9 Best Things To Do In Shimoga, Karnataka

1. Check out Shimoga Zoo & Safari

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

Website: Shimoga Zoo & Safari

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

2. Catch a game at KSCA Cricket Ground

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

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)

3. Visit Shivappa Nayaka Palace Museum

Shivappa Nayaka Palace Museum is located within Shivappanaika Palace. The palace construction was overseen by Keladi King Shivappa Nayaka and it was built completely out of rosewood. It is currently managed by the archaeology department of Karnataka. Within the palace, there is a museum that is filled with a rich collection of artifacts from the Keladi Kingdom. Located on the banks of the Tunga River in the center of the city of Shimoga it can be easily reached by road. This is the perfect place to visit if you want to jump right into the unparalleled history of India. Put this on your list of things to do in Shimoga, Karnataka.

Shivappa Nayaka Palace Museum

Address: Double Road, SPM Rd, Lashkar Mohalla, KR Puram, Shivamogga, Karnataka 577202, India

Website: Shivappa Nayaka Palace Museum

Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 10am - 5pm (closed on Mon)

4. Drop by Sacred Heart Cathedral Church

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

5. Enjoy the lovely food offered at Hotel Shubham

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

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

6. Visit the the calming waters of Achakanya Falls

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

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

7. Pay a visit to Kedareshwara Temple in Shimoga

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)

8. Take the kids to Mahatma Gandhi Park

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

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

9. Check out an Indian movie at Lakshmi Theater

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

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

Why not plan a visit to Shimoga today?

Even though Shimoga may seem obscure to most people, it contains many hidden gems and it is the perfect place to try all of the authentic South Indian cuisines. With a city so full of rich Indian heritage and history, who wouldn’t want to explore it?