18 Things You Should Absolutely Do In Shimoga, India

1. Take the side trip to Jog Falls

Best for: Hikers, groups, families

Though it’s roughly 100 km (62.1 miles) away from the city centre, since you’re already in Karnataka, don’t miss the opportunity to view the breathtaking Jog Falls. Known as the second-highest plunge waterfall in the country, Jog Falls (known locally as Jogada Gundi) can be seen from the viewpoint in Sagar. Allow half a day for this activity, as the trip from Shimoga to Talguppa/Sagar normally takes about two hours. The best time to visit is from September to November.

Jog Falls

Address: Shimoga District, Karnataka

2. Trek up Kodachadri

Best for: Experienced trekkers

A part of the Western Ghats mountain range, hiking up the Kodachadri is no mean feat, towering at 1,343 meters (4406 feet) above sea level. The whole trek can take up to a total of 10 hours, but the views high up at the peak are rewarding. The hike itself is enjoyable. From the jump-off point at Nagodi Village, you’ll traverse through a dense jungle where you can admire the local flora and fauna. Trekkers are highly advised to wear adequate clothing as the trail passes through a nature reserve. Leeches are also abundant in the area.

Mount Kodachadri

Address: Shimoga District, Karnataka

3. Visit Shivappa Nayaka Palace Museum

Best for: Art lovers, history enthusiasts, families

For your dose of local architecture and history, a visit to the Shivappa Nayaka Palace Museum is a must. Built in the 16th century, it was constructed under the orders of the Shivappaka Naik. The Shivappa Nayaka Palace Museum is best known for its collection of stone carvings that date back to the Keladi period (1499-1763).

Shivappa Nayaka Palace Museum

Address: Shimoga, Karnataka

Opening hours: 9 am - 6:30 pm

4. Go bird-watching at Mandagadde Bird Sanctuary

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Best for: Wildlife enthusiasts, outdoor lovers

Witness the flight of egrets, darters, and many other species of birds at Mandagadde Bird Sanctuary. Located on the Tunga River, the bird sanctuary is situated on a small island a little over 1 acre (0.4 hectares), the dense forest cover is home to a wide variety of migratory birds. This is one of the best (and very few) places in the region to go bird-watching while enjoying the peace and serenity the surroundings over.

Mandagadde Bird Sanctuary

Address: National Highway 13, Mandagadde, Shimoga District, Karnataka

Opening hours: 7 am - 6:30 pm

5. Immerse yourself in Keladi art and architecture

Best for: History lovers, families

Looking for more art and history in Shimoga? Hop on a bus to the village of Keladi, where you can find the ancient Keladi Rameshwara Temple. It showcases one of the finest examples of Hoysala-Dravidian architecture in all of the country. While you’re there, don’t just admire the stone carvings. Verdant tranquillity surrounds the temple if you’re looking for a breather.

Keladi Rameshwara Temple

Address: Keladi, Shimoga District, Karnataka

6. Go on a safari at Shettihalli Wildlife Sanctuary

Best for: Families, wildlife enthusiasts

A sprawling wildlife sanctuary, Shettihalli is not to be missed if you are a wildlife enthusiast. The whole conserve is home to tigers, elephants, spotted deer, leopards, and more. The Mandaggade Bird Sanctuary is part of the area, so if you’re willing to dedicate four to five hours or even one whole day to experience the Karnataka wildlife, spend it at Shettihalli.

Shettihalli Wildlife Sanctuary

Address: Basavapura-Shimoga Road, Adinasara, Karnataka

Opening hours: 6 am - 6 pm every day except Tuesday

7. Seek adventure at Honnemaradu

Best for: Thrillseekers, watersports lovers

If adventure is what you’re after in Shimoga, take a full day trip to the village of Honnemaradu, a haven for outdoor lovers, particularly watersports enthusiasts. As it is located on the banks of the Sharavathi River, it is a popular destination for kayaking, windsurfing, canoeing, and coracle water rides. On land, you can go trekking and even spend the night camping by the river to wind down after a long day of adventure. Since it is located relatively close to Jog Falls, you can include these two places in a one-day excursion out in the Sagar sub-district.

Honnemaradu

Address: Sagara, Karnataka

8. Wander around the ruins of Nagara Fort

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Best for: History enthusiasts, families

Take your history lessons further at Nagara Fort. Built in the 16th century, the Nagara Fort was the centre of the Keladi rule. While all that’s left now are the ruins, a trip to Nagara Fort offers a unique glimpse of Shimoga history and even engineering, as the fort is surrounded by a one-of-a-kind water system that also formed part of its defences. If you’d like a panoramic view of the complex, hike up one of the surrounding hills.

Nagara Fort

Address: Shimoga District, Karnataka

9. Taste some of Shimoga's delicacies

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Best for: Foodies, couples

Karnataka state’s culinary traditions are diverse, so while you’re in Shimoga, don’t forget to sample some of the local food. Scour the streets of Shimoga and look for Karnataka-style masala paddu, midigayi uppinakai (mango pickle), avalakki (beaten rice), and Shimoga’s crowning glory the Halasina Hannina Kadubu (jackfruit idli).

Shimoga City

Address: Shimoga District, Karnataka

10. Check out Shimoga Zoo & Safari

Best for: Wildlife enthusiasts, families, groups

Shimoga Zoo & Safari is a well-known tiger and lion safari that covers an area of 618 acres (250 hectares). It lies just about 11 km (6.8 mi) from the town of Shimoga. The safari lasts approximately five hours and the attractions, as you would expect, are lions and tigers that can be found lounging and grazing throughout the park. There is also a well-maintained zoo and a children’s park there. If you want a rich wildlife experience this may have a place on your itinerary when visiting this lovely southern city Shimoga.

