Beautiful places to visit in Shivamogga city

If you have friends or family visiting, or you just want a change of scene on a weekend, here are some of the nicest spots in and around Shivamogga. Everything below is within a short drive of the city.

In the city

Shivappa Nayaka Palace: a 16th century teak palace of the Keladi rulers on the bank of the Tunga, now a government museum. Old sculptures, coins, weapons and inscriptions, and the woodwork itself is worth the visit. Quiet on weekday mornings.

Sri Kote Anjaneya Swamy Temple and the Kote Seetha Rama Temple: two old temples in the fort area in the middle of town, easy to see together.

Tunga riverfront near Nehru Nagar: a calm place for an evening walk, especially after the rains when the river is full.

Regional Science Centre: hands on exhibits and a small planetarium, good if you have children with you.

A short drive away

Sakrebailu Elephant Camp: about 14 km on the Thirthahalli road, right on the Tunga. Go early. The elephants are brought to the river to be bathed and fed in the morning, and the crowd thins by about 9:30.

Tyavarekoppa Lion and Tiger Safari: about 10 km on the Sagar road. A safari bus takes you through the lion and tiger enclosures, and there is a small zoo next to it.

Gajanur Dam: about 12 km, close to the elephant camp. The reservoir and the garden alongside it are a pleasant stop in the evening.

Mandagadde Bird Sanctuary: about 30 km on the Thirthahalli road. A small river island where cormorants, egrets and darters nest. Best from July to September in the monsoon.

Tips

Mornings are better for the elephant camp and the safari. Carry water and some cash, a few of the smaller counters do not take UPI. In the monsoon the roads towards Thirthahalli are green and lovely but can be slippery.

What are your favourite places around Shivamogga? Add them in the comments so this list keeps growing.

Photos, in order: Shivappa Nayaka Palace by Dineshkannambadi; Sakrebailu Elephant Camp by Nitesh S D; Gajanur Dam by Hareesh KS; Mandagadde Bird Sanctuary by Chidambara; the Tunga river by Lenin Moorthy. All from Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0.