Shivamogga, a unique and gorgeous hill station, is Karnataka’s genuine treasure. Shivamogga is blessed with lush hills, valleys, dense woods, and animals, which only adds to its bizarre and picturesque appeal. These top Shivamogga tourist places will ensure you have a relaxing vacation there with their good climate and captivating scenery.
How to reach Shivamogga?
By Air
Presently, the Mangalore airport is the nearest airport that connects Shivamogga to all the major cities in India, such as Mumbai, Bangalore, Goa, Kochi, Kozhikode, and Chennai.
Located at a distance of about 200 km from Shivamogga, the airport is also well connected with international destinations such as Abu Dhabi, Muscat, Doha, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Sharjah. An airport in Shivamogga is also under construction and will soon be operational.
By Rail
Shivamogga is well connected by railways. Falling under the South Western Railways’, the Shivamogga town railway station can be accessed from connected railways of the country.
By Road,
Public transports and state buses are available for within/ outside Shivamogga commutation.
15 must-visit Shivamogga tourist places
Before organising a vacation to this undiscovered gem, check this list of Shivamogga tourist places.
Kodachadri
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The top of Kodachadri in the Western Ghats is rich in flora and wildlife, and its hypnotic beauty of lush hills and little valleys casts a spell over your eyes. People find it interesting for a variety of reasons, including the trekking and hiking opportunities as well as the tranquillity and breathtaking views of the environs.
One of the best Shivamogga tourist places that have unique animal and bird species, including the Malabar Langur, Indian Rock Python, and Pied Hornbill, is Kodachadri, which is situated behind the Mookambika Devi temple.
Distance: 115 from the town
Best Time to Visit: Avoid monsoons due to slippery floors
Things to do: Sightseeing, Trekking, Hiking, Photography
How to Reach: Although you can find any public transport, hailing a bus to reach there would be the best option.
Agumbe
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Since this hill station is endowed with stunning scenery and hiking pathways, Agumbe is a rewarding experience. One of the remaining lowland rainforests still exists. In the television series Malgudi Days, Agumbe served as the backdrop for the extremely well-known fictional village of Malgudi in India.
As a result of its abundance of rare medicinal plant species, including Myristica, List Saea, Garcinia, Diospyros, Eugenia, and others, Hasiru Honnu comes into existence.
Whenever you visit this forest, you will find a research station along with plenty of rainfall as well as a diverse range of flora and wildlife. The oldest weather station in India, it only tracks changes in the rainforest regions.
It’s interesting to note that Agumbe is also known as the “Cobra Capital” due to the abundance of cobras that can be seen here. Agumbe offers excellent hiking opportunities, luring adventure seekers to this unusual location tucked away in the heart of nature.
Distance: 65 km from city centre
Best Time to Visit: June to October
Things to do: Sightseeing, trekking, hiking, photography
How to Reach:
Air: Mangalore is the nearest Airhead at 106 km, while Bangalore is 378 km from Agumbe.
Rail: The nearest railhead is at Udupi, which is 54 km from Agumbe, one can easily get public transport or hail a cab from Agumbe.
Road: KSRTC buses ply from Bangalore, Mangalore, Shivamogga and Udupi to Agumbe. There are many private bus services available from the aforementioned places. A road journey from Bangalore by cab will take you some eight hours to reach.
Jog Falls
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Hardly anybody can say they don’t enjoy waterfalls. In reality, you need to be close to a flowing waterfall and surrounded by lush vegetation to enjoy nature in its purest form. The Jog Falls in Shivamogga ‘s Sagar Taluk should be visited at least once if this is how you like to experience nature.
The fact that Jog Falls is the second-highest waterfall in India and is spectacular adds to its uniqueness. It is a sight to witness as it plummets from a height of 253 feet. It comes from the Sharavathi River at its source.
Raja Falls, Rani Falls, Rocket Falls, and Roarer Falls make up the four distinct falls that make up the Jog Falls. There are two locations, each on a different side of the captivating Jog Falls, from where you may get a good view. To get there, you must descend 1400 stairs. The lush vegetation that surrounds the Jog Falls provides the ideal backdrop and enhances its beauty.
