Things To Do Shimoga

Karnataka India

23 out of 62 Places to visit in Karnataka

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Places To Visit In Shimoga

Nagara Fort

The beautiful Nagara Fort is located 84 km from Shimoga and is built on a small hill near a lake and is a popular place known for its scenic views. The fort has a well-developed system to circulate water and also comprises of a large Darbar Hall and two tanks known as Akka Thangi Kola, apart from a cannon.

Pongal is essentially a winter harvest festival which corresponds to the festival of Makar Sankranti or Lohri that is celebrated around the same time in India's Northern States. It is one of the most important festivals for the people in Tamil Nadu. The festivities are usually spread over 4 days in January. The 4 days of the festival are called Bhogi (Day 1), Thai Pongal (Day 2), Maatu Pongal (Day 3), and Kaanum Pongal (Day 4). On Day 1, people clean out their houses, discard old belongings in a ritual quite similar to that of Holika in North India. Houses are painted and decorated and new possessions are celebrated. Day 2 is marked by preparation of sweets and savouries out of rice and milk to celebrate prosperity. Day 3 is focused on cattle as they are bathed and their horns painted. Women folk also pray for the longevity and well-being of their brothers in a tradition called Kanu Pidi. Day 4 is the day of visits to one's family members and relatives as a lot of reunions are held.If you are travelling to the city in mid-January, you will be quite lucky to participate in one of the most awaited festivals not only in Shimoga but also in the whole state. Pongal is celebrated to honour The Sun God or Surya devata. It is celebrated with great enthusiasm and vigour. A special dish is prepared with rice, cardamom, jaggery and cashew nuts and is consumed on the festival day. Read More

Sacred Heart Church

The second-largest church in India, the Sacred Heart Church is a fine example of Church architecture in Shimoga. It is a Catholic Church spread over an area of 18000 sq ft. The structure of the church is quite incredible and is built in Roman and Gothic styles and houses a big prayer hall with a huge space for 5000 people. However, a statue of Jesus at the church is the salient feature of here attracting people in large numbers.

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. This eco-tourism centre has elephants trained by skilled mahouts. The wild elephants are seen in their natural habitats as they go and bathe in the backwaters and interact with their young ones. It is located on River Tunga and is a beautiful sanctuary. When at the sanctuary, avoid using flash photography as it may anger the elephants. There is no unethical treatment of elephants at the camp. The wild elephants are brought to the camp and tamed as well as being provided with nutrition and healthcare. Because of this, visitors can interact with the elephants up close and personal and also feed them with the food specially prepared by the Mahouts. Visit before 9 AM to watch the elephants bathe in the backwaters. Do note that no outside food is allowed in the sanctuary. Read More

Shiva Temple, Shimoga

The Shiva Temple, also known as Kedareshwara Temple in Shimoga is an ancient stone temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Built in 11th century in the Shilahar kingdom, the beautiful temple is situated on the bank of river Krishna in the village of Khidrapur. It also houses a Swarg Mandap, which means a room without a roof.

Lying on the banks of River Tunga, the Shivappa Nayaka Palace is a popular attraction in Shimoga town. A very much sought after destination among tourists, the palace was established by Shivappa Naik of Keladi during the 16th century and was crafted brilliantly out of rosewood. One can witness the relic of a bygone era in a museum that resides inside the palace, showcasing beautiful stone carving and other belongings of the period.

Shivganga Falls located near Sirsi in Shimoga in the state of Karnataka is a haven for trekkers and adventure enthusiasts. Swimming is allowed here. The water cascading down several cliffs amidst dense woods and plenteous vegetation is also a popular trekking spot. The waterfalls are surrounded by several forests and overlook the valley. Another popular attraction here is the Ganeshpal Island which has a small Ganapathi Temple here. The falls are not accessible by road but rather by trek only, which brings the element of adventure here. Read More

A very famous tourist destination in Karnataka, Shimoga also has a storehouse of stuff to offer its shopaholic visitors. It is mainly famous for handicrafts, rosewood carvings, sandalwood, sarees with Kasuti work and wooden toys laced in lacquer. The market is abundant with a wide variety of clothes of different materials ranging from silk to chiffon and jewellery, much to the female shopper's delight. Flowers are a speciality of the market too, especially during festivals seasons. Durries and trinkets made of natural fibres are a rage. Buyers can also purchase ceramics and other lacquerware. Nehru Avenue or Nehru Road, Balraj Urs Road, Durgigudi, Gandhi Bazaar, B.H. Road, Savalanga Road and Shivappayanaka Market are the most commercial marketing areas. Shimoga also has a good mall culture. These are modern shopping complexes housing a plethora of needs of the customer including restaurants and gaming zones. The ones worth visiting are Shri Lakshmi Galaxy, Mega Mart, Vikram Collections and KSRTC Shimoga Mall. Read More

Located 10 km from Shimoga, this is considered to be an 'open zoo' where tigers and lions move freely in its deep parts. Covering a huge area of 200 hectares, the place is renowned for its Lion and Tiger Safari which commenced in the year 1998. Apart from safari, the place also houses wildlife species like leopard, deer, sloth bear etc. A zoo and a children's park is also here. It is a picnic spot enriched with varied types of flora and fauna hidden in its every nook and corner. Offering entrancing views through safaris and special recreational ones for kids, one is supposed to follow the strict rule of not using the camera while on the safari. Read More

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. Offering a entrancing views through safaris and special recreational ones for kids, one is suppose to follow the strict rule of not using the camera while on the safari. Read More