Stand on the banks of the Tunga River in the busy lanes of central Shivamogga and the rose wood facade of a 16th-century palace rises behind the traffic. The city sits at the edge of the Western Ghats, which is why it is known as the "Gateway to Malnad", and the river that runs through it supplies the city's drinking water.
Shivamogga suits travellers who want a base for the hills rather than a resort town: heritage buildings in the centre, wildlife and bird sanctuaries a short drive out, and a climate that stays dry in winter and the early part of summer, with most rain falling between June and early October. January and February are the driest months, and April is the warmest.
This guide covers the city sights, the wildlife and heritage places within reach, and how to string them together if you have a single day.
Top things to do in Shivamogga
1. Shivappa Nayaka Palace
Situated on the banks of the River Tunga in the busy lanes of Shimoga, this is a 16th-century palace built by Shivappa Naik of Keladi and a good architectural piece built with rose wood. Its museum holds rare archaeological collections of stone carvings and antiques from the Keladi period, including recovered idols of the Hoysala and Chalukya periods from the early 16th century to the late 18th century.
Because it sits in the busy lanes of the centre, it pairs naturally with the other city sights on the same outing rather than a separate trip.
2. Kudali Sangama
About 14 km from Shivamogga, this is where the Tunga and Bhadra rivers merge. It also has a branch of the Sringeri Math, the Chintamani Narasimha Temple, a rare Brahma temple, and inscriptions on stones.
There is no shade for visitors, and it is like a Land's End since two rivers are meeting, so there is no place to linger. Note that it is called Kudali Sangama and not Kudalasangama, or searches will show up the other place.
3. Kudli Hoysala Rameshwara Temple
A 12th-century Shiva temple in early Hoysala construction in simple Vesara style, part of the heritage attractions at Kudli.
Combine it with Kudali Sangama, which is in the same heritage cluster, so the two are seen in one outing.
4. Tyavarekoppa Lion and Tiger Safari
Around 11 km from Shivamogga Bus Stand, on the way to Sagar, this comprises a zoo and animals in the wild. It is not a safari in the true sense because the lions and tigers are housed in fenced enclosures, and a sighting is guaranteed. Covered buses take you in every 30 minutes, and the mini zoo houses hyenas, bears, porcupines, pythons and alligators, with cheetahs, bears and peacocks among the zoo highlights.
Entrance is ₹15, cameras ₹50 (video cameras ₹150) and the safari bus ticket ₹40; unlike some other tourist spots in India, the charges are the same for Indian and foreign nationals. All cameras are allowed at a cost of ₹150–400 depending on the type.
5. Mandagadde Bird Sanctuary
About 32 km from Shivamogga, on the way to Thirthahalli, this is a spot for birds migrating from places around the world. Dense lush green forest surrounds it, and the flow of the river Tunga has created a small island whose dense trees shelter the migrating birds. Egrets, Bellakki Cormorant, Darter and Snake bird immigrate during the May season for breeding.
A high platform is built on the edge of the river Tunga for bird watching, and boats are available for a closer watch.
6. Elephant Training Camp, Sakrebylu
Around 14 km from Shivamogga, on the way to Thirthahalli, this is where elephants are tamed by professionals for log lifting and other such work. Elephants from the adjoining forests bathe here before returning to their forest abode, waddling down to the waters in the morning and leaving before the sun's rays get stronger.
To catch a glimpse of the elephants at play in the waters, get there before 9AM.
7. Sacred Heart Church
Situated in the heart of the city, the church was renovated and is said to be the second largest church in India, with a prayer hall that can hold up to 5000 people at a time.
Its central location makes it an easy stop alongside the other city attractions.
8. Shivamogga railway station
Launched in 1889, it is known for being one of the earliest railway stations in Karnataka. The second railway line of the Mysore Kingdom was a meter gauge line between Shimoga and Birur; the Birur to Shivamogga line was launched on December 1, 1889, and the station received its first passenger train after it covered a distance of 37.92 miles on its inaugural run.
Worth a look if you are arriving or departing by rail, or if you are interested in the city's rail heritage.
9. Kimmane Golf resort
A 100 acre golf course in the outskirts of the city, 9 km from Shivamogga.
Best treated as a relaxed half-day on the edge of town rather than part of a dense sightseeing run.
10. Gangur Dam
Around 10 km from the city centre, this is one of the closer outings from Shivamogga.
Pair it with the other short drives out of the city if you have a vehicle for the day.
If you only have one day
Morning: Start in the city centre at Shivappa Nayaka Palace on the banks of the Tunga, then walk to Sacred Heart Church nearby. If you are heading out early and want the elephants in the water, the Elephant Training Camp at Sakrebylu requires you to be there before 9AM, so choose one or the other for the first part of the day.
Afternoon: Head out to Tyavarekoppa Lion and Tiger Safari, around 11 km from Shivamogga Bus Stand on the way to Sagar, where covered buses run every 30 minutes and a sighting is guaranteed. If you prefer heritage to wildlife, take the 14 km drive to Kudali Sangama and Kudli Hoysala Rameshwara Temple instead, and remember there is no shade at the sangama.
Evening: Return to the city and close the day at Shivamogga railway station, one of the earliest railway stations in Karnataka, before dinner in the centre.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to visit Shivamogga?
The climate is tropical wet and dry. Winter and the early part of summer are typically dry periods, January and February are the driest months, and most rainfall occurs between June and early October. April is the warmest month, and July, August, November and December are the coldest.
What can I see at Tyavarekoppa Lion and Tiger Safari?
The park has lions, tigers and deer, and the mini zoo houses hyenas, bears, porcupines, pythons and alligators, with cheetahs, bears and peacocks among the zoo highlights. The lions and tigers are in fenced enclosures, so a sighting is guaranteed, and covered buses run every 30 minutes.
When should I go to the Elephant Training Camp at Sakrebylu?
Get there before 9AM. The elephants come down to the water in the morning, bathe and drink, and leave before the sun's rays get stronger.
Is Kudali Sangama the same as Kudalasangama?
No. It is called Kudali Sangama and not to be confused with Kudalasangama, or the other place will show up in all searches and add to confusion.
Decide whether your day belongs to the palace and the riverbank or to the road out to the sanctuaries, and start planning around the dry months.