Shimoga District

About:

Shivamogga District is a district in the Karnataka state of India. Shivamogga is alternatively spelt as Shimoga. A major part of this district lies in the Malnad region of the Western Ghats; a region known for its green forests, plentiful rainfall, beautiful waterfalls and also of being the source of many rivers that flow in Karnataka. Shivamogga City is the headquarters of this district. The most popular attraction of this district is the Jog Falls. It is also the district that has produced the most number of Chief Ministers of the state of Karnataka.

Shimoga is a true picture of nature's bounty-landscapes dotted with waterfalls, swaying palms and lush paddy fields make for picturesque locales.Shimoga,a place known for its scenic beauty, lush green lush forests, eye-catching waterfalls, cool climate is situated in the Malnad region bounded by Sahyadri ghats at an mean elevation of 640 AMSL in the western part of karnataka. The district is spread over an area of 1058,000 Hectares with an forest area of 327,000 Hectares. The total population of shimoga district as per 1991 census is around 14,52,320. The eastern part of district comes under the semi-malnad zone with plain topography and occasional chains of hills covered with semi-deciduous vegetation

Shimoga, almost central on the Karnataka map is the rice bowl of the State. The rivers Tungabhadra, Sharavathi, Varada and Kumudavathi inundate the luxuriant greens of the region.Shimoga was ruled by the great Indian dynasties of the Kadambas, Gangas, Chalukyas, Rastrakutas, Keladi and Vijaynagar Kings. Shimoga ( Face of Shiva), was established by the Keladi rulers. It reached its pinnacle during the rule of Shivappa Nayaka around 1600 A.D.

The Sahyadri ranges,part of the Western Ghats, feed the rivers round the year, and inundate the fertile alluvial soil, this nature's blessing makes it the bread basket of Karnataka. The Sharavathi Hydel Project and Varahi Project provide a substantial portion of the state's power needs.Shimoga farmers are feeding the people of Shimoga and other districts of Karnataka by producing good quality paddy, coconut, Ragi, Pepper, Areca and Sugarcane.

Location info:

Climate/Weather of Shimoga District:

History of Shimoga District:

The name of the city is derived from the term Shiva-Mukha, meaning Face of Shiva. An alternative etymology is that the name is derived from the term Sihi-Moge, meaning Sweet Pot. The district formed the southern tip of Emperor Ashoka's Mauryan Empire in third century BC. It was ruled during later centuries by the Kadambas (4th century), Chalukyas (6th century), Gangas, Rashtrakutas (8th century), Hoysalas (11th century), and the Vijayanagara rulers (15th century). The city got an independent identity under the Keladi Nayaka rule during 16th century, reaching its pinnacle under the rule of Shivappa Nayaka. From the late 17th century onwards, the city was a part of the Kingdom of Mysore until the independence of India in 1947, when Mysore merged into the Republic of India.

• On November 1, 2006, the government of Karnataka announced the renaming of Shimoga to Shivamogga, along with nine other cities in the state.
• 3rd This part was the dominions of the Maurayas. Later a branch of Satavahanas held sway over.
• 4th The Kadambas of banavasi ruled the western part, the Gangas of Talakad administered the eastern part.
• 6th Chalukyas of badami subdued both the Kadambas and the Gangas, who however continued as feudatories of the former. Later the Gangas lost a major portion .
• 7th Prinicipality was established at Humcha by Santara Deva, a jain chieftain.
• 8th The Rastrakutas of Malakhed establised thier suzerainty.
• 10th The Banavasi along with some other parts were added to Ganga kingdom by the Rastrakutas in recognition of help rendered by the Gangas in defeating the Cholas.
• 11th The Hoysalas became powerful. As a result of several wars between the Hoysalas and the Sevunas(Yadavas) of Devagiri, the northern parts were held by the latter for some time.
• 12th Kalachuris were in power for only a short period . Belagutti was the capital of a principality during this time and also later
• 14th Hoysala power came to an end ,the district became part of Vijayanagar Empire. Araga was the capital of a province under Vijayanagar.
• 16th At the beginning of this century the house of Keladi Nayakas ( also called Ikkeri or Bidnur Nayakas)established themselves in this area.There was also a small principality of Basavapatna in the east of the district.
• 17th In 1763 , Haider Ali captured Bidnur, capital of Keladi nayakas, and as a result, this district along with other areas of thier kingdom was annexed to Mysore. After 1799 ,during the early period of Wodeyars of Mysore, the Nagar Naujdari included the shimoga & Kadur(now Chickmagalur).

