and after playfully cleansed their bodies and satiated their thirst, they leave the waters before the rays of the sun get stronger. They are off to deal with their day's routine only to return the following day. To catch a glimpse of these mammoths at play in the waters, get there before 9 a.m.

· Mandagadde Bird Sanctuary. 32Kms from Shimoga city on the way to Thirthahalli you can hear the birds tweeting. This place is picnic spot for birds migrating from far places around the world. The place is surrounded by dense lush green forest and the flow of river Tunga has created a small island which adds to the beauty. The dense trees on the island provides shelter to migrating birds. Birds like Egrets, Bellakki Cormorant, Darter, Snake bird etc immigrate from different parts of the world during may season for breeding A high platform is built on the edge of river Tunga for bird watching. Boats are available for a closer watch .

· Guduvi Bird Sanctuary. This bird sanctuary is unique for many reasons but is the only sanctuary located in the midst of dense forest. Guduvi is one of the 5 famous bird sanctuaries of Karnataka. The place is 16 Kms from Soraba taluka of Shimoga district. This bird sanctuary is spread over an area of 73.68 Hectares. As per 1993 survey, it is told that 191 varieties of birds are found at this place. A natural lake and the trees gives shelter to this birds. Some important birds found are White Pebis, Stone Bill, Egret, Cormorant, Snake bird, Heron etc. Different birds immigrate from other parts of the world in different seasons for breeding. A platform is built for a closer look of birds.

· Honnemaradu. Honnemaradu, a haven for water sports, is tucked away in the lush greenery of the Western Ghats along the Sharavati backwaters near Sagar. Encompassing an area of 50 km by 80 km, this reservoir stretches as far as the eye can see. One of the few places that cater exclusively to water sports, Honnemaradu or “Golden Lake” has some of the most spectacular views of the sunrise and sunset. Deep in a forest, without the slightest trace of civilisation, Honnemaradu is a haven for die-hard outdoors fanatics as well as those who want a complete break from the City. Some of the water sports activities here include coracling, canoeing, kayaking and wind rafting. There are many travel groups who organizes Island camping and water sports.

· Nagara. A 16th century place situated 19 Kms from Shimoga. This was also known as "Beendanoor"in the 16th century. This place was also capital of Keladi rulers and later on was captured by Hyder Ali. Other places of interest are Shivappanaika palace, Neelakenteshwara temple, Devagana tank and Gudde Venkataramana Swamy temple.

· Shivappa Nayak Palace Shivappa Naik Palace. Situated on the banks of river tunga in the busy lanes of Shimoga city. A 16th century place built by Shivappa naik of Keladi. A good architectual piece built with rose wood. The palace is equipped with museum which has several interesting and rare archaeological collections of stone carvings and antiques of Keladi period. Recovered idols of Hoysala and Chalukya period from the early 16th century to late 18th century are displayed here.

· Sacred Heart Church. Situated in the heart of city. The church renovated and said to be second largest church in India with an area of 18000 square feet area . Also equipped with a prayer hall with a capacity to hold 5000 people at a time.

· Bhadravathi Bhadravathi,a town in the South Indian state of Karnataka is abt 20 Kms from Shimoga. There are many buses to this place and also many taxis available. Lakshmi Narasimha temple built by Hoysalas in the 13th century is located in Bhadravathi. This beautiful Hoysala Architecture temple is currently maintained by the Archaeological Department of the Karnataka state. This temple is dedicated to Lord Narasimha (incarnation of Lord Vishnu). Bhadravathi is around 20 km from Shimoga in Karnataka. Bhadravathi is also known as steel town as there is one huge steel factory called Vishweshwaraya Iron and Steel Limited (VISL), earlier known as Mysore Iron and Steel Limited. There is a Dam called Bhadra River Project(BRP) which is located 15 Kms from Bhadravathi. It is a very beautiful sunset point.

· Kuppalli birth palce of renown kannada poet kuvempu . 18 kms from thirthahally. a must see place for its natural surroundings and well kept house of malnad architecture.

Today, Shimoga is more than just a tourist destination. Its rich tradition in education, fine arts and culture remain deeply etched in its people and place. The enchanting natural scenery of hills, hillocks and green dales, rivers and streams, dense forests, flora & fauna, forts, temples and historical places, sandalwood and spices, add to this mouth-watering cuisine and touching hospitality and you know you've got - HEAVEN ON EARTH