Shimoga, known as Karnataka’s cultural capital, is a magnificent city surrounded by natural beauty. This little-known location has a lot to offer. The lovely hill station that serves as a gateway to India’s stunning Western Ghats is an ideal tourist destination. Shimoga, which means “Face of Shiva,” is located 275 kilometers from Bangalore and is also known as Karnataka’s breadbasket due to its abundant fertility. Shimoga is like heaven on earth for everyone who enjoys travel and adventure. There’s something for everyone here: cascading waterfalls, deep jungles, and temples. We’ve compiled a list of the best places to visit in Shimoga. Have a look-
1- Dabbe Falls
It would be cruel to leave Dabbe Falls off of a list of Shimoga’s most popular tourist places to visit in Shimoga. Dabbe Falls, located in Hosagadde Village, is a flowing torrent that plunges down from a height of 110 meters. The sound of falling leaves, the beautiful green surroundings, and the peaceful hike up to the stream’s edge attract a huge number of visitors every year, especially during the monsoon season. Dabbe Falls, with its lovely settings and breathtaking vistas, is without a doubt one of Shimoga’s top waterfalls.
Timing- Open 24 Hours
Entry Fee- No Entry Fee
Time Required- 2-3 Hours
2- Kodachadri Hills
The Kodachadri Hills provide a beautiful backdrop of evergreen forests to Maravanthe. They are one of the good walking trails, beginning at the South Kanara Forest, and are located in the Western Ghats at a height of 4411 feet above sea level amidst Karnataka’s Mookambika Wildlife Sanctuary. This hike is suitable for beginners or those who are new to trekking. Altitude sickness is unlikely because the majority of the adventure takes place in a woodland area at low altitudes. The entire distance between the two points is 14 kilometers. After having so many adventures in these places, how you can forget this place by putting it on your list of places to visit in Shimoga?
Timing- Open 24 Hours
Entry Fee- No Entry Fee
Time Required- 1 Day
3- Jog Falls
The next place on this list of places to visit in Shimoga is the famous Jog Falls, India’s second-highest plunge waterfall, a prominent tourist destination in Karnataka, and the state’s highest waterfall. Second, in comparison to Meghalaya’s Nohkalikai Falls, Jog Falls plunges 253 meters (850 feet) in a single fall. However, the flow in the falls is severely restricted before monsoons due to the nearby Linganamakki Dam, which is a hydroelectricity plant. So, if you want to see the falls in their full glory, travel during the monsoon season. In short, you can’t afford to miss this amazing place. Karnataka is Known for its beautiful places of attraction, there are places to visit in Karnataka.
Timing- Open 24 Hours
Entry Fee- No Entry Fee
Time Required- 2-3 Hours
4- Bhadra Dam
Another places to visit in Shimoga is the “Bhadra Dam”. It is constructed on the Bhadra River, a tributary of the Tungabhadra River. The dam is surrounded by lush vegetation and is a magnificent sight to behold. On the river’s many small islands, migratory species such as the red spurfowl, emerald dove, black woodpecker, and green imperial pigeon make their homes. It is 30 kilometers from Shimoga in the Chikmagalur district. It is a well-known tourist attraction that also provides electricity and irrigation to the surrounding towns. Water sports like kayaking, boating, and other water activities are popular in this area. The nearby attractions include the Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary, Mullayanagiri Hills, Kudremukh, and the Baba Budangiri Hills.
Timing- 6:00 AM To 4:00 PM
Entry Fee- No Entry Fee
Time Required- 2-3 Hours
5- Barkana Falls
The Barkana Falls are named after the shy mouse deer that live in the area and are located between Agumbe and Shimoga. The journey passes through the Western Ghats’ lush woods. During the monsoons, the regions come alive with new streams emerging and the canopy of foliage becomes dense enough for any wanderer to lose their bearings. Early in the winter is the optimum time to visit these falls. If you are looking for places to visit in Shimang, you must go here.
Timing- 6:00 AM To 4:00 PM
Entry Fee- No Entry Fee
Time Required- 1-2 Hours
6- Sacred Heart Church
The Sacred Heart Church, India’s second-largest church, is a beautiful example of Church architecture in Shimoga. It is a Catholic Church with a total floor size of 18000 square feet. The church’s structure is remarkable, with Roman and Gothic influences, and it has a large prayer hall with seating for 5000 people. The main attraction here, however, is a figure of Jesus at the church, which draws big crowds.