Educational Institutions of Shimoga District:

• Kuvempu University (KU)
• Kuvempu University Directorate of Distance Education (KUDDE)
• Sharavathi Dental College
• Tame Ayurvedic Medical College
• Sagar Gangotri Education Trust
• Bapuji Vidya Samsthe
• Bapuji College Of Physiotherapy
• National College Of Pharmacy
• Jawaharlal Nehru National College Of
• Childrens Educational Society Tti
• Dist Institute Of Education & Training
• Govt T T I, Annavatti Sorba
• Kumudavati College Of Education
• Mahatma Gandhi College Of Education
• National College Of Education
• Vishweshwaraiah B Ed College
• National Law College
• Govt Polytechnic, Bhadravathi
• Govt Residential Polytechnic For Women
• V. I. S. S. J. Govt Polytechnic
• Sanjay Memorial Polytechnic
• SJP Polytechnic
• Dvs Polytechnic
• Sahyadri Polytechnic
• Sorba (govt) Polytechnic
• Sri Akkamahadevi Iti(womens)
• A D V S First Grade College
• Acharya Tulsi National College of Commerce
• D V S Arts & Science College
• First Grade College Of Arts & Commerce
• Govt First Grade College, Bhadravathi
• Govt First Grade College, Shikaripur
• Govt First Grade College, Shimoga
• Govt First Grade College, Sorab
• Kodachadri Govt First Grade College
• Govt First Grade College For Women

• Hebbur Mahavidyalaya Art & Commerce
• Jnanan Sahyadri First Grade College
• Kadamba First Grade College
• Kamala Nehru Memorial National College
• Lal Bahadur College Of Arts, SC & Com
• N E S Rural College Of Arts & Commerce
• The Nobel Arts College
• Rajiv Gandhi Memorial First Grade
• Sagar Gangotri College Of Law
• Sharavathi First Grade College
• S R Nagappa Shetty Memorial National
• Sri Basaveshwara First Grade College
• Sri J H Patel First Grade College
• Sri Krishna First Grade College
• Srimad Rambhapuri First Grade College
• Swamy Vivekananda First Grade College
• Tung Mahavidyalaya
• Vaidyanidhi First Grade College
• National Pu College
• Govt Pu College, Shikaripura
• Sri M V Arts & Commerce College
• Reshma Girls Pu College
• Al-mahamood Girls Pu College
• Sahyadri Science College
• Swamy Vivekananda Pu College
• V. V. N. L. Pu College
• J. N. N. College Of Engineering
• Government Engineering College
• D V S Evening College
  T. M. A. E. Polytechnic
• Residential Polytechnic For Womens
• D.V.S Junior College
  Shimoga
• Desheeya Vidya Shala Junior College
  Shimoga
• J.N.N College of Engineering

Langauge

Culture of Shimoga District:

Fairs And Festivals

• Sahyadri Utsava: This ten-day event is inaugurated with a three-day intercollegiate cultural festival. Students dressed in Kodava apparel participate in the procession taken out on this occasion.
• Ganesh Festival: Black marble idol of Lord Ganesh is worshipped every year at nearby Sirsi.

How to reach Shimoga District?

Nearest Railway Station:

Railway Stations

• Kanale Railway Station
• Adderi Railway Station
• Shimoga Town Railway Station
• Kumsi Railway Station
• Anandapuram Railway Station
• Sagar Jambagaru Railway Station
• Bhadravati Railway Station
• Talguppa Railway Station

Road Transport:Shimoga is connected by roads to almost all the important places in South India.

Bus Stations

• Shikaripur Bus Station
• Hosanagara Bus Station
• Shimoga Bus Station
• Kenchanalu Railway Station

Tourist Attraction

Gajanur lies 15 km to the southwest. The dam built across the Tunga River here is ideal for picnics.

Sakrebyle is a nice Elephant Camp 2 km far from Gajanur Dam on the way to Thirthahalli Agumbe 90 km south-west, is unforgettable for its glorious sunset.

Sharavathi River takes a spectacular jump from a height of 292 m in four distinct falls to form the highest waterfalls in India. The best time to visit these falls is soon after the monsoon season during July and August.

Kodachadri is a beautiful hill station in the Western Ghats. It is 120 km from Shimoga.This is a hill station ,4411 feet high above sea level, situated at a distance of 16 Kms. from Nagara. Wherein good road up to the bottom of the hill, and one has to walk about 3 Kms. to reach the top of the hill.

