Shimoga – Into the Wild

Shimoga is a town in the Indian State of Karnataka. Shimoga is a very popular tourist destination. There are a large number of places of interest in Shimoga. There are wildlife sanctuaries, historical monuments and beautiful temples. Tourists can enjoy visiting the many and varied wonders of Shimoga.

There are a number of sanctuaries and they are all unique and offer exciting safaris. Lion and Tiger Safari give you a chance to see a zoo as well as a safari ride to see animals in the wild like lions, tigers, deer and others. To view majestic elephants you can visit the Elephant Training Camp. Elephants from the adjoining forests bathe at this spot, before they re-enter the forest. Elephants are trained here to lift logs and other such work.

Mandagadde Bird Sanctuary is also worth a visit. This place is a popular location 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. Birds like egrets, bellakki cormorant, darter and snake bird among other birds migrate here.

Another popular bird sanctuary is Guduvi Bird Sanctuary. This bird sanctuary is unique since it is the only sanctuary located in the midst of a dense forest. Guduvi is one of the five famous bird sanctuaries of Karnataka. A hundred and ninety one varieties of birds are found at this place. A natural lake and the trees give shelter to these birds.

Shimoga is also known for its many trekking trails and scenic spots like the Jog Falls. Kodachadri is one such splendid and captivating mountain that provides the perfect location to enjoy nature. It is a paradise for trekkers. The mountain also provides a beautiful panoramic view of the Western Ghats.

Honnemaradu is perfect for water sports. It is surrounded by the lush greenery of the Western Ghats along the Sharavati backwaters near Sagar. It also has some of the most spectacular views of the sunrise and sunset. Some of the water sports activities here include coracling, canoeing, kayaking and wind rafting. There are many travel groups who organizes Island camping and water sports.

There are many other places of interest as well tourists can visit many beautiful temples. The Shivappa Nayak Palace Shivappa Naik Palace is situated on the banks of river Tunga and is a populay tourist attraction. It is a 16th century place built by Shivappa naik of Keladi.

Shimoga is well connected via roads, air and rail.