Shimoga

The city of Shimoga is the headquarters of the district known by the same name. The city, 274 km from the state capital Banglalore, is situated on the banks of the sacred river Tungabadra. It was very famous during the days of Keladi Nayakas. The temple at Badravathi where the presiding deity is Lord Lakshminarayana is again a testimony to the architectural excellence of the Hoysalas. Besides, the city also has a number of industries. Sagar the city noted for its ivory and sandalwood industries also attracts quite a few tourists who have a passion for these exquisite articles. The factories redolent of the exotic sandalwood fragrance and those suffused with the coveted ivory are open to visitors who would like to have a browse through. There are about 4 temples in and around Ikkeri which also has a museum.

While the district caters to the wishes of various visitors with diverse interests, with its architectural temples and wonderful industries, there is yet another enchanting picnic spot which cannot evade the all pervading eyes of the curious travellers. It is the Jog Falls which stands out as the highest waterfalls of the nation. The Mahatma Gandhi Hydro-Electric Power Station which has been made possible by the benevolent waters of the mighty river which gives rise to this fabulous falls is also worth a visit.

Badravathi
About 256 km from Bangalore this popular industrial town formerly known as “Benkipura’ is sanctified by the ancient temple dedicated to Lord Lakshminarayana, a variation of Lord Vishnu. This temple with rich architectural workmanship was built by the Hoysalas in the 13th century. The beautiful river Bhadra flows along the north contiguous to the city and along the banks of this river is situated a number of industries such as the iron and steel industry, the cement and the paper factories.

Sagar
It is about 340 km from Mysore. The sandalwood and Ivory industries which produce the fascinating articles earn fame to the city. The visitors are ushered through the various departments of these precious ivory and fragrant sandalwood factories.

Ikkeri
It is situated near Sagar. The 16th century Aghoreswara Temple is situated here and nearby there is temple dedicated to Goddess Parvathy. The presiding deity of the former temple is a variation of Lord Siva while that of the latter is His divine consort. Two more ancient temples known as the Rameswara and the Veerabadra Temples can be seen at Keladi. Keladi also has a museum.

Jog Falls
This ebullient waterfalls at an altitude about 1500 ft above sea level nestled amidst gorgeous mountains blanketed by thick verdant forests with an enthralling sylvan setting which conjures up a fascinating image is noted as the highest in India. The reverberating waters of the glorious river Sharavthi which takes its birth at Ambuthirtha thunder down giving rise to these vociferous waterfalls, through a height of 253 mts in four magnificent branches named as Raja, Rowa, Rocket, and Rani. The gorgeous cloud formed by sizzling tiny droplets of water rising elegantly to a reasonable height from the foot of the fall, partially obscuring the objects behind and reflecting at certain convenient angles the lively spectrum of the rainbow colours, is a bewitching beauty to behold. The fabulous scenery of the fall against the backdrop of mighty mountains with picturesque environs seems to take one’s imagination to unexplored dimensions.

The benign waters of the mighty river, which proffer sumptuous feast to the hungry mind also go on to serve people by generating electric-power through the ‘Hydro-Electric Power Station’ named after the Father of the Nation ‘Mahatma Gandhi’ and situated about 1 km away. The Sharavathy Valley Project here has the credit of being the first and so far the largest of its kind in entire Southeast Asia. The beautiful Linghamaki Dam and its serene reservoir and Power House are situated about 12 km away. Jog Falls is situated about 88 km from Shimoga and 378 km from Bangalore.