Jog Falls

Yana

Kodachadri

Agumbe

Mandagadde

Nearby Places

There is no doubt, Shivamogga district is very famous for Tourism. We are in Sagara taluk which is well connected road and rail transport. Below are the few important places you must visit in your holidays.

Less than 50 kms

Bheemeshwara

Bheemeshwara or Bheemalingeshwara is an ancient cave temple of Lord Shiva nestled in a serene and secluded forest area in the Western Ghats. As per mythology, the Shiva Linga was installed by Bheema during their Ajnyaatavasa (living in hiding). Right next to the temple, there’s a beautiful little waterfall called the Bheemeshwara falls. It is said that the waterfall formed when Arjuna used his arrow to extract water from the rocks. The water falls down from a height of around 50 ft. The speciality of this falls is that the water never dries out throughout the year though the volume reduces during Summer.

Bhuvanagiri

Bhuvanagiri in Siddapur taluk, is at a distance of around 38 kms from Kanagala Homestay. It is the only place in the entire state where a temple is dedicated to the State deity Bhuvaneshwari Devi. Situated atop the 300 feet tall Bhuvanagiri, the three centuries old temple can be reached after an ascent of 350 steps. The temple deity is worshiped on all days of the year, complete with naivedya and abhisheka, accompanied with the chanting of mantras. Surrounded by lush greenery on all sides, the age-old temple is a feast for the eyes. A casual glance at the rich historical past of the temple is enough to recognise the significance of the place. Though the idea of a temple dedicated to Bhuvaneshwari Devi was conceived by the Kadambas, the rulers of Vijayanagar carried it forward, so much so that they would not venture out without paying their obeisance to the deity. Bilagi kingdom spread from Gangavali river in Uttara Kannada district to Gangolli river in Udupi district. Since the rulers of Bilagi were both valiant and great admirers of Kannada language, a temple was built in dedication to Bhuvaneshwari Devi. There is ample evidence to suggest that the temple was built in 1692 by Basavendra, the last ruler of Bilagi. Since the area is populated by people belonging to the Havyaka community, the temple administration is taken care of by them.

Dabbe Falls

Dabbe Falls is at a distance of around 14 kms from Kanagala Homestay. It lies amidst the dense forests in the Sharavati Valley near Hosagadde, on the way to Bhatkal from Kanagala Homestay. It is a heaven for nature lovers for many obvious reasons; mountains of western ghats lie vast as far as eyes can see, pristine forests which cuts the horizon blending the green with blues, which can hardly be seen in very few nature trails. It is one of the very few waterfalls in Karnataka which preserves it’s heavenly touch because of it remoteness. It also is sufficiently full even during Summer. However, you need to take the permission of the Forest Department to trek to this place.

Honnemaradu

Honnemaradu (a place of golden sand) is at a distance of 30 kms from Kanagala Homestay and is situated on the backwaters of Sharavathi river 25 kms from Sagar. It is popular among water sports enthusiasts as a site for kayaking, boating and other similar sports. Honnemaradu is the name of a small village situated on the hills overlooking the Linganamakki Reservoir. Large part of the village got submerged when the reservoir was constructed in 1964. The small hillocks in the village have now become little islands popping out from the vast expanse of water. This place is nature at its most pristine offering breathtaking views especially of Sunrise and Sunset.