Ikkeri near Sagara town is known for huge rock temple of Aghoreshwara. Keladi is also having rock temple; both of these temples belong to Shivappa Nayaka period. Sagara town is known for wood carving articles particularly of sandal wood, which can be handy for presentation/memonto.
The village of Ambuthirtha is about 16 km north-west of Thirthahalli. The Sharavathi River originates here and a Shivalinga is installed at the spot.

Kemmannagundi is a popular hill station near Shimoga though it lies in Chickmagalur district.

Jog Falls :Jog Falls, also known as Gersoppa Falls, is one of the highest waterfalls in India. It is nestled on the Western Ghats. The Jog falls is created by the Sharavati river tumbling down from a height of 829ft. (253m) in four distinct cascades - known locally as Raja, Rani, Roarer, and Rocket. Regarded the highest waterfall in Asia, Jog falls is one of the major tourist attractions in Karnataka.

Aghoreshwara Temple is a symmetrical temple without any elaborate decoration. This temple in Ikkeri is located in a field 3 km from Sagar town. The main shrine deifies Lord Shiva. There is also an Amman shrine and a beautiful Nandi shrine inside the sanctum

Gudavi Bird Sanctuary: This is located in Sorab Taluk. Spread over an area of 0.74 km², it comprises a large water tank covering 0.30 ha and a patch of dense moist deciduous forest

Sharavathi Valley Wildlife Sanctuary: This is located in Sagar Taluk. It has evergreen and semi-evergreen forests with its Easter portion adjoining the Linganamakki reservoir

Gajanur dam: This dam is built across the river Tunga in a village called Gajanur, 12 km from Shimoga city

Sakrebailu Elephant Camp lies 14 km. from Shivamogga town on the way to Thirthahalli. As the name suggests, this is a training camp where elephants undergo training from mahouts.

Kedareswara Temple is a fine example of Hoysala style of temple architecture. The carved ceilings of the temple are supported by finely polished pillars. The magnificent idol of Nandi Vahana in its lying posture adds extra elegance to the temple.

Shettihalli Wildlife Sanctuary: It lies adjacent to Shimoga town and has forests ranging from dry deciduous to semi-evergreen and is spread over an area of 395.6 km

Achakanya Falls: This is near a place called Aralsuruli, 10 km from the town of Thirthahalli on the way to Hosanagara. This is also formed by the Sharavathi river.

Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary was started in 1951 as Jagara Valley Game Sanctuary covering an area of about 252 km². It was combined with the surrounding Lakkavalli forests in the year 1972 and given its present name of Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary. It now spans an area of 492 km².

Kunchikal Falls is the highest waterfall in India and ranks 116 in the list of highest waterfalls in the world. This waterfall is located near Agumbe and is formed by the Varahi river.

Mandagadde Bird Sanctuary From Shivamogga town on the way to Thirthahalli. This is a small island surrounded by Tunga river and the birds found here are median egret, cormorant, darter and snakebird.

Barkana Falls: Located near Agumbe and 80 km. from Thirthahalli town, Barkana Falls is the 10th highest waterfall in India and ranks 308 in the list of highest waterfalls in the world.

Nagara is at a distance of 19Kms. from Hosanagara. This was called "Bendanoor" earlier during the 16th century, this was the last capital city of Keladi rulers in 1763,Hyder Ali captured this area

Kanoor Fort is situated on the way to Bhatkal, about 50 km from Jog Falls, in Shimoga District of Karnataka. This fort of Keladi dynasty was constructed by Kari Maneesena Rani Abbaka Devi

Tyavarekoppa Lion Safari lies about 10 km. from Shivamogga town on the way to Sagar. Lions, tigers and deer are housed here in an enclosed area and a safari is organised.

Linganamakki dam: This dam is built across the Sharavathi river and is located 6 km. from the Jog Falls. It is also the location of the Mahatma Gandhi Hydro-electric project which has a power generating capacity of 55 MW.

Dabbe Falls is a pristine waterfall near Hosagadde in Shimoga. This falls is deeply hidden in the mountains near Hosagadde. The trek route through the deep valley leads to the delightful Dabbe Falls.

Hidlamane Falls is located near Nittur close to Hosanagara. A trek through the rocky hills, surrounded by dense lush trees.

Jogi Gundi is a small fresh water pond situated 3 km from Agumbe on the way to Barkana Falls.This pond is the source of river Malapahaari, a tributary of the Tungabhadra.

