shimoga

Sacred Heart cathedral is Shimoga is popular for the architectural beauty. It also enjoys the status of being the second largest church in the country. The view of the main big hall of the large cathedral spanning over 18000 sq feet is unforgettable. The Cathedral looks quite exquisite with the brilliant Roman graphic architectural style and a lively big statue of Lord Jesus Christ. The main hall in the church can easily accommodate 5000 people. 
 

Shimoga district in Karnataka is famous not just for the exquisite beauty of nature, waterfalls and wildlife sanctuaries, but also for places with historical significance. One such place of attraction is Shivappanaika Palace cum Museum. The history of the palace dates back to the 16th century. The palace was completely constructed out of rose wood by Keladi King Shivappa Nayaka. Archaeology department of Karnataka is now administering this palace. There is also a museum in this building which reflects the rich history and heritage of Keladi Kingdom. Tourists can see an interesting collection of antiques, stone carvings, inscriptions and sculptures in the Shivappanaika museum. The Palace is located on the banks of the Tunga River.
 

The Onake Abbi Falls is located at a trek distance of around 8 kms from Agumbe. The falls derives its name from the word Onake, meaning a pounding stick that is used for pounding grains in villages. From here, beautiful views of the valleys of Agumbe can be seen.
 

Ambuthirtha is really a picturesque town, situated at a distance of 15 kms North West of Thirthahalli. The river Sharavathi takes her birth from Ambuthirtha and a shivlinga is also installed at this place. Ambuthirtha is really a nature's wonder in Theerthahalli taluk and is exclusive in every sense of word. Ambuthirtha is believed like a sacred place by the locals who say it was here that Lord Rama pierced the ground with his bow and arrow to have water out to reduce the thirst of his wife Sita, and therefore the name Ambuthirtha. Because the river took her birth making use of Lord Rama's Shara, therefore the name Sharavathi. At Ambuthirtha a temple built around a Shivalinga, beneath which Sharavathi originates to begin her journey. This temple at Ambuthirtha was built is managed from the help of donations collected from the local people as well as the devotees from faraway places who visit Ambuthirtha on a regular basis.
 

Achakanya waterfall is one of the less explored natural beauties of Karnataka. The waterfall is located near the village of Aralasurali that lies about 10 kms from the town of Thirthahalli in the Shimoga district of Karnataka. The waterfall is formed by the River Sharavathi when it takes a splendid leap among the dense forests of Western Ghats. The spectacular fall has a height of about 6 to 7 feet. The small but magnificent Achakanya Falls is a beauty to watch. During the monsoon season, when the water gushes down with full force, the waterfall becomes a fascinating sight to watch. Surrounded by greenery on all sides, the stream of white water creates a pleasant view for the visitors.
 

Balligavi a town in Shikaripura taluk Shivamogga district of Karnataka state, India, is today known as Belagami or Balagame. Its ancient names are Dakshina Kedara, Valliggame and Valligrame. Dakshina Kedara means Kedarnathof the South. A place of antiquity, it is known for its ancient monuments. It is also famous as the birthplace of the great Virashaivasaint Allama Prabhu and is closely associated with Vachana poet Akka Mahadevi who was born in nearby Udugani. Today, Balligavi is a quiet town much of whose daily routines revolves around agriculture and the famous 11th century Kedaresvara Temple and Tripurantakesvara Temple. Balligavi is located 72 kms from Shivamogga city and 21 kms from Shikaripura town and 2.3 kms from Shiralakoppa in Shikaripura taluk.