Ikkeri

Ikkeri was the capital of the Keladi Nayakas which is situated 3 Kms from Sagara, Shimoga district. It is around 48kms from Kanagala Homestay. Ikkeri in Kannada literally means two streets (double road). Originally the fortress consisted of 3 walls, 2 built with bamboo and the inner one built with mud and in the center was a palace built with mud and timber with intricate carvings. None of this exists now though excavations are still going on to unearth part of the ruins of the palace and the fort. The only reminder of the bygone era is a temple dedicated to Aghoreshwara (Lord Shiva). The temple is built at a height and it is huge and beautiful. The sculptures on either side of the huge doorways and pink paint used all around the doorway of the temple is unique and striking. The temple is built using laterite material, which is abundantly found in this part of the region. The temple inside with pillars supporting a huge hall and the main center shrine is dedicated to Aghoreshwara and the shrines next to this are dedicated to Ganapathi, Subramanya etc. The stone ceiling has geometrical patterns sculpted on them. A separate shrine in the same compound is dedicated to goddess Akhilandeswari / Parvathi, consort of Lord Shiva. The stone doorway is carved and shaped beautifully to complement the idol. There are some sculpted stone pillars of that of a mythological animal being ridden by a human. The huge stone Nandi / vehicle of Lord Shiva is housed opposite to the temple in open stone mantapa / porch is huge and polished like glass. It is set in a beautiful locale with rain forests covered hills, lakes with lilies and water snowflakes with exotic trees and in the courtyard like Naga Sampige blooming to be plucked by devotees and offered to the god.

Kalase

Kalase is at a distance of around 50 kms from Kanagala Homestay. It is one of the important historical places in Sagar taluk after Ikkeri and Keladi. The main attraction of Kalase is Twin temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, Lord Mallikarjuna Temple and Lord Neelakanteshwara Temple. The twin temples at Kalase have been constructed in 12th century and they are the fine examples of Hoysala architecture. It is said to be constructed by father and son sculptors, Jankana and Dakkana. These temples were constructed during 1812 AD using the stone called Somanatha Shile, the temples reveal the artistic magnificence of the Hoysala architecture. Both the temples have been built on star-shaped plinth and the roofs are also of star-shape.

Mallikarjuna Temple at Kalase: Mallikarjuna Temple is the biggest temple at Kalase. This temple has a Garbhagriha, Sukanasi, Rangamantapa and Basavamantapa. The temple is constructed with three entrances at three directions. The uniqueness of the Mallikarjuna Temple at Kalase is except Sukanasi, the other front part of the temple built with half walls. This provides the temple with unique brightness.

Neelakanteshwara Temple: The Neelakanteshwara Temple is about 30 feet away from Mallikarjuna Temple. The temple features a Gopura atop Garbhagriha. You can also see the statue of Goddess Bhuvaneshwari and the emblem of Hoysalas. The walls on either side of the main entrance have been carved with statues related to Vatsayana Kamasutra. This temple was built during 1218 AD, when Baleyanna Pergade, the Mandalika of Hoysala Second Veeraballala, ruled this place. This region was called as Kundanadu or Kodanadu at that time. After Baleyanna this place was ruled by Beeradevarasa. Later, when Vijayanagara Dynasty was established, Samrat Krishna Devaraya gifted this place to Keladi King Chaudappa Nayaka. Apart from these temples, you can also see an very old port in the forest around these temples in Kalase with wells, ponds and the drainage system of that time. Kalase is well connected by road network. It is situated at a distance of 8 km from Sagar town and one has to travel along Soraba Road for 6 km and take a diversion in Ulavi road at the place a name board mentioning Kalase is seen and from this place it is just 1 km journey into the village.

Kattale Kaanu

Kattale Kaanu, is around 25 kms from Kanagala Homestay and is 7 kms from Jog falls. It literally means “Dark Forest” in kannada. It is a long stretch of dense, evergreen forest of about 20 kms. It is so thick that penetration of sunlight is difficult and will be dark even in the noon. It has many varieties of plants, exotic herbs, wild animals. It is a place for trekkers. You can also enjoy scenic beauty of nature from hilltop and enjoy beautiful Sunrise and Sunset.

Keladi

Keladi, the first capital of Keladi Nayakas, is at a distance of around 49 kms from Kanagala Homestay. It is well-known for a group of temples that exhibit elements of Kadamba, Hoysala and Dravida style of temple architecture. Among the three, the Rameshvara and Veerbhadreshvara temples are a mixed pattern of Hoysala and Dravidian style while the Parvati temple is relatively small. The Keladi Museum preserves a collection of copper inscriptions, palm leaves, coins, several interesting antiques of the Nayaka’s period. Recovered idols of Hoysala and Chalukya period from the early 16th century to the late 18th century are displayed here.

