Shivamogga, long spelt Shimoga, sits on the Tunga river at about 569 m above sea level, where the plains of central Karnataka rise into the Western Ghats. It was renamed Shivamogga in 2014 and is the headquarters of its district and the gateway to the Malnad, the green hill country known for areca, rain and old forest. About 267 km from Bengaluru, it is a practical base rather than a sightseeing city in its own right.
What makes it useful is the range within a day's drive. Sakrebailu elephant camp and the Tyavarekoppa lion and tiger safari are within about 15 km of the centre, and the Shettihalli Wildlife Sanctuary lies around 20 km out. The Shivappa Nayaka Palace museum in town is a compact introduction to the Keladi Nayakas, whose temples at Keladi and Ikkeri and last refuge at Kavaledurga fort lie further west, and Jog Falls is roughly 100 km away.
Plan it as a base for two or three days, with one wildlife morning, one history day around Sagara and one long outing to the falls or Kavaledurga. Distances are modest but the roads slow down in the hills, and the monsoon changes the picture completely: green and wet from June to October, dry and comfortable from November to February.
Before you plan
Shivamogga at a glance
- Best months
- November to February is dry and…November to February is dry and comfortable; August to November suits Jog Falls. March to May is hot, and June to October is wet.
- Ideal trip length
- 2 to 3 days for the town2 to 3 days for the town, wildlife stops and one or two day trips
- Airport
- Shivamogga AirportShivamogga Airport (RQY, Rashtrakavi Kuvempu Airport) at Sogane, about 9 km from the city; flights have been limited, so check routes, with Bengaluru and Mangaluru as larger options
- Railway station
- Shivamogga Town is the main stationShivamogga Town is the main station, with trains to Bengaluru, Mysuru, Tirupati and Chennai
- Getting around
- Hire a car with a driver for the campHire a car with a driver for the camp, safari, sanctuary and day trips; autos and local buses cover the town
- Daily budget
- Costs vary widely with car hire and…Costs vary widely with car hire and hotel; check current local rates for entry fees and transport
- Senior comfort
- Town sights are levelTown sights are level; day trips mean long drives and, at forts and the Jog Falls base, many steps
- Language
- Kannada locallyKannada locally; Hindi and English understood at hotels and main sights
Prices, opening hours and weather change. Recheck live details before booking.
Best time to visit Shivamogga: January, February, November, December. Month-by-month weather →
How many days do you have?
Shivamogga itinerary
One good day
1 day in Shivamogga
Reach Sakrebailu elephant camp early to see the morning bath and feeding, then continue to the Tyavarekoppa lion and tiger safari for a guided drive. Return to Shivamogga for lunch and a rest, then spend the late afternoon at the Shivappa Nayaka Palace museum and a walk by the Tunga.
Day-by-day plan →Two days
2 days in Shivamogga
Start with the elephant camp at Sakrebailu, add the safari at Tyavarekoppa, rest after lunch and visit the palace museum in the afternoon.
Day-by-day plan →Three unhurried days
3 days in Shivamogga
Elephant bathing at Sakrebailu in the morning, then Tyavarekoppa safari, with the palace museum in the afternoon.
Day-by-day plan →
