ShimogaA picturesque city dotted withwaterfalls, swaying palms and lushpaddy fields which make for a greatplace for tourists to enjoy thescenic beauty and refreshthemselves, along with the culturalhub of the state of Karnataka.
Located in the heart of the state ofkarnataka state, Shimoga is blessed withnature's bounty-landscapes with beautifulwaterfalls, swaying palms and lush paddyfields. Other than being a touristdestination, its rich tradition in education,fine arts and culture make it the 'CultureCapital of Karnataka'. Known as the ricebowl of Karnataka, it has the biggest Arecanut market, along with many otheragricultural produces like rice, chili andcoconut.
Shimoga, Gokarna, Uttara Kannada,Karnataka 581326, India
Considered to be one of the tallestuntiered waterfalls in India, Jog falls alsoknown as Gersoppa Falls and JogadaGundiis are approximately 100 kms fromShimoga. The majestic Western Ghats giveway to the Sharavti river which then plungesfrom a height of 829 feet into four cascades.The gorgeous waterfalls are surrounded byabundant greenery and a spellbindinglandscape.
The walk to the waterfall is marked by well-defined craggy walking paths. Surroundedby wild shrubs and sharp rocks, the trekkingor walking trail to the waterfall is fairly easyto navigate. The view of the untiered
waterfall will leave you short of words. Thewhite sheets of water seem to fall with asudden rush through the rocks jutting out.You can view the breathtaking scene from anumber of spots around the waterfall. If youare looking for an action packed day, this isyour answer. A hearty picnic accompaniedby the marvels of nature makes for amemorable experience.
2 Mattur
Mattur village, Karnataka, India
The only village along with its sister villageHosahalli, Mathur or Mattur as its called, iswhere you will come across nativesconversing in Sanskrit. Yes, you read itright,Sanskrit, base of our communicationtoday. With more than 90% of the village’spopulation well versed in Sanskrit, youwould think that the place and its peoplehave more than their share of culturalheritage to maintain.But wait there’s more to behold and marvelat. Mathur, again, along with Hosahalli is theonly place where you will come across a wayof singing and storytelling that will make you
reminisce about those childhood nightsspent falling asleep to fantastical bedtimetales. Called Gamaka stories are told by wayof putting them in ragas drawn fromCarnatic music and Kannada folk and thensinging it. The act of singing the stories iscalled Gamaka, which is then followed withan explanation called Vyakhana.
3 Kodachadri
Mookambika National Park,Hosanagara, Shimoga, Karnataka577201, India
Beckoning you to experience the bucolicside of Karnataka, are the gently slidingslopes and towering peak of mountainKodachadri. Translating to ‘Jasmine of thehill’, the place, true to its name, will leaveyour senses captivated and bewitched withits sheer natural splendour, sprawlingaround you in every direction.Classified as a natural heritage spot by thestate government and situated right in the
center of Mookambika National Park,Kodachadri’s peak has long acted as ahuman magnet luring mankind through themillennia to explore and experience itsnurturing folds. As you approach its base,the peak begins to disappear behind thethick canopy of lushness you find yourselfin. While as a result of strong winds its peakremains barren, but the mountain’s base isanother dense story. Near its base, deep inthe forest are two waterfalls, Arasinagundiand Belakallu Theertha, that seem to becascading strings of pearls rather thanstreams of water such is their sheerbrilliance, both easy treks. As youclimb up and begin to approach the peak,you will come across Sarvajan Peetha, asmall shrine marking the spot where AdiShankara, an ancient Indian philosopher,mediated and a few feet away Ganesh Guha,a small cave enshrining Lord Ganesha. A fewfeet away from the peak is the famousMoola Mookambika Temple and next to it iserected a 40 feet high iron pillar with barelyany signs of rust. Legend goes that the ironpillar was possibly Goddess Mookambika’strishul used in slaying demon Mookasura.
Keladi is a must visit for those who have areligious diversion. This town is located inthe Sagar Taluk tehsil of the Karanatakastate. This beautiful historic town is a relic ofthe Keladi rulers who were the feudals ofthe Vijayangara Empire. The main sight tovisit here is the Rameshwara Temple. Thetemple is an epitome of wonderfularchitecture and depicts Hoysala andDravida style architecture. The templehouses a treasure trove of intricate carvings,which are worth adoring.The temple houses idols of three deities -Lord Rameshwara, Lord Veerabhadra andLord Ganesha. The pillars are stunninglycarved with epic gods and goddesses as wellas animals. At the ceiling, you can find thelegendary two headed bird calledGarudabande.
5 Sakrebailu
Sakrebailu, situated at a distance of14 km from Shimoga, is a wonderfulElephant Camp. The camp has a number ofelephants and is truly a sight to behold. Theelephants are all led by Mahouts who bring
them here from the forests to have theirmeals and play in the Tunga riverbackwaters. The sight of theelephants splashing in the waters is sobeautiful that you will feel like staying therefor the whole day. The camp timings arefrom 8:30 to 11 in the morning. However, ifyou do want to see the elephants bathing, itis recommended that you reach this placebefore 9 am.
Hotel Samrat Ashok houses one of the bestrestaurants of the region. The in-houserestaurant offers a wide menu with a
number of South Indian and North IndianCuisine. The ambience of the restaurant isdecent and is a fine place to dine with familyand friends. Meal for two person might costyou around INR 400.
2 Hotel Shubham
L.L.R Road ,durgigudi shimoga577201
08182402402
Hotel Shubham is one of the places to enjoyvegetarian food in Shimoga. It is a familyrestaurant, which is widely known for itsgood quality food and ambience. NothIndian and South Indian meals served in thisrestaurant are worth savouring. Cost ofdining for two people in this restaurant isapproximately INR 300.
3 Tiger Trail
Royal Orchid Central Shimoga,Opposite Vinayaka Theatre, BH Road,Near Shimoga Bus Stand
+91-8041276667
Located inside the Royal OrchidCentral, Tiger Trail is one of the finestrestaurants in the region. You can visit thisrestaurantwith your family & friends toexperience fine dining. The legendary TigerTrail restaurant offers a wide menu whichincludes authentic Indian speciality cuisine ,Chinese, continental and many otherdelicacies. The staff of the restaurant isfriendly and the service is fast.
4 Meenakshi Bhavan
B H road, Opp Science Field,Shimoga
+918182401999
Meenakshi Bhavan is one of the best placesin Shimoga to savour South Indian food.Those who love South Indian food, they
must not miss a visit to this restaurant. Theambience of this restaurant and the ratesare nominal. As its is located at a strategiclocation, it is easily accessible.