Rameshwar Temple is a major temple at Thrithahalli. It is believed that the idol, the lingam of Lord Rameshwara, of this temple was installed by sage Parashuram.Another attraction is the image of Lord Narasimha. Bheemannaghatta Mutt, an ancient Madhwa mutt, is the nearby attraction.

St Thomas Church is the second largest church in India, having a total area of 18,000 square feet. Its prayer hall can accommodate 5,000 people at a time.

Talagunda is a popular tourist spot at Shikaripur in Shimoga District. Several ancient inscriptions are found here. The prominent one is the Talagunda pillar, which was the earliest source about the history of Kadambas.

Someshwara Temple in Sagaddepura stands as a mute testimony to the architectural marvel of the Hoysala age.This small temple with its usual Hoysala architectural scheme of indented squares consisting of a Garbh Griha, sukhanasi, navaranga, and an entrance porch stands facing the east.

Keladi Museum is situated next to the Rameshwara Temple at Keladi,The museum exhibits a fabulous collection of copper inscriptions, palm leaves, coins and several interesting antiques of the Keladi period. The idols of Hoysala and Chalukya

The Shimoga Government Museum exhibits include sculpture, inscriptions, paintings, arms, coins, and manuscripts. It also houses excellent library facilities. Film shows are conducted on Saturdays at 18 00 hr

Kavaledurga Fort is situated on top of a hill, 5056 ft above the sea level. The place can be reached by a 16 km drive from Thirthahalli.

Balligavi, also known as Dakshina Kedara and Belgami, is a historic village in Shimoga District and is situated 21 km north-east of Shikaripur.According to legend, Balligavi was the capital of the Asura King Bali and was then called as Balipura. The Panchalinga in the Panchalingeshwara Temple located here is believed to have been installed by the Pandavas.

Bandalike is a tourist place renowned for its basadis and temples. The sculptures and writings of the Rashtrakutas and Kadambas period found here

Honne Godda is an ideal picnic spot in Shimoga District of Karnataka. Perched at an altitude of 304 m, it offers a panoramic view of the Bhadra River and its surrounding areas. A small temple is situated here.

Honnemaradu, the village, having been engulfed in the mid-1960s by the Liganamakki dam, has been literally resurrected today.Honnemaradu, situated on the backwaters of the Sharavathi River, and surrounded by numerous small islands, is ideal for swimming, kayaking, canoeing, wind water surfing, island camping, trekking and bird/ butterfly watching.

Keladi is famous for its stone temples. This village was the first capital of Keladi Nayakas of 16th century.A large courtyard is found at the northern end of Keladi. There are three temples named Rameshvara temple , Veerbhadreshvara temple and Parvati temple inside this courtyard.

Kubetoor is a popular tourist spot renowned as the home to a number of temples. Though they are in ruins due to age and neglect, they reflect the architectural proficiency and inimitable craftsmanship of the dynasties that had reigned here.

Mupane is a tourist destination in Shimoga District of Karnataka. It is about 11 km from Jog Waterfalls.

Agumbe: One of the highest peaks in the Western Ghats, Agumbe is famous for enchanting sunsets and endangered animal species like the Lion Tailed Black Macaque.

Barkana Falls: The Barkana falls and picturesque Barkana valley are major tourist attractions. By trekking through mountain trails, one can reach up to the Barkana viewpoint that offers a panoramic view of the valley beneath.

Gajanur ,it's a dam , 10km away from Shimoga and is ideal for picnic. You will get to see elephant camp here in the Tours to Karnataka.

Tyavarekoppa, enjoy lion and tiger safari here

Agumbe which is at a distance of 70km is well known for the breathtaking view of sunset in the Tours to Shimoga.This is a famous place for viewing sunset. Abbey falls is Nearby Agumbe There is a small inspection Bungalow ,Maintained by the public works department

Sharavathi Wildlife Sanctuary, enjoy water sports in the backwaters here.

Humcha is pilgrim center for Jains which is 54 Kms from Shimoga and 25 Kms . from Thirthahalli .

Kodachadri is a picturesque hill station ensconced in the Western Ghats , 120km away

Mandagadde and Gudavi Bird Sanctuaries, a must for bird watchers

Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation nearby Shimoga District:

• Hotel Mayura Gerusoppa (KSTDC)(Phone : 08186-344732)
• Jewel Rock Hotel(Phone:+91-8182-223051)
• Durga Lodge Hotel, shimoga, Karnataka

Shimoga District Major Attraction