Best Places To Visit in Shimoga

If you want to visit a low-key place where there is just you and nature then Shimoga is the place to be. The name Shimoga is inspired by Lord Shiva. It’s taken from Shiv-Mukhha which means the face of Lord Shiva. We all deserve a break and it’s time for you to be on a short break too. Shimoga is the best destination where you can come and relax for a few days with family and friends.  The bread basket of Karnataka, this small town is blessed with rivers like Sharavathi, Kumudavathi, Tungabadhra and Varad.

Come here to experience nature and be one with it. Here you can visit various locations which will be completely new to you like hills, safari in the wilderness, waterfalls and lush Western Ghats. Be part of nature and feel the vibes by touching the flora and fauna here with your own hands. Here you can check the best places to visit in Shimoga. Tourists can visit Shimoga from all over India, know-how:

Air route: The nearest airport to Shimoga is Mangalore international airport. It is about 195 km from Shimoga city. The flights connect to other countries and big cities too like Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, Kozhikode, Chennai etc

Rail route: Shimoga Nagar Railway station is the nearest railway station to Shimoga. This railway station can help you connect to any big city in Karnataka and various other states too.

Road route: Taxi and private cab services are very common here. You can take a cab to any location and roam around freely. One can easily ride a bus from any main city in both the states of Karnataka and Maharashtra. 

Here is a brief list of the Best Places to visit in Shimoga:

Jog Falls

Beautifully packed by the Western Ghats, this breathtaking waterfall lies in the Northern part of Karnataka. The exact location is Sagar Tulka in the Shimoga district. The falls emerge from the Sharavathi river. These rivers lie at an elevation of 464 meters. This fall is popularly known as Gerusoppe falls by the locals. It falls like thunder directly down.

The best time to visit the Jog falls is during the monsoon season.

Reasons to visit: Witness refreshing waterfalls and lush green valleys for a breathtaking experience.   

Commute: Tourists can visit the Jog falls by hiring a cab.

Extra Information: One can visit them any time of the year including monsoons. 

Entry Fee: N/A

Honnemaradu

A tiny village that offers scenic beauty is all you need to take a break from the hustle culture of city life. This little place is perfect for weekend getaways where you can do so much in a stay of 1-2 days. Some of the activities that you can be a part of our camping, canoeing, relaxing by the water body and feeling the cool breeze. 

Reasons to visit: As you visit this beautiful village you can also explore the nearby locations without travelling much.  

Commute: Tourists can easily hire a cab to this location.

Extra Information: Originally, it was a big water reservoir that is made by building a dam on the Sharavathi river. 

Entry Fee: N/A

Tyavarekoppa Tiger and Lion Safari

Who doesn’t like the touch of a little wilderness? To experience the feels of a deep forest and wildlife area Tyavarekoppa tiger and lion safari is a location you can’t skip on your to-do list. This wildlife is located about 10 km from the centre of Shimoga hence it is easy to commute to the location. It’s been a very popular place here since 1998.

There are various other things apart from safari that can be done like family picnics, spotting the wildlife like deer, sloth, bear etc. The flora preserved here is rare and offers a lush green view.

Reasons to visit: Get into the deep jungles to listen to the calm and experience the life that breathes in here.

Commute: A private cab can be easily hired for this location.

Extra Information: Car parking charges are INR 50 and Bike parking charges are INR 25

Entry Fee: INR 30 for adults and INR 10 for kids

Kodachadri

An amazing view can be witnessed from here as the evergreen forests cover these hills. Located in the magnificent Western Ghats these hills are a part of the Mookambika wildlife sanctuary. A good trekking site for adventurous tourists this is the place for which you must pack your bags.

The altitude of the hills is not much hence even beginners can hop on into the team of trekkers.

Reasons to visit: If you haven’t trekked ever then this can be your starting point. Explore this low lying easy to climb trek at Shimoga.

Commute: It’s best to take a cab or bus from Shimoga as it’s just a few minutes away from the city.

Extra Information: As it’s a trekking trail one must avoid visiting during the monsoon season.

Entry Fee: N/A

Sakrebailu Elephant Camp

Who doesn’t love seeing these innocent giants? Elephants are nature’s gift to us and an Elephant camp in Shimoga is our opportunity to hold on to this gift. This is a camp in Shimoga where elephants are trained. This camp is 14 km away from Shimoga which can be easily reached by hiring any private cab. 

This exceptional camp is on the river Tunga. Here elephants are seen bathing and playing with their little ones. 

Reasons to visit: Be a part of nature as you see these innocent Elephants play and bathe. Experience their presence in lush green forests with freshly running rivers.

Commute: One can take a cab or bus. The timings are 8:30 Am to 11 Am at the elephant camp.

Extra Information: Take a trek for 3-4 hours or hire a cab and reach the fort in 20 minutes only.

Entry Fee: INR 30 for adults, INR 100 for foreigners and INR 38 for kids from 5-13 years old. 

Know More About Shimoga

Now that we have seen a few places in Shimoga it’s time we dive a little deeper and explore more beautiful locations. Here are a few more spots you must check out while chilling in Shimoga:

Agumbe: A point so beautiful that it is known as “Cherrapunji of South”. This location is full of diverse fauna and flora. This small hill station is full of natural awe and has been preserving the evergreen forest for ages. It has sheltered many rare flora species like Myristica, Garcinia etc hence it’s called as “Hasiru Honnu” which means green is gold.

Dabbe Waterfall: If you are a fan of the waterfall then this is another location you can visit with some extra effort. It’s about 92 km from the centre of the city but worth a visit. The word Dabbe means steps in the local language. It’s called steps as the waterfall resembles the same. This waterfall is sheltered in the Sharavathi wildlife sanctuary. 

Gudavi Bird Sanctuary: Do you love to hear the chirping music and see the dance of birds? A small bird sanctuary in the town of Sorab lies on the banks of Gudvi Lake. Some of the birds one can spot here are pariah kite, cormorant, little grebe and white ibis etc. Go here to watch birds and relax in the arms of nature with no worry in the world. 

Make your travel comfortable with zingbus

Have you read the blogs and considered where I would get the car for it and how I would manage the budget? Well! Who has told you that a road trip can only be made through a car? 

Taking a bus will cost you far less than renting a car, along with full comfort and fun. zingbus offers you several discounts on your first booking. Also, you may install the zingbus app to take advantage of additional benefits.

Our buses are clean and offer complete luxury and comfort with free wifi, blankets, water bottle, and entertainment/ TV. You can make your booking as per your requirements. Plan a road trip with zingbus. Get your bus ticket bookings done now!

FAQ’s