Distance: 87.8 km
Best Time to Visit: July-December
Timings: 7 AM to 7 PM
Things to do: Trekking, swimming, picnicking, kayaking
How to Reach: The cheapest way to get from Shivamogga to Jog Falls is to train, which costs Rs 400 – Rs 1,100 and takes 2h 26m. The quickest way to get from Shivamogga to Jog Falls is by taxi, which costs Rs 2,900 – Rs 3,500 and takes 1h 57m.
Keladi
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The Shivamogga District’s Keladi Village is renowned for its illustrious history and culture. The Keladi Rameshwara Temple and the Keladi Museum may be found in this ideal site, which once served as the Keladi Nayaka Kingdom’s initial capital.
The Hoysala, Dravidian, and Kadamba architectural traditions are best represented by the temple dedicated to Lord Rameshwara. The shrines of Lord Veerabhadra and Goddess Parvati are also located within the temple.
A historical collection of artefacts and other mementoes from bygone eras belonging to Keladi Nayaks may be found in the village museum. Additionally, there are several idols, sculptures, copper inscriptions, coins, and palm leaves that showcase the extensive Chalukya and Hoysala period legacy.
Distance: 80.6 km
Timings: 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM, Every Day
Best Time to Visit: October to December, March to June
How to Reach: The cheapest way to get from Shivamogga to Keladi is to train, which costs Rs 310 – Rs 900 and takes 1h 46m. The quickest way to get from Shivamogga to Keladi is by taxi, which costs Rs 2,300 – Rs 2,800 and takes 1h 27m.
Sakrebayalu Elephant Camp
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One may observe elephant herds being taught at Sakrebayalu Elephant Camp. Nearly 14 kilometres away from the town of Shivamogga, it is a rather well-liked destination for travellers. Elephants at this ecotourism facility are handled by knowledgeable mahouts.
As they wash in the backwaters, engage with their young, and go about their daily lives, the wild elephants may be observed in their natural environment. It is a lovely refuge and is situated on the River Tunga. Avoid utilising flash photography at the sanctuary to prevent upsetting the elephants.
At the camp, elephants are not subjected to unethical treatment. The wild elephants are brought to the camp and domesticated while also receiving food and medical attention.
The environment provided at the camp allows people to interact with elephants moe on a personal level. Experience the best if you visit this camp before 9 AM.
Distance: 13.8 km
Entry Fee :
- Indians: Rs 30
- Foreign Nationals: Rs 100
Elephant Ride:
- Adults (13 years+): Rs 75
- Child (5-13 years): Rs 38
Sakrebyle Elephant Camp Timings:
| Timings | 8.30 am to 6.00 pm |
| Opening Hours (To Avail Entrance) | 8.30 am to 11.30 pm |
| Entrance (Closing Time) | 11.30 am |
| Elephant Bathing Time | 7.30 am to 9.30 am |
| Elephant Feeding Time | 7.30 am to 10.30 am |
| Visit Duration | 2-3 Hours |
| Best Time to Visit | Throughout the Year |
How to Reach: Shivamogga is well connected with other major cities. Although you can find any public transport, booking a cab or hailing a bus to reach there would be the best option.
Dabbe Falls
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A hidden jewel in the Shivamogga area of Karnataka is Dabbe Falls, which lies tucked away in the verdant folds of Sharavathi Wildlife Sanctuary. Nature enthusiasts and adventurers are drawn to the dense woodland and the stunning trickle of water cascading down the rock.
Because the stream bed of the falls resembles steps, the name “dabbe” in the local language translates as “steps.” Each step before it has waterfalls and pools that overflow, creating a wall of water that cascades down to the next step, and so on. Dabbe is thus among the most beautiful waterfalls in the area.
The route to Dabbe is more like a walking path that runs perpendicular to a precipice. Therefore, it would be challenging for anyone with illnesses or impairments to access the falls.
Distance: 139 km
Best Time to Visit: October-March
Timings: 8 AM to 6 PM
Things to do: Trekking, sightseeing, swimming
How to Reach: On the route from Shivamogga to Sagar, turn left towards the Dabbe village at Panjali Cross. From here, take a left and go for about 3 kilometres until you reach the Dabbe settlement and the home that serves as the starting point for the walking track.
