Places of Interest

WATER FALLS AND DAMS

Jog Falls

The most thrilling spectacle view point in the entire western region of Karnataka are the world famous Jog Falls.

Location: It is Situated on the borders of Shivamogga and North Canara , 100 Kms from Shivamogga city.

What is Special: The wondrous sight is that of river Sharavathi taking a spectacular leap into the chasm from a height of 900 feet to from the highest waterfalls in India. The river Sharavathi hurtles in 4 distinct cascades. The first of these falls is known as the ‘Raja’ – the grandest, an unbroken sheet of water, the Raja plunges into the vapor shrouded poll 900 feet below. A few 100 feet way down, with a thunderous gush, Raja is joined by ‘Roarer’. Leaping down with great speed in a series of cascades in the ‘Rocket’. And gliding away in a feminine grace ,’Rani’. The effect is greatly heightened by the wild and beautiful region around which is covered with a wealth of luxuriant vegetation. The steps cut into rocks will lead you to the very depths of the fall and shower you with vaporous spray that bounces off these rocks.

Around Jog: There is also the splendid view of the Linganamakki dam, which is 1819 feet above sea level built across the river Sharavathi. This dam is the main feeder reservoir of the Mahatma Gandhi Hydroelectric project in Shivamogga.

Transport: The place is well connected by rail and road from Shivamogga city and number of government & private buses ply between Shivamogga and Jog Falls.

Best season to visit: July-January

Accomodation: Hotel Mayura Gerusoppa (KSTDC)

Phone: 08186-344732

Vanake-Abbey Falls

Most common name given to waterfalls around karnataka. Shivamogga is also proud to have one falls called abbey falls. The falls are situated 4 Kms away from Agumbe, The sunset point in Thirthahalli Taluka. The falls are surrounded by lush green trees and natural beauty.

Achakanya Falls

10 Kms from Thirthahalli on the way to Hosanagar near Aralsuruli you can find this eye catching water falls. The river Sharavathi takes a spectacular leap here to form this wonderfull falls.

Hidlamane Falls

This falls is situated near Nittur in Hosanagar Taluka. To reach the falls you have to trek the rocky hills surrounded by dense lush trees. Don’t forget to carry your food stuff.

Tunga Anecut

10 Kms from Shivamogga city on the way to Thirthahalli, you can find a place called Gajanur. The Tunga dam is situated here. A ideal picnic spot for the people around. Presently the dam is closed for general public as the dam height is being increased and construction work is going on.

B. R. P. Dam

Located 28 Kms from Shivamogga city near Kuvempu university. The dam is constructed across river bhadra and the height of the dam is 194 ft. There are a number of islands created by the Bhadra river and you can enjoy the boat ride around this islands.

Linganamakki Dam

6 Kms from Jog falls this dam is constructed across river Sharavathi. The height of the dam is 1819 ft above sea level. Linganmakki dam is the main feeder reservoir for the Mahatma Gandhi Hydro Electric Power unit.

HILL STATIONS

Agumbe

The spectacular sunset point.

Location: on the way to Udupi , 35 kms from Thirthahalli falls a small place with big name called AGUMBE. It is situated at 2725 ft above sea level.

What is Special: Agumbe is also known as the “Chirapunji” of South India because this place receives the highest rainfall in South India. This place attracts tourists during the summer and winter season because of its glorious sunset. The place is surrounded by dense lush green forests , small streams and ghats. The place finds its charm at the time of sunset, the sun sets with different hues, colors, shapes.

Transport: To reach Agumbe you can catch any bus to Thirthahalli or bus to Udupi.

