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Location : |
165 kms From Mangalore, Karnataka |
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Prime Attractions: |
Government Museum, Agumbe |
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Season : |
October to February |
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Languages: |
Kannada, Hindi and English. |
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Local Transport |
Cycle Rickshaws, Tongas, City Bus Service. |
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Nearest Rail-head |
Shimoga |
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Nearest Airport |
Mangalore |
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Road Distances |
Mangalore(165 kms) |
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Hotels/Resorts |
Hotels / Resorts in Shimoga |
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Shimoga district covers an area of about 10548 sq. kms. The
western part of the district has superb tropical forests and
some very pretty hilly areas.
The eastern region is less dense but has several lakes and river
valleys. The traveller to this district can enjoy trekking on
the challenging landscape and visit to the historically rich
spots.
The region has a long and colourful history dating back to the
3rd century AD when it was under the control of Satavahan
dynasty.
In the 6th century it was a part of the empire of the Chalukyas
of Badami. In the 7th century, it came under the rule of Jaina
chieftain.
PRIME
ATTRACTIONS
Government
Museum :
The Government Museum at Shimoga displays palm leaf manuscripts,
coins, copper plates and Hoysala style statues of Uma-Maheshwara,
Yoganarayana and Jaina Yakshi.
An ancient accounts book made of cloth, and 18.29 long, is an
interesting exhibit here.
Thirthahalli :
Situated 65 kms from Shimoga, amidst dense forests, is
Thirthahalli that takes its name from the sacred bathing places
built on the river Tunga. There is a temple dedicated to
Rameshwara on the banks of the Tunga river.
Agumbe
:
Situated atop a ghat head and receiving the highest rainfall in
Karnataka, this suburb has many scenic delights to offer.
The glorious sunset is the main attraction of this place
Gopalakrishna temple and the Observatory maintained by the
Meteorological Survey of India (Capital).
Ambutheertha
:
16 kms north-west of Thirthahalli town and down the river
Sharavathi is its holy source Ambutheertha, where a Shiva Linga
has been installed.
Just 4 kms away is the Achakanya falls Where river Sharavathi
does a practise jump of 6.10 metres gearing herself for the
great jump further down at Jog.
Mandagadee Natural Bird Sanctuary
:
32 kms to the
north-east of Thirthahalli is the Mandagadee Natural Bird
Sanctuary on the banks of the river Tunga.
Between July and October, flocks of migratory birds take shelter
on the leafless trees there and present a fascinating picture to
visitors who can see them from a high platform located
conveniently close.
Bhadravati :
19 kms from Shimoga on the banks of river Bhadra, is the Steel
Town of Bhadravati. It was here that the first State owned iron
and steel factory was started in 1923, and a paper factory in
1936.
The Visveswaraya Iron and Steel Limited and the Mysore Paper Mills
offer a fascinating view of the complex processes involved in the
manufacture of Iron Steel and paper.
In the centre of the old town is a 13th century Lakshminarasimha
temple that belongs to the Hoysala period and houses, besides
other images, an exquisite 0.92 metre high Ganapathi Idol.
Honne Godda
:
About 10 kms from Bhadravati is Honne Gudda, a hillock about 304.8
metres high which has a small temple. From this hillock, a
panoramic view of the Bhadra River and its surrounding areas can
be got. Its an ideal picnic spot.
Ganjanur
:
10 kms to the south-west of Shimoga, on the Shimoga Thithahalli
Road, near a crest of Western Ghats is Gajanaur where a dam has
been constructed on the river Tunga Elephants are trained at the
Elephant Camp here.
The tourist bungalow on the hillocks near the Gajanur Tank
commands on enchanting of the area.
Sagar
:
75 kms to the north-west of Shimoga is Sagar with its famous
Siddhi Vinayaka temple and Durga Temple.
It is believed that there is a small well here with a Sri Chakra
below the Ganapathi Peetha Sagar is also famous for it Gudigara
Craftsmen who work on ivory and sandalwood.
The artisan-training centre run by the Government offers a view of
master craftsmen at work. The Gudigara Co-operative Society
showroom is well worth a visit.
Ikkeri :
3 kms south of Sagar town is Ikkeri, the old capital city of
Keladi Nayakas. The Aghoreshwara temple here combining the best of
Hoysala and Dravidian styles of architecture stands testimony to
the former greatness of the place.
This large well-proportioned stone structure, has a lofty roof and
ornamental doorways leading to the deity - a metal image of
Aghoreshwara with three arms.
Koodli :
16 kms to the north-east of Shimoga is Koodli where the Tunga and
Bhadra rivers meet to create a pilgrim centre. The Rameshwara and
Narasimha temple here belongs to the Hoysala times.
The place also has a noted 16th century Smartha monastery 10 kms
from Shimoga Town, at Tavarekoppa. The forest department has set
up the Shettyhally Lion safari.
EXCURSIONS
Barkana
Falls :
It is about 80 kms from Thirthahalli town in Balehalli forest
area. It is valley with natural water of Seetha River. The height
of the falls is about 259 mts.
Simhadham :
A lion safari park on Shimoga-Sagar road. Other places of tourist
interest include Varadamoola, Kavaledurga and Maricha
Mrugavadenagar.
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