Timing- 7:00 AM To 5:30 PM
Entry Fee- No Entry Fee
Time Required- 1-2 Hours
7- Nagara Fort
Nagara Fort, which is 84 kilometers from Shimoga and is perched on a tiny hill by a lake, is a famous tourist destination recognized for its stunning vistas. you should visit this place along with other places to visit in Shimoga. Apart from a cannon, the fort has a well-developed water circulation system, as well as a spacious Darbar Hall and two tanks known as Akka Thangi Kola.
Timing- 9:00 AM To 5:00 PM
Entry Fee- No Entry Fee
Time Required-2-3 Hours
8- Kunchikal Falls
Kunchikal Falls, situated on the River Varahi and located on the Shimoga-Udupi route in Karnataka, is India’s highest waterfall. On the waterfalls, there is also a hydroelectric plant that generates power. The waterfalls, which are nestled within the lush luxuriant woods, are also popular trekking destinations. It is ranked 116th among the world’s highest waterfalls. This place is one of the most Beautifull places to visit in Shimoga.
Timing- 6:00 AM To 4:00 PM
Entry Fee- No Entry Fee
Time Required- 1-2 Hours
9- Hosahalli
You may be surprised to learn that Hosahalli is the only area on the planet where people speak Sanskrit on a regular basis. Furthermore, the locals speak a dialect known as Sanketi, which is a mix of Sanskrit, Kannada, and Tamil. Hosahalli was once a part of the famous Vijayanagara kingdom, which is home to a number of temples. You must visit this village and its twin town, Mattur if you want to have an out-of-this-world experience.
Timing- Open 24 Hours
Entry Fee- No Entry Fee
Time Required- 2-3 Hours
10- Kanoor Fort
This fort is located in the Shimoga district, also known as the Keladi Kote. It was named after the Keladi dynasty, which controlled the town. In Kannada, Kote means strong. All visitors on their way here must take food and tents. You won’t have to walk directly via the road, just a few minutes before you get to the fort. People with physical disabilities and illnesses are best prevented.
Timing- 9:00 AM To 4:00 PM
Entry Fee- No Entry Fee
Time Required- 1 Hour
11- Tyavarekoppa
Starting in 1998, the Tiger and Lion Safari is a popular picnic place for all types of travelers in Tyavarekoppa. There are several species of wildlife, including lions, tigers, hedgehogs, sloth bears, and leopards. This place is perfect for a day trip with a little canteen, zoo, and a children’s park on board. Surely this is one of the best places to visit Shimoga’s!
Timing- 9:00 AM To 5:00 PM
Entry Fee- No Entry Fee
Time Required- 1-2 Hours
12- Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary
Like all the above, Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary is listed as a fast and refreshing stopover for Shimoga visitors. This nature reserve is surrounded by the Western Ghats and is located on the banks of the Bhadra river at the borders of Shimoga and Chikmagalur and therefore offers some of the best wildlife attractions. Keep your camera ready to see any time, tigers, chocolates, elephants, panthers, deer, sambars, sloths, barking deer, crocodiles, and snakes. This is one of India’s best wildlife sights and one of the most popular tourist places in Shimoga.
The place also houses exotic birds like flycatchers, hornbills, rackets, and butterflies. In addition to the wildlife, camping, trekking, safari, and climbing on the island can also be enjoyed in the shrines.
Timing- 6:30 AM To 8:30 AM & 4:00 PM To 6:00 PM
Entry Fee- INR 150 Per Person
Time Required- 2 Hours
13- Sakrebailu
The Sakrebailu Elephant Camp is located on the Thirthahalli Rood, about 14 kilometers from Shimoga. The camp is home to a number of elephants and is definitely a sight to behold. The elephants are all escorted by expert Mahouts who bring them from the neighboring jungles to munch and play in the backwaters of the Tunga river. The magnificent sight of elephants splashing about in the lake is a must-see attraction in Shimoga. However, if you want to observe the elephants bathing, you should arrive here before 9 a.m. You can take a taxi or a local bus from the city to Shimoga and then a cab or a local bus to the elephant camp. This elephant camp is the best attractive tourist places to visit in Shimoga.
Timing- 8:30 AM To 11:00 PM
Entry Fee- No Entry Fee
Time Required- 1-2 Hours
