Jog Falls & Other Gems Around Shivamogga

Shivamogga, located around 350 KMS from Bengaluru in Karnataka state, is a popular weekend getaway especially during the monsoon season. Shivamogga is popularly nicknamed as the “Gateway to Western Ghats”. Day trips to several beautiful places are done with Shivamogga as the base.

Jog Falls – a 2 hour drive from Shivamogga gets you to Jog Falls, the second highest plunge waterfall in India (830 ft) and ranked 13th in the world by the waterfall database. It can be viewed from the top view point as well as from the bottom. Jog Falls is created by the Sharavathi River. While visiting Jog Falls, it is best to pack your own food or have it at Sagar town near the falls.

Tyavarekoppa Tiger & Lion Safari – located en route to Jog Falls, you are put into caged jeeps and taken around on a safari to spot tigers & lions roaming in the wild! Beautiful experience. There is a mini zoo as well.

Ikkeri Temple – located close to Jog Falls, Ikkeri temple dedicated to the God Shiva was built during the 16th century. It has magnificent architecture.

Keladi Temple – also located close to Jog Falls, Keladi is dedicated to the God Vishnu, built during the 16th century.

Shivamogga town – the town contains a museum of the founding rulers as well as the second largest church in India.

Sakkare Bayalu – named after the lush sugarcane fields that once thronged this area, early mornings are the time to get up close & personal with elephants!

Kundadri Hills – a 2 hour drive from Shivamogga on the way to Agumbe hills, Kundadri is a fantastic spot of nature with lush green surroundings. A small but beautiful 17th century Jain temple adorns the top.

Agumbe Hills – among the highest rainfall areas in South India, Agumbe has a sunset point which rests on one of the highest peaks of the Western Ghats. While visting Agumbe, the best place to stop for food is at Thirthahalli town.

In Shivamogga, Meenakshi Bhavan is a popular restaurant. While heading back home, don’t forget to pack sweets from Venkatesh Sweet House – they are quite legendary especially for Mysorepak!

While traveling to and fro Bengaluru, there are plenty of places to stop on the Hassan highway. If you are heading back to Bengaluru early morning, stop at Birur for breakfast at a place called Preethi Canteen – very famous for their masala dosa!