Places to Visit near Shimoga

The second-highest plunge waterfall of India, Jog Falls is a major tourist attraction in Karnataka. Located on the border of Shimoga and Uttara Kannada districts of Karnataka, Jog waterfalls is the highest waterfall in the state. Joga in Kannada means falls. Joga may also be a derivative of another Kannada word Javugu which means marsh.

Distance from Shimoga (Shivamogga): 100 km

Best Time: July to December

9 Jog Falls Attractions

Kundadari is a place for trekkers, situated about 12 km from Thirthahalli. A paradise for trekking lovers, it offers a good trail with a Kundadri Hill which is huge single rock formation and many protrusions. With a Jain pilgrim located its center, one has to follow a rough paved path strewn up to the hill.

Distance from Shimoga (Shivamogga): 93 km

Sakrebayalu Elephant Camp is a place where one can see herds of Elephants being trained. Situated at a distance of nearly 14 km from the town of Shimoga, it is a quite popular spot among tourists.

Distance from Shimoga (Shivamogga): 17 km

Located 10 km from Shimoga, a thick cover of forest is situated there inhabiting tigers and lions moving freely in its deep parts. A lion and tiger safari began there in 1988, across a huge area of 200 hectares. It is a picnic spot enriched with varied types of flora and fauna hidden in its every nook and corner. 

Distance from Shimoga (Shivamogga): 10 km

The Bhadra dam is constructed on the river Bhadra, which is a tributary of the River Tungabhadra. The dam is surrounded by lush greenery and is a majestic place to be at. The river is beautiful and is home to rare birds like the red spur fowl, emerald dove, black woodpecker and green imperial pigeon.

Distance from Shimoga (Shivamogga): 31 km

Thirthahalli is a quaint little town situated on the banks of river Tunga and is also a taluk headquarters in Shimoga District. Famous for the holy river Tunga and its significance to Indian mythology, Thirthahalli is a popular attraction near Shimoga. Set along the dense forests of the Western Ghats in Karnataka, Thirthahalli is a must-visit place for those who love the serenity of nature and Indian heritage.

Distance from Shimoga (Shivamogga): 61 km

Dabbe Falls, nestled within the lush green folds of Saravathi Wildlife Sanctuary, is a hidden gem in the Shimoga region of Karnataka. The alluring call of the forest and the gorgeous stream of water rushing down the cliff attract the nature lovers and explorers to the Dabbe falls. The word 'dabbe' translates to 'steps' in the native language.

Distance from Shimoga (Shivamogga): 119 km

Kodachadri Hills serve as a stunning backdrop of evergreen forests to the town of Maravanthe. Located in the Western Ghats at a height of 4411 feet above the sea level, they also proves to be one of the good trekking trails, beginning at the South Kanara Forest.

Distance from Shimoga (Shivamogga): 111 km

Located in the Shimoga district of Karnataka, Agumbe is a tiny village often referred to as the "Cherrapunji of South India". This biodiversity-rich region highest rainfall in south India and the second highest annual rainfall in India. Visiting Agumbe is an enriching experience as this hill station and picturesque beauty coupled with trekking trails and gushing rainfalls.

Distance from Shimoga (Shivamogga): 87 km

Keladi is a village in the Shimoga District known for its rich past and culture. Once served as the first capital of the Keladi Nayaka Kingdom, today this prime location is adorned with two popular spots i.e. Rameshwara Temple and Keladi Museum. Rameshwara Temple and Keladi Museum. The temple devoted to Lord Rameshwara is a finest example of three styles of architecture namely Hoysala, Dravidian and Kadamba. The temple also houses the shrines of Lord Veerbhadra and Goddess Parvati.

Distance from Shimoga (Shivamogga): 2 km

Mandagadde Bird Sanctuary is a small picturesque island located in the River Tunga nearly 32 km from Shimoga town on the way to Thirthahalli. The perfect time to explore the island, which is a part of Shettihalli Wildlife Sanctuary, is from July to October during which the island is visited by plethora of migratory birds such as darter, egret, snake-bird, cormorant etc.

Distance from Shimoga (Shivamogga): 30 km

Located 12 km from Shimoga en-route Thirthahalli, one can witness a perfect picnic spot in a way of Tunga Dam built over River Tunga. An Elephant Camp where elephants are trained can also be enjoyed there by visitors. 

 

 

Distance from Shimoga (Shivamogga): 16 km

The Barkana Falls are located between Agumbe and Shimoga and derive their name from ‘barka’, the mouse deer, a shy creature that inhabits this particular region. The trek route runs through the dense rainforests of the Western Ghats. During monsoons the regions starts buzzing with life as new streams begin to emerge and the canopy of vegetation gets dense enough for any traveler to lose orientation. The best time to visit these falls are in the early days of winter.

Distance from Shimoga (Shivamogga): 92 km

A paradise for bird watchers, Gudavi Bird Sanctuary is spread across an area of nearly 0.75 sq km. The sanctuary is located in the town of Sorab in the proximity of Shimoga on the banks of Gudvi Lake. It serves as a popular destination in the region and inhabits various species of migratory birds like white ibis, little cormorant, Indian shag, pariah kite, little grebe, jungle fowl etc.

Distance from Shimoga (Shivamogga): 100 km

Agumbe, which is also known as ‘the Cherrapunji of the South’, is located in Shimoga District in Karnataka. Home to a large number of waterfalls and rich biodiversity, Agumbe is considered to be a trekker's paradise. The Onake Abbi falls is one of the many waterfalls that Nature has bestowed on this place. The trek to the top of the fall is relatively short covering a distance of about 4-5 kilometers. 

Distance from Shimoga (Shivamogga): 96 km

Tucked away from the prying eyes of the world, the Jogigundi Falls are situated in the midst of the dense forests of Western Ghats. The unique feature of these falls is the point of origination. Unlike traditional waterfalls they do not fall from a height, instead they originate from a cave and run through a hill. The trek route is not difficult and is an ideal destination for a half day visit.

Distance from Shimoga (Shivamogga): 95 km