Shimoga
Rice Bowl of the state.
General Information
District: Shimoga, State: Karnataka, India
Area: 10548 Sq. Km.
Languages Spoken: Kannada, Hindi, and English
Long Distance Code: +91-8182
Importance:
Best Time to Visit: October to May
Description
Shimoga, almost central on the Karnataka map is the rice bowl of the State. The rivers Tungabhadra, Sharavathi, Varada and Kumudavathi inundate the luxuriant greens of the region. Shimoga was ruled by the great Indian dynasties of the Kadambas, Gangas, Chalukyas, Rastrakutas, Keladi and Vijaynagar Kings. The Keladi rulers established Shimoga (Face of Shiva). It reached its pinnacle during the rule of Shiva Nayaka around 1600 A.D.<br />The Sahyadri ranges, part of the Western Ghats, feed the rivers round the year, and inundate the fertile alluvial soil; this nature's blessing makes it the breadbasket of Karnataka. The Sharavathi Hydel Project and Varahi Project provide a substantial portion of the state's power needs.<br />Location
Located at the distance of around 275 kms from Bangalore, Shimoga is located North west of Bangalore.
The Government Museum at Shimoga displays palm leaf manuscripts, coins, copper plates and Hoysala style statues of Uma-Maheshwara, Yoganarayana and Jaina Yakshi.
Situated 65 km from Shimoga, amidst dense forests, is Thirthahalli that takes its name from the sacred bathing places built on the river Tunga. There is a temple dedicated to Rameshwara on the banks of the Tunga River.
Situated atop a ghat head and receiving the highest rainfall in Karnataka, this suburb has many scenic delights to offer. \r\nThe glorious sunset is the main attraction of this place Gopalakrishna temple and the Observatory maintained by the Meteorological Survey of India (Capital).\r\n
16 km northwest of Thirthahalli town and down the river Sharavathi is its holy source Ambutheertha, where a Shiva Linga has been installed.
19 km from Shimoga on the banks of river Bhadra, is the Steel Town of Bhadravati. It was here that the first State owned iron and steel factory was started in 1923, and a paper factory in 1936. \r\nThe Visveswaraya Iron and Steel Limited and the Mysore Paper Mills offer a fascinating view of the complex processes involved in the manufacture of Iron Steel and paper.\r\nIn the centre of the old town is a 13th century Lakshminarasimha temple that belongs to the Hoysala period and houses, besides other images, an exquisite 0.92 metre high Ganapathi Idol.\r\nAbout 10 km from Bhadravati is Honne Gudda, a hillock about 304.8 metres high which has a small temple. From this hillock, a panoramic view of the Bhadra River and its surrounding areas can be got. It's an ideal picnic spot.
32 km to the north-east of Thirthahalli is the Mandagadee Natural Bird Sanctuary on the banks of the river Tunga.\r\nBetween July and October, flocks of migratory birds take shelter on the leafless trees there and present a fascinating picture to visitors who can see them from a high platform located conveniently close.\r\n
10 km to the south-west of Shimoga, on the Shimoga Thithahalli Road, near a crest of Western Ghats is Gajanaur where a dam has been constructed on the river Tunga Elephants are trained at the Elephant Camp here. The tourist bungalow on the hillocks near the Gajanur Tank commands on enchanting of the area.
75 km to the northwest of Shimoga is Sagar with its famous Siddhi Vinayaka temple and Durga Temple. It is believed that there is a small well here with a Sri Chakra below the Ganapathi Peetha Sagar is also famous for it Gudigara Craftsmen who work on ivory and sandalwood.\r\nThe artisan-training centre run by the Government offers a view of master craftsmen at work. The Gudigara Co-operative Society showroom is well worth a visit.\r\n
3 km south of Sagar town is Ikkeri, the old capital city of Keladi Nayakas. The Aghoreshwara temple here combining the best of Hoysala and Dravidian styles of architecture stands testimony to the former greatness of the place.\r\nThis large well-proportioned stone structure, has a lofty roof and ornamental doorways leading to the deity - a metal image of Aghoreshwara with three arms.\r\n
16 km to the northeast of Shimoga is Koodli where the Tunga and Bhadra rivers meet to create a pilgrim centre. The Rameshwara and Narasimha temple here belongs to the Hoysala times.\r\nThe place also has a noted 16th century Smartha monastery 10 km from Shimoga Town, at Tavarekoppa. The forest department has set up the Shettyhally Lion safari.\r\n