Best Season to Visit: November to May

Kodachadri

A glorious and enchanting mountain provides the perfect escape from the hectic pace of the hum drum of everyday life. Paradise for trekkers, the place attracts lot of trekkers around Karnataka state. Kodachadri is situated at 1411 ft above sea level and 115 kms from Shivamogga city. A beatific hill abode that overlooks the panoramic Western Ghats. It is clothed with splendid evergreen forests. The first portion of the hill is very steep and difficult to ascend. On the west, the hill descends almost perpendicular for about 4026 ft, meeting the South Kanara forests that lie below. The sea appears quite close, and on clear day, you can also see the ships go by. The famous temple town of Kollur is 12 Kms away. The steep hills challenges the trekkers for a adventurous trekking experience. Reaching the hill top makes you feel on top of the world.

Kundadri

On the way to Agumbe from Thirthahalli, 9 kms from Guddekeri near Begar you can find Kundadri hill. A adventurous place for trekking lovers. You can reach the hill top by tar road also but its a shaking experience if you walk up the mountain using the shortcut route. On reaching the top you can find the Parshwanath Chaityalaya, a stone structure. Kundadri hill is in fact a single gigantic monolithic rock formation with various outgrowths. A rough stone paved path leads one to the top of the hill. From the hill top you can see the twists and turns of the Thirthahalli-Agumbe road. This place is also a jain pilgrimage centre. Packing some light refreshments and moving on to ascend the hill would be a great idea.

Honnemaradu

About 25 Kms from Sagar town on the way to Jog falls , a adventure place by name Honnemaradu welcomes the adventure loving people. The place is situated on the back waters of Sharavathi river. The place maintained by Adventurers, Bangalore. You can enjoy Kayoking, wind water surfing and all other water sports. On payment of small amount you get accomodation,food and water sport equipments. One important point to be noted before visiting this place is not to carry any Alcohol, Gutka, Non-Veg items. All this items are banned in this place.

WILDLIFE

Tyavarekoppa Lion Safari

10 Kms from Shivamogga enroute Sagar town Lions, Tigers and other wild life animals roam around in the deep forests freely. The lion-tiger safari started way back in 1988 is a ideal picnic spot . The safari is spread around an area of 200 Hectares of dense forest. You can witness to the grace, diversity, color and marvel of nature and catch enlivening glimpses of Lions, Tigers, Cheetah, Bear, Deer, and rare migratory birds as they amble around in luxuriant habitat. Regular recreation and sight seeing outings are organised by the forest department for visitors.

Sakrebylu Elephant Camp

On the way to Thirthahalli from Shivamogga, 14 kms away from the city you can hear elephants reciting their lessons. Yes its not a joke its fact that you can find here many elephants being trained by training professionals. Elephant from the adjoining forests bathe at this spot before they re-enter their forest abode. Every morning these majestic creatures waddle down to waters and after playfully cleansed their bodies and satiated their thirst, they leave the waters before the rays of the sun get stronger. They are off to deal with their day’s routine only to return the following day. To catch a glimpse of these mammoths at play in the waters, get there before 9 a.m.

SANCTUARIES

Mandagadde Bird Sanctuary

32Kms from Shivamogga city on the way to Thirthahalli you can hear the birds tweeting. This place is picnic spot for birds migrating from far places around the world. The place is surrounded by dense lush green forest and the flow of river Tunga has created a small island which adds to the beauty. The dense trees on the island provides shelter to migrating birds. Birds like Egrets, Bellakki Cormorant, Darter, Snake bird etc immigrate from different parts of the world during may season for breeding A high platform is built on the edge of river Tunga for bird watching. Boats are available for a closer watch .

Guduvi Bird Sanctuary

This bird sanctuary is unique for many reasons but is the only sanctuary located in the midst of dense forest. Guduvi is one of the 5 famous bird sanctuaries of Karnataka. The place is 16 Kms from Soraba taluka of Shivamogga district. This bird sanctuary is spread over an area of 73.68 Hectares. As per 1993 survey, it is told that 191 varieties of birds are found at this place. A natural lake and the trees gives shelter to this birds. Some important birds found are White Pebis, Stone Bill, Egret, Cormorant, Snake bird, Heron etc. Different birds immigrate from other parts of the world in different seasons for breeding. A platform is built for a closer look of birds.