Shivamogga itinerary

Plan 01

1 day in Shivamogga

1. 01

   Day 1: Elephants and a palace

   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.

   Stop	Time needed	Walking	Best time
   Sakrebailu Elephant Camp	1.5-2 hours	Easy	Morning, shortly after the camp opens; November to February
   Tyavarekoppa Lion and Tiger Safari	2-3 hours	Easy	Morning, November to February
   Shivappa Nayaka Palace Museum	45-75 minutes	Easy	Morning, October to February

   Pace: All the stops today are easy on the legs.

Plan 02

2 days in Shivamogga

1. 01

   Day 1: Camp, safari and the palace museum

   Start with the elephant camp at Sakrebailu, add the safari at Tyavarekoppa, rest after lunch and visit the palace museum in the afternoon.

2. 02

   Day 2: Keladi and Ikkeri

   Drive towards Sagara, stopping at the Rameshwara temple at Keladi and the Aghoreshwara temple at Ikkeri. Have lunch in Sagara and return in the afternoon.

Plan 03

3 days in Shivamogga

1. 01

   Day 1: Camp, safari and the palace museum

   Elephant bathing at Sakrebailu in the morning, then Tyavarekoppa safari, with the palace museum in the afternoon.

2. 02

   Day 2: Keladi, Ikkeri and Jog Falls

   A long day by car: Keladi and Ikkeri in the morning, then on to Jog Falls, best between August and November, returning in the evening.

   Stop	Time needed	Walking	Best time
   Jog Falls	Half to full day	Moderate	August to November

   Pace: Moderate walking today — plan a sit-down break between stops.

   With parents at Jog Falls: The front viewpoint is close to parking and mostly level, but the stairs to the base are about 1,400 steps and are demanding. Older visitors should stay at the top.

3. 03

   Day 3: Forest or fort

   Choose between the Shettihalli Wildlife Sanctuary, arranged in advance with a forest pass, or Kavaledurga fort via Thirthahalli for a green, rough-edged climb.

   Stop	Time needed	Walking	Best time
   Shettihalli Wildlife Sanctuary	Half a day to a full day	Moderate	November to May, early morning
   Kavaledurga Fort	1.5-2.5 hours	Demanding	October to February, morning

   Pace: Kavaledurga Fort involves a lot of walking or steps — do it early, and keep the rest of the day light.

   With parents at Shettihalli Wildlife Sanctuary: Roads inside the forest are rough and there are few facilities, so this suits fit, patient older travellers more than frail ones. Go in a sturdy vehicle with a driver, carry water, and avoid the monsoon months when tracks turn slippery.

   With parents at Kavaledurga Fort: Uneven stone steps, overgrowth and little seating make it tiring for many older visitors. Wear sturdy shoes, bring water and take it slowly.

Read before you go

Guides for the stops on these routes

Pacing

Pacing a Shivamogga trip for parents and children

• Hire a car with a driver for wildlife stops; the camp, safari and sanctuary are spread along different roads.
• Do outdoor stops in the morning and rest after lunch, as afternoons are hot from March to May.
• The palace museum and the safari vehicle are the easiest sights; Kavaledurga and the Jog Falls base steps are demanding.
• Keep a full day for the Keladi, Ikkeri and Jog Falls circuit; it is a long drive.
• Carry water and snacks for forest outings; there are few facilities.
• Check weather and access in the monsoon, as roads and viewing galleries can close.

Shivamogga with elderly parents: the full guide →