10 Best Places To Visit In Shimoga For The Most Unique Experience

A low-key small hill station in Karnataka, Shimoga is the place where the true beauty of nature lies. The significance of Shimoga speaks for itself as it is surrounded by verdant hills, valleys, dense forests, and wildlife. The two big reasons to explore this hidden gem for a refreshing holiday are the scenic beauty and pleasant atmosphere.

In this blog, we've compiled a list of the best places to visit in Shimoga that will offer you the most unique experience. Have a look!

1. Kodachadri

Rich with the mesmerizing beauty of verdant hills and the abundance of flora and fauna, Kodachadri, a peak in the Western Ghats, will cast a hypnotic spell to your eyes. Trekking and hiking with the serenity and outstanding views of the surroundings are the reasons that tourists find this place attractive. One of the excellent places to visit near Shimoga, Kodachadri is located behind Mookambika Devi Temple. With exotic birds like Indian Rock Python, Pied Hornbill, and Malabar Langur, this place is a heaven for birdwatchers.

2. Jog Falls

Famous to be the second-highest and tallest un-tiered waterfall in the country, Jog Falls is located about 100 kilometers away from Shimoga town. Divided into four parts called Roarer, Rocket, Raja, and Rani, Jog Falls is formed by the Sharavathi River. The surrounding remains are encapsulated with foggy climate and dense vegetation. Owing to its foamy water and the pleasant sound of it, the enormous waterfall is one of the popular places to visit in Shimoga. Other than this gorgeous waterfall, visitors can explore water sports, the wildlife sanctuary, and other nearby attractions. 

3. Gudavi Bird Sanctuary

One of the most visited bird sanctuaries in Karnataka, Gudavi Bird Sanctuary is truly a heaven for ornithologists. A habitat of more than 48 species of birds and surrounded by rural fields, this sanctuary is situated in the midst of thick forests. The best time to visit Gudavi Bird Sanctuary is during monsoon season, and between June and December as you’d have a chance to see a wide variety of migratory birds including jungle fowl, Indian shag, black-headed crane, bittern, white ibis, and more.

4. Keladi

Keladi is the only temple town amongst all the Shimoga tourist places, which is home to the Rameshwara Temple. Dedicated to Lord Ganesha, Lord Veerabhadra, and Lord Rameswara, this temple was built up using the Dravida and Hoysala architecture style. The place seems way too attractive because of the intricate carvings and revered deities inside the temple. Keladi is one of the best places to visit in Shimoga for peace seekers.

5. Barkana Falls

Exploring Barkana Falls is a great idea especially during monsoons if you want to enjoy a breathtaking view in the lap of nature. Owing to the sheer beauty of itself, which multiplies during the monsoon season, Barkana Falls is one of the top tourist places near Shimoga. An interesting story is associated with its name. The name originated from an animal that is found in this region only known as ‘Barka’ which means mouse deer. Visitors can also enjoy a trek through the dense forest to the waterfall.

6. Gajanur Dam

Owing to its lush greenery and mesmerizing view of the Tunga River, Gajanur Dam is another popular tourist place in Shimoga. For nature lovers and animal lovers, there is an elephant camp near the dam that you can visit. It is one of the most fascinating places to visit near Shimoga where visitors can spend a peaceful time amongst nature.

7. Sakrebailu Elephant Camp

A fun place to visit in Shimoga, Sakrebailu Elephant Camp is the place for you if you are traveling with kids. Roughly 14 kilometers away from the city, Sakrebailu Elephant Camp is located on Thirthahalli Road. Home to numerous Indian elephants, the camp also offers fun activities like a campfire, bird watching, trekking, and herbal garden tour. Visit the camp between 8:30 am and 11 am to see the elephants taking a bath.

8. Ikkeri

A small temple town located near Shimoga, Ikkeri boasts of mesmerizing surroundings and serenity. Dedicated to Lord Shiva that attracts a huge number of tourists every year, the temple is situated on the top of the hill. Owing to its divine ambiance along with breathtaking views of the green valleys, Ikkeri is one of the most charming weekend getaway destinations in Shimoga. Ikkeri is worth giving a shot for a perfect escape from the chaos of the city.

9. Onake Abbi Falls

Because of all the splendid locations it offers, Shimoga has gained immense popularity, and some credit should be given to Onake Abbi Falls. With several natural attractions, this place is a paradise for both nature lovers and trekking enthusiasts. You will have to do a short trek of 4-5 kilometers to reach here, which is a fun experience. While walking on the trail, you can witness the abundance of flora and fauna. With the lush greenery enveloping the entire place, the waterfalls look divinely pretty during monsoons.

10. Hosahalli

One of the most untouched places by the complexities of city life, Hosahalli is one of those places that are yet to be unraveled. The only place in the world where Sanskrit language-speaking people live, Hosahalli is a small village in Shimoga. A mixture of Sanskrit, Tamil, and Kannada, the villagers’ dialect is called Sanketi. Home to some ancient temples that history buffs will find exciting to explore, this place was a part of the great empire, Vijayanagara. This place can be a great weekend getaway destination as it is low-key and is located away from the main city.

If you are planning to visit these 10 best places to visit in Shimoga, then plan during the monsoon season. Don’t forget to visit Adotrip, which helps you book the most economical flight tickets, hotels, and tour packages. With us, nothing is far!

Frequently Asked Questions About Places To Visit In Shimoga

Q1. What are the top sightseeing places in Shimoga?

Ans - The top sightseeing places in Shimoga are Onake Abbi Falls, Sakrebailu Elephant Camp, Barkana Falls, Jog Falls, and many more.

Q2. What is famous in Shimoga?

Ans - The only Sanskrit-speaking village known as Hosahalli is very famous in Shimoga.

Q3. How many falls are there in Shimoga?

Ans - There are three major waterfalls in Shimoga known as Jog Falls, Onake Abbi Falls, and Barkana Falls.