You may use a public bus to go to the cross and have it drop you off. But in that scenario, you also have to walk those three kilometres. Alternatively, you might hire a private vehicle to drive you to the settlement. The village roads are excellent and easily navigable.
Gudavi Bird Sanctuary
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The Gudavi Bird Sanctuary is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Shivamogga and a small piece of ornithologists’ paradise. This sanctuary, which rests peacefully next to Gudavi Lake, is home to more than 48 different bird species.
Plan your trip between June and December to see a variety of species, including the white-headed crane, black-headed crane, bittern, Indian shag, and white ibis. Try visiting one of Shivamogga, Karnataka’s most tranquil locations! This is one of Karnataka’s most popular bird sanctuaries.
Distance: 41 km from Sirsi
Timings: 9 AM – 6 PM
Entry: Rs. 50 per person
Things to do: Sightseeing, photography, birdwatching
Best Time to Visit: June to December
How to Reach: Gudavi is around 17 km from the town of Soraba and 60 km from Sagara in Shivamogga. Visitors can either reach Shivamogga or Sagara by bus and then head to Gudavi. Sagara Jambagaru Railway Station or Shivamogga Railway Station is the nearest railway station to Gudavi.
Nagara Fort
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Do you enjoy visiting historical forts and ruin sites? Shivamogga won’t let you down, then, since it is the location of Nagara Fort, which is perched on a tiny hill and offers stunning views of a lake. The fort still has a built and functional water system.
You may locate the Akka Thangi Kola tank and the Darbar Hall while touring the fort. On your trip, you must go to Nagara Fort if you want to experience the best attractions in Shivamogga.
Distance: 84 km
Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM
Entry: Free
How to Reach: Although you can find any public transport, booking a cab to reach there would be the best option.
Kunchikal Falls
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Do you enjoy exploring historical ruins and forts? Shivamogga won’t let you down, either, since it is the location of Nagara Fort, a fort that is perched on a tiny hill and offers views of a beautiful lake. A constructed and functional water system still exists in the fort.
A Darbar Hall and a tank known as Akka Thangi Kola may be found when exploring the fort. The Nagara Fort must be visited when on vacation if you want to experience the best attractions in Shivamogga.
Distance: 96.7lm
Best Time to Visit: July-September
Timings: 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Everyday
Entry Fee: Free
How to Reach: Although you can find any public transport, booking a cab to reach there would be the best option.
Sigandur Chowdeshwari Temple
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Singandur is a little, lovely town that can be found in the Taluka District of Karnataka. The city is well renowned for its Shri Chowdeshwari Temple, which is devoted to the Goddess Chowdeshwari and is also known locally as “Sigandooru.”
The temple, which is located on the Sharavathi River’s banks, is a popular destination for worshippers from all over the world. The goddess, known as the Chowdamma Devi, is an ethereal deity that protects her believers from losing things to theft and punishes criminals for their crimes.
The Holy Sharavati River surrounds the Sigandur settlement, which is surrounded on three sides by beautiful vegetation and the Linganamakki dam. During the yearly festival held in January, bathing in the holy river Sharavati is a customary gesture of piety.
Because no other kshetras provide this type of devotion, this sacred community is unique. Once installed in a residence, a major object known as the ‘board of Shri Deviya Rakshane Ide’ would offer the goddess’s unadulterated protection of things, structures, land, and gardens as well the people themselves.
Distance: 103.2 km
Temple Timings: 3:30 AM – 7:30 PM
How to Reach:
By Air: You can reach Mangalore Airport and you need to take a car/bus to reach the temple. The distance from Mangalore airport to the temple is 188 km.
By Train: Nearest station to reach is Sagar Jambagaru station which comes after Shivamogga town station From this station, you need to take a bus/car to Holebagilu and take the launcher after it launcher you will get a van/car to reach the temple. From the Railway station, it is 52 km to the temple
By Road: You can commute via bus to the Temple.
Kavaledurga
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In Karnataka, close to Shivamogga, lies the historic hill fort of Kavaledurga, which is positioned at a height of 1541 metres. Even though it is currently in ruins, the hill fort is nevertheless regarded as one of the state’s most picturesque and magical locations.
