Shimoga is a colorful district with attractive landscape, waterfalls, green forests, river valleys and beautiful fields. The district is situated in the center of karnataka. It is located at a distance of 275 Kms from Bangalore, nestling at an altitude of 640 m above sea level. Tunga, Bhadra, Sharavathi, Varada and Kumadvathi rivers have made this district a rice bowl in the state.
According to history the name is derived from 'Shiva-Mukha' - Face of Shiva , 'Shivana-Mogu' - Nose of Shiva, 'Shivana-Mogge' - Buds of flowers meant for Lord Shiva. It is also believed that Sage Durvasa lived here, he is known for his temper. He used to keep on the oven a pot boiling with sweet herbs. Once, some cowherds happened to taste the sweet herbs, and called the place 'Sihi-Moge' (sweet pot).
Shivamogga is known as cultural capital of Karnataka.
History
In 1881, two early stone-age tools were discovered in a Shingle bed at Nyamati, at a short distance from the Tungabhadra river. They were bi-facial pebble tools made of quartzite, one with a rounded working edge and the other with a pointed working edge. Some Neolithic sites were noticed and also uncovered.
Kadambas, Gangas, Chalukyas, Rastrakutas and Vijayanagar Kings ruled this region. The Keladi Nayakas was the most important ruler among the ruling families. Shimoga became famous all over the world. From the late 17th century onwards, the city was a part of the Kingdom of Mysore until the independence of India in 1947, when Mysore merged into the Republic of India.
Tourist Attractions
Shivappa Nayaka Palace
The summer palace of Shivappa Nayaka of Nagara is an archaeological monument situated right in the heart of the city.The palace is neatly maintained by the Archaeological department, preserving relevant historical details.The palace is entirely built of rose wood, which has a collection of stone carvings and antiquities of the Keladi period.
The palace, located adjacent to Kote Seeta-Rama Temple, it is around 4 km from central bus station and can easily be reached by auto.
Sacred heart cathedral
The Sacred Heart Cathedral is one of the major attraction of the town.The architecture of the church is in Roman graphic style. The church is said to be the 2nd largest church in India. The church is about 18000 square feet in area with a big prayer hall. Which has the capacity of 5000 peoples. The attractive statue of Jesus attracts tourists and pilgrims .
The cathedral is situated on the side of B.H. Raste (road). Being just 3 km from the central bus stand, it can be reached either by city buses or by auto rickshaw.
Tyarekoppa Lion Safari
This Safari is located at Tavarekopoa 10 Kms away from Shimoga on B.H Road (N.H 206), Sagar route. Forest department has set-up the Shettihalli Lion Safari, where we can see some Tigers, Lions, Cheeta, Bear, Deer and rare migratory Birds.The safari is spread around an area of 200 Hectares of dense forest.
Children recreation facilities are available. Timing 9 A.M to 5 P.M everyday except Tuesday is a holiday. Almost all buses to Sagar will stop here.
Jog Falls : Jog Falls is situated on the borders of Shimoga and North Kanara, 100 Kms from Shimoga city. The Western Ghats gives rise to the Sharavati river that plunges from a height of 829 Feet in four magnificent Jog falls from view pointcascades namely Raja, Rani, Rover and Rocket.
Elephant Camp (Shakrebyle)
Elephant camp is 13 Kms from Shimoga on Thirthahalli Road, located on the banks of the Tunga reservoir, every morning all the elephants take their bath and proceed to near by forest for their rounds after 10 A.M. You can also see elephants being trained by training professionals. Elephant from the adjoining forests bathe at this spot before they re-enter their forest abode.
Tourist should reach this spot before 9 A.M. City buses are available at 7.30, 8.30 and 10 A.M daily.
Koodali
It is 16 Kms from Shimoga on Holehonnur, Channagiri Road. Rivers Tunga and Bhadra join here, hence the name Koodali. The rivers Tunga and Bhadra were born here. It flows overwellemingly from here.
Koodali is also a religious center. It is also called as Varnasi of the south. Shankarcharya Mutt is here which is 600 years old. The inscriptions of Hoysala and Ikkeri Kings are found here.
It is 32 Kms from Shimoga on Thirthahalli Road. It is a Bird Sanctuary on Tunga River. Birds like Egret, Carmorant Darter, Snake Bird are found here.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 which migrate 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.
There is a watchtower in the premises, which makes bird watching more convenient and frequent. The best time to visit Mandagadde Bird Sanctuary is in August, which is the peak season for migration. During this time there are more than 5000 birds in the sanctuary.
Tunga Anecut
10 Kms from Shimoga city on the way to Thirthahalli, you can find a place called Gajanur. The Tunga dam is situated here. A ideal picnic spot for the people around. Boat ride in the lake is the favorite activity that tourists like.
The dam is open from 10 A.M to 5 P.M on all days.
Getting Here
By Air: The nearest airport to Shimoga is at Hubli which is at a distance of 165 Km. Other airports accessible from Shimoga are Mangalore (200 Km) and Bangalore (274 Kms). In near future, an airport at Sogane is expected to open. It is around 6 Km from Shimoga.
By Rail: Shimoga has its own railhead and is well connected to Bangalore and Mysore by regular trains. Though connection with other cities of India is less.
By Road: Shimoga is connected by NH 206 to the capital city Bangalore. Distance between the two cities is 274 km and can be covered in about 6 hrs. There are regular buses between the two cities. Shimoga can also be approached from Mangalore and Udupi. The entire route is quite picturesque. Luxury coaches run by KSRTC are the most convenient way of commuting.
Local Transportation: To move around in the city, auto rickshaws are the most common form of transportation. Taxis are also available for hire
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