Travel Guide for Shimoga | The Gateway to Malnad | Karnataka

Travel Guide for Shimoga | The Gateway to Malnad | Karnataka

At an height of 569 m above sea,  Shimoga is a part of the beautiful Malnad region of the western ghats in the state of Karnataka. Named after Shivana-Mogge flower, that is found abundant in this region it is flanked by the mighty Tunga river on both sides which perennially waters its fertile alluvial soil. Breathtaking view of hills, lush green paddy fields, arecanut and coconut groves, surely Shimogga is blessed by nature. Its superb road connectivity with major cities makes Shimogga’s a perfect tourist destination. Also the reason why it is known as the ‘Gateway to Malnad‘.

Shimoga

Below are few of the famous places near Shimogga which can ideally make you plan to visit this beautiful place.

1. Jog Falls

Jog Falls, also known in local Kannada language as Joga jalapatha, is located near Sagara village of Shimoga’s district. This spectacular waterfall is formed by river Sharavati that plunges down 829 feets in four magnificent cascades namely Rocket, Raja, Roarer and Rani it is the tallest waterfalls in the country. Situated in the dense evergreen forests, the roads leading to it are a great treat.

Jog Falls

Jog Falls during Monsoon

How to Reach Jog Falls

By Railways:  Nearest railways station to reach jog Falls is the Thalaguppa railway station

Google distance of Jog Falls from Thalaguppa railway station : 18Kms

By Airways: Mangalore International Airport is the nearest Airport which is at a distance of 2113 Kms.

Google distance of Jog Falls from Mangalore Airport : 213 Kms

By Roadways : Jog falls is at a distance of 378 Kms from Bangalore via the (Bangalore-Shimoga-Sagar-Jog), on NH  206.

Road Route to reach Jog Falls from Bangalore (Bangalore-Shimoga-Sagar-Jog) : 403 Kms

Google distance of Jog Falls from Bangalore : 403 Kms

Google distance of Jog Falls from Sagara : 36Kms

Best Time To Visit Jog falls

Jog Falls, is a treat to visit during the heavy monsoon (June- October) seasons.

2. Kavaledurga Fort

Kavaledurga Fort is a 9th-century fort which used to be the last capital and stronghold of the Nayakas of Keladi. Deep in the belly of dense jungle and surrounded by high hilly terrain this fort is accessible by a bridle path that threads down a soothing country landscape of bright green paddy fields. The fort now in ruins was strategically constructed of huge granite blocks with a fortification of three lines of walls, that is followed by natural contours of the hillock. These fortification of gateway were used to be flanked by guard rooms. One can find a popular temple known as  Srikanthesvara temple on the summit of a hillock overlooking this fort. It is now a popular trekking route during the monsoons, which can be reached from the base village Thirthahalli. It is a delightful yet tough 19kms one way trek.

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Kavaledurga Fort

Kavaledurga Fort Entrance

Kavaledurga Fort pictures

How to Reach Kavaledurga Fort

The nearest railway station is Shimoga which is at approximately 83 Kms from Kavaledurga town . From there you can hire a cab/taxi to cover the rest of the distance to reach the fort base camp. You can hire a taxi from the Thirthahalli village, which is located approximately 17Kms from Kavaledurga Fort base camp.

Trekking path to reach Kavaledurga Fort

Google map distance to reach Kavaledurga Fort from Thirthahalli  : 19 Kms

Best Time to do Kavaledurga Fort Trek

The trek can be done blissfully during the monsoon months of June till September. Enroute to the fort on the trekking path is an ancient temple that happens to open once in a year. The trek to reach the Kavaledurga Fort offers a decent trek and is quite enjoyable.

3. Mandagadde Bird Sanctuary

Mandagadde Bird Sanctuary is located at an island located near the Mandagadde village and at a distance of 30 kms from the Shimoga town. Surrounded by forest this island spans an area of 1.2 acres and is one among the important sanctuaries in the country. Every year this bird sanctuary attracts thousands of migratory birds who nests in large numbers during the months of July till September. Some of the many birds that visits this sanctuary are Median egret,  Darter, Little cormorant and many others. This sanctuary is a paradise for the bird watchers and numerous bird watchers. Since the River Tunga flows through the island it is also a prominent site for hiker.

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Mandagadde Bird Sanctuary

How to reach Mandagadde Bird Island

Mandagadde Bird Island is a distance of 15 kilometres from the Mandagadde village.

Distance of Mandagadde Bird Island from Shimoga : 30 Kms

Distance of Mandagadde Bird Island from Mandagadde village : 1 Kms

Distance of Mandagadde Bird Island from Kavaledurga Fort : 50 Kms

Best time to Visit Mandagadde Bird Island

The perfect time to explore the Mandagadde Bird Island, is from July till October .

4. Sakrebailu Elephant Camp

Sakrebailu Elephant Camp is an elephant camp on the banks of the Badra river, dedicated to captive elephants which ia at a distance of 14kms from the Shimogga town. This elephant camp serves as a training camp of elephants where visitors can see herds of elephants and can bathe them on the rivers. To reach there it is accessible from the KSRTC Bus Stand of Shivamogga. The camp has been developed for eco tourism which has facilities ranging from well-furnished tents that are equipped with essential requisites and provisions for jeep safari. Apart from good accommodation the property has its own space for car parking and backup generators. Guests are offered medical aid, housekeeping and wake-up calls during their stay.

The entry fee to the Sakrebailu Elephant Camp is only Rs 30 per person.

Sakrebailu Elephant Camp

Best Time To Visit Sakrebailu Elephant Camp

The Camp is open all days. But the timing to visit it from outside is between 7.30am till 12.30pm.

How to reach Sakrebailu Elephant Camp

Sakrebailu Elephant Camp is well connected by superb roads with every popular places of visit in Karnataka.

Distance of Sakrebailu Elephant Camp from Shimogga : 14Kms

Distance of Sakrebailu Elephant Camp from Bangalore : 313Kms

Distance of Sakrebailu Elephant Camp from Chikmagalur : 105Kms

Distance of Sakrebailu Elephant Camp from Mangalore : 177 Kms

 

VC: Sharat Chandra

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