The picturesque Western Ghats encircle the fort, which is surrounded by lush vegetation. The historic site is a well-kept secret in the area, so there aren’t any normal tourist crowds there. The trek uphill to the fort may be a little exhausting, but the view from the top will make it all worthwhile.
Distance: 81.2 km
Timings: 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM, Everyday
Entry Fee: Rs 5
How to Reach: Kavaledurga is situated near Shivamogga district. You can reach Thirthahalli from the neighbouring villages and cities through public transport like state buses. From Thirthahalli, Kavaledurga village is only 16 km from here which you can reach in a public rickshaw or shared rickshaw. In the village, any local can guide you to the trail leading to the trek to the fort.
Honnemaradu
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By the Honnemaradu Reservoir, there is a little, cosy community called Honnemaradu. The location is in the heart of a valley, and visiting here for a weekend vacation is like going to an adventure camp.
The only thing that draws visitors to the tiny community is the water activities that are available at Honnemaradu lake. Honnemaradu is the ideal location for a brief escape. You may go camping or kayaking, or you can just unwind by the lake. The Dabbe Falls and the well-known Jog Falls are nearby, among other sights.
Distance: 98.6 km
Best Time to Visit: March-April, October-December
How to Reach: Although you can find any public transport, booking a cab to reach there would be the best option.
Shivappa Nayaka Palace Museum
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On the banks of the River Tunga, which was created in the sixteenth century, is where this well-liked attraction is situated. The palace is one of the main attractions in Shivamogga since it was built on Shivappa Naik’s instructions and is made of rosewood.
While visiting this location, you will come upon an inside museum that provides extensive and in-depth information about this palace. Amazing stone sculptures and other relics from that era will also be on display for you to see.
Distance: 3 km
Timings: 9 AM to 6:30 PM Closed on Monday
Speciality: Palace of historical significance and an in-house museum that reflects the history of the palace.
Things to do: Sightseeing, historical tour, photography
How to Reach: Just take an auto/ rickshaw or local transport to reach the palace.
Bhadra River Project Dam
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On the river Bhadra, a tributary of the River Tungabhadra, is built the Bhadra dam. The dam is a magnificent location to be at because it is surrounded by beautiful vegetation. Migratory birds including the red spurfowl, emerald dove, black woodpecker, and green imperial pigeon reside on the river’s numerous tiny islands.
It is situated in the Chikmagalur district, 30 kilometres from Shivamogga. It is a well-liked attraction that also serves the community’s needs for irrigation and energy. Popular water sports including kayaking, boating, and more are available here. You can explore many other places nearby like Bhadra wildlife sanctuary, Baba Budangiri hills, and many more.
Distance: 32.6 km
How to Reach: Bus/Cab
Timings: 6:00 AM – 4:00 PM, Everyday
Entry Fee: Free
Best Time: Monsoons
Sacred Heart Church
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Sick of visiting Shivamogga ‘s waterfalls? Check out this religious facility, which is India’s second-largest church, if you want. This Catholic church, which spans 18,000 square feet, is a wonderful example of magnificent architecture that combines Gothic and Roman styles.
The enormous prayer room has enough for almost 5,000 people. The centrepiece of this church, which draws several tourists each day, is the idol of Jesus Christ.
Distance: 59 km from city centre
How to Reach: Bus/Cab
Opening hours: Weekday Mass timing – Monday – Friday: 7:00 am, 12:10 pm
Weekend Mass timing – Saturday Vigil: 5:30 pm, Sunday: 7:30 am, 9:00 am, 10:30 am, 12:00 pm, 5:30 pm
FAQs
Shivamogga is well-known for what?
The Aghoreshwara Temple, a temple devoted to Lord Shiva, is the town's most well-known landmark. You will be delighted by the wonderful environment and stunning views of the surroundings from this hilltop location. If you happen to be in or around Shivamogga, you really must visit this temple.
In Shivamogga, how many waterfalls are there?
These 11 Shivamogga Waterfalls That You Must Visit In 2022! Central Karnataka, South India's Smitha M. Shivamogga, is a popular tourist destination all year round. It is located in the Malenadu area, which is also where the Tunga River originates.