Shimoga Zoo & Safari

Address: NH 69, Tyavarekoppa, Karnataka 577205, India

Opening hours: Wed - Mon: 9am - 5pm (closed on Tue)

11. Catch a game at KSCA Cricket Ground

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Best for: Sports enthusiasts, families, groups

KSCA Cricket Ground is a cricket stadium on the outskirts of the Bangalore community of Alur. The stadium consists of three ovals: Platinum, Golden, and Silver. There are 22 practice pitches and one indoors. If you have never experienced a game of cricket you should and why not start while you’re on vacation in India? With that in mind, KSCA Cricket Ground should be on your itinerary as one of the things to do in Shimoga, Karnataka.

KSCA Cricket Ground

Address: Rajnagar, Vidya Nagar, Hubli, Karnataka 580032, India

Website: KSCA Cricket Ground

Opening hours: 8am - 5pm (daily)

12. Drop by Sacred Heart Cathedral Church

Best for: Art enthusiasts, history lovers

A majestic Gothic-Roman Catholic cathedral the Sacred Heart Cathedral of Shimoga was elevated to the Status of Cathedral in 1988 and it was rebuilt again by 1998. However, there is a long history for Catholicism in Shimoga dating back to the 17th century. Whether you are Catholic, or not, you might still be awestruck by the beauty and the history contained within the walls of this massive cathedral. If you enjoy the beautiful architecture and the rich history of the ancient kind there is much to be gleaned from having Sacred Heart Cathedral Church on your itinerary in Shimoga.

Sacred Heart Cathedral Church

Address: BH Rd, Tank Mohalla, Shivamogga, Karnataka 577201, India

Website: Sacred Heart Cathedral Church

13. Enjoy the lovely food offered at Hotel Shubham

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Best for: Foodies, couples

Of the things to do in Shimoga, eating well is likely to be pretty important! You’re sure to appreciate Hotel Shubham where you can enjoy a delicious and authentic vegetarian meal. Try delectable dishes such as paneer kadai, special curd rice, idli or idli vada, and many more that their visitor vouch for. No matter where you are in the world, hospitality is crucial.

Hotel Shubham

Address: L.L.R Road, durgudi 1st cross, shimoga 01, Shivamogga, Karnataka 577201, India

Website: Hotel Shubham

14. Visit the the calming waters of Achakanya Falls

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Best for: Groups, hikers

Located near the village of Aralasurali which is about 10 km (6.2 mi) from the town of Thirthahalli in Shimoga, Karnataka, these falls have a height of roughly 2.7 m (9 ft) and are relatively hidden from view by greenery and the dense forest around the Western Ghats mountain range. It’s a beautiful place to visit if you simply want to enjoy some beauty and solitude. If on your journey, you see yourself needing that sort of thing then I recommend you keep Achakanya Falls on your list of places to visit in Shimoga.

Achakanya Falls

Website: Achakanya Falls

15. Pay a visit to Kedareshwara Temple in Shimoga

Best for: Spiritual people, history enthusiasts

This is a Hindu temple located in Shimoga, Karnataka. It is a very old stone temple dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva. Also known as Kedareshwara Temple, it is a very old stone temple dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva. The temple, built in the 11th century, sits in the village of Khidrapur on the banks of the river Krishna. It houses a room sans a roof called a Swarg Mandap. This temple also houses within it rich Indian heritage and if history is what you’re about, you’ll need to add this to your itinerary, and you won’t be disappointed.

Kedareshwara Temple

Address: Balligavi in Shimoga district, Karnataka

Opening hours: 7am - 6pm (daily)

16. Take the kids to Mahatma Gandhi Park

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Best for: Families

Mahatma Gandhi Park was built in Shimoga, Karnataka, to honor the late Mahatma Gandhi. The park contains within it a large playground, a family train ride, animal statues, and a splash pool. In the center of the park is a larger-than-life statue of Mahatma Gandhi memorializing the late activist. There is history throughout India and this park is no different but, really, it’s just a cool place to take the kids. Another place you might wish to add to your things to do itinerary.

Mahatma Gandhi Park

Address: Gandhi park, Durgigudi, Shivamogga, Karnataka 577201, India

Opening hours: Sat - Thu: 7:30am - 7:30pm; Friday: 7:30am - 6pm

17. Check out an Indian movie at Lakshmi Theater

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Best for: Couples, groups

For relaxing, perhaps in the evening, you might want to check out Lakshmi Theatre. It is the largest theater in Shimoga and is a preferred entertainment zone for the locals. If you’d like to see some Indian films it may be prudent to put it on your itinerary and plan the day accordingly.

Lakshmi Theater

Address: Rajendra Nagar, Shivamogga, Karnataka 577204, India

18. Play with the elephants at Sakrebyle Elephant Camp

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Best for: Families

Socialize and frolic with friendly giants at Sakrebyle Elephant Camp, located about 14 minutes’ from the city centre. Visitors are free to watch the resident elephants bathe at River Tunga, go trekking, or tour the whole camp on the back of an elephant. Two to three hours is enough time to fully enjoy the camp.

Sakrebyle Elephant Camp

Address: Balekodlu Road, Sakrebyle, Karnataka

Opening hours: 8:30 am - 6 pm

Price: 30 INR (0.70 USD) for locals and 100 INR (1.40 USD) for foreigners

Get ready for the trip of a lifetime

To make the most out of your Shimoga trip, group destinations by location and explore attractions according to your taste and interests. Moreover, don’t hesitate to ask locals for recommendations– they know better! Finally, don’t forget to take pictures and leave nothing but footprints, and kill nothing but time.