Thirthahalli – A Serene Riverside Town in Karnataka
Thirthahalli, a Taluka or Panchayat Town, is situated in Shimoga District in Karnataka State. It lies on the banks of the Tunga river surrounded by thick forestry. It is famous for its natural beauty and mythology. Not only that, but it has also been a favorite place for many renowned scholars of India. It is also one of the prominent tourist places in India. The sacred temple of Sri Rameshwara is one of the major reasons for its popularity. Once, you are in the beautiful state of Karnataka, do make it a point to visit this beauty.
Places To Visit In Thirthahalli
Thirthahalli is one of the best places to visit in Karnataka. Here's the list of the top tourist places in Thirthahalli.
1. Sri Rameshwara Temple
This sanctum sanctorum of Thirthahalli is something that will take you to the serene world. The Shiva Lingam of the temple is one interesting thing that urges you to find out the mesmerizing story behind it.
2. Kavaledurga Fort
This fort was built in the 9th century and was found with several past traces which are shown to the fort itself. Visiting Kavalendurga Fort can be an educational experience for you while you get wooed with the architecture of the bygone era.
3. Mandagadde Bird Sanctuary
It is surrounded by forests and River Tuga. It is home to over 5000 bird species. The sanctuary witnesses a huge number of migratory birds and is a great spectacle for bird-watching. Unique bird species are found here. Some of them are Median Egret, Little Cormorant, Darter, and Snake Bird.
4. Sakrebayalu Elephant Camp
It is an elephant camp located 15 km from Mandagadde. Like any other camp, it conducts various activities which include bathing elephants, taking elephant rides, etc. Tourists enjoy this unusual experience which has made this place a popular attraction.
5. Tunga Bridge
The bridge connects Thirthahalli to Kuruvalli which has an arc-like structure. It was designed by Sir M. Visvesvaraya. Currently, the bridge is a part of NH 13. It is close to the Tunga River which is a sacred river. It is believed that dipping in the river will wash off all the sins.
Things to Do in Thirthahalli
- Explore Historical & Cultural Sites – Visit Kavishaila, Kuppalli, and Sringeri.
- Go Trekking – Hike up Kundadri Hill, Agumbe, and nearby forest trails.
- Enjoy Riverside Walks & Photography – Spend time at Tunga Bridge and Chibbalagudde.
- Birdwatching – Visit Mandagadde Bird Sanctuary during monsoon.
- Adventure Activities – Try camping, kayaking, and nature trails around Agumbe.
- Experience Local Cuisine – Enjoy authentic Malnad dishes like Akki Roti, Kadubu, and Kesari Bath.
Best Time to Visit Thirthahalli
- Winter (October – March): Best time for sightseeing, trekking, and cultural exploration.
- Monsoon (June – September): Ideal for enjoying lush greenery, waterfalls, and birdwatching.
- Summer (April – June): Warm but still pleasant due to the greenery.
How to Reach Thirthahalli
Thirthahalli is a perfect vacation destination as it will rejuvenate you from the mundane everyday schedule and will give you a glimpse of ancient local mythology and naturally exotic sights to cherish forever. You have to cover a distance of nearly 2000km via NH 48, 797km via NH 48, 2000km via NH 16, and 346km via Bangalore-Shivamogga Road from Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Bengaluru, respectively to reach this town in Karnataka.
By Air
The nearest airport to reach Thirthahalli is Mangalore International Airport (IXE) which is known by the name Bajpe Airport. After landing at the airport, you will need to travel for another 3 hours to reach Thirthahalli. Buses and cabs are easily available outside the airport and can be hired to reach the desired destination in town.
- Delhi - Board IndiGo flight from Delhi. The airfare starts from INR 5,000
- Mumbai - Board IndiGo or SpiceJet flight from Mumbai. The airfare starts from INR 3,000
- Kolkata - Board IndiGo or AirIndia flight from Kolkata. The airfare starts from INR 6,000
- Bengaluru - Board SpiceJet flight from Bengaluru. The airfare starts from INR 2,000
Here is a list of Indian cities from where flights are available to Thirthahalli
By Train
The nearest railway station is the Shivamogga railway station. The station manages the arrival and departure of trains from all across the country. Train journeys are comfortable and budget-friendly. After deboarding the train you may get on a local bus or hire a taxi to explore the town.
- Bengaluru - Board Janshatabdi Express from Yesvantpur Jn and deboard at Shivamogga Town
By Road
Shimoga District is one of the significant districts of Karnataka which is well-connected to other regions of the state via well-maintained motorable roads. If you are planning to arrive here via roadways then you may reserve a seat in the tourist buses or may drive down in your vehicle.
- Mangalore - 140km via SH1
- Udupi - 93km via NH 169A
- Mysuru - 289km via Bangalore-Shivmogga Road
- Coimbatore - 484km via Bangalore-Shivmogga Road
- Hyderabad - 679km via Srinagar-Kanyakumari Highway
- Chennai - 699km via Bengaluru-Chennai Highway
Frequently Asked Questions about Thirthahalli
Q. Where is Thirthahalli located?
A. Thirthahalli is a town located in the Shimoga district of Karnataka
Q. What are some popular tourist attractions in Thirthahalli?
A. Some popular tourist attractions in Thirthahalli include Kuppalli Venkatappa Puttappa Memorial (Kuvempu's birthplace), Tunga Bridge, Sakrebailu Elephant Camp, Kodachadri Hill, and Agumbe Rainforest Research Station.
Q. Is Thirthahalli a good weekend getaway?
A. Yes! Thirthahalli is a perfect weekend retreat for nature lovers, history enthusiasts, and spiritual travelers.
Q. What kind of accommodations are available in Thirthahalli?
A. You can find homestays, budget hotels, eco-lodges, and jungle resorts in and around the town.