Linganamakki

The Linganamakki Dam was constructed across the River Sharavathi in 1964 by the Government of Karnataka. This dam is situated near Kargal village and is at a distance of around 14 kms from Kanagala Homestay. This reservoir is around 2.74 kilometres long and is 1,819 feet above sea level. This dam was constructed to generate electricity. The Sharavathi River water is stored in three major reservoirs, viz. Linganamakki, Talakalale and Gerusoppa. Around 327 square kms of land was submerged due to the construction of Linganamakki reservoir which includes 99 villages in Sagar and 76 villages in Hosanagar taluks of Shimoga district. Approximately 12000 people were displaced due to this. This includes a lot of our relatives and one hears innumerable tales of suffering which they endured during those days. On the flipside, the submerged areas have resulted in vast expanses of backwater which have turned into a great source of biodiversity. Water levels recede during Summer opening up an area which is rich in all kinds of relics indicating it was inhabited by humans not long ago. The Sharavathi backwater areas are right next to Kanagala Homestay (approximately 2 kms) and can be explored by walk with the help of an experienced guide. Please ensure you take permission from somebody in KPTCL if you want to visit the dam and the power station. Entry is restricted to all dams and power stations all over the country due to security threats. If you are looking for a homestay near Linganamakki, Kanagala Homestay fits the bill perfectly since it’s very near.

Muppane Sanctuary

The Muppane Wildlife Sanctuary is at a distance of 13 kms from Kanagala Homestay. The sanctuary includes a large part of the Linganamakki reservoir formed by the damming of the Sharavathi River by the Karnataka Power Corporation. The river was dammed in 1958. The sanctuary covers an area of 431 sq. km. Whilst Kargal is the entry point from the northern boundary of the sanctuary, Nagavalli is the exit on the coastal boundary (Kargal-Nagvalli is approx. 85 km.) Muppane has Forest Rest House and Tents, which are maintained by the Wildlife Division of the Karnataka Forest Service. The Rest House is on the edge of the Linganamakki reservoir, amidst semi- evergreen forest, approximately 3 km from the main road. The northern part of the sanctuary is mainly semi evergreen forest, degraded in many areas. The entire route from Kargal, through the sanctuary, has numerous villages often bordered by plantations. A large part of the eastern part of the sanctuary is the Linganamakki reservoir itself. Linganamakki reservoir, amidst semi – evergreen forest, approximately 3 km from the main road. The northern part of the sanctuary is mainly semi evergreen forest, degraded in many areas. The entire route from Kargal, through the sanctuary, has numerous villages often bordered by plantations. A large part of the eastern part of the sanctuary is the Linganamakki reservoir itself.

Kanoor Kote

Kanoor Kote a secluded fort atop a mighty peak in the dense jungles of Western Ghats. It is at a distance of around 35 kms from Kanagala Homestay. All that remains of the fort are its dilapidated traces, but the lush green forests with the steep slopes surrounding the fort gives it the aura of mystery and a sinister charm. Though the fort has lost all its grandeur and is left in neglect for the most part, it provides a perfect spot to prolong on a trek, trying to get away from the noise and crowds of civilization. The lush green forests, the moss covered walls of the fort, blue skies as far as the eyes can see, Mister Mist cliffs till late mornings, and silence so inhaled that you can hear your own breath, surely invites any heart wanting to lose itself in the lap of nature. During this trail you will walk along the vast paddy fields, crossing many hills whose peak offers breathtaking view of valleys and the wild life that may present with boars, deers, snakes, vipers, porcupines, bisons. Thus a beauty and the attraction of this fort forgotten by both man and time. Please note you need to take the permission of the Forest Department to trek to this place. History says that during its peak time, this fort was ruled by Queen Chennabhairadevi. She was more popularly known as “Pepper Queen” as she was exporting pepper to Europe. Keladi Nayaks who were in constant war with her kingdom were finally able to capture her. Later, she died in the prison sometime during 1606 AD. The fort was left deserted and forest took over.
Lingam, kamadhenu, karudan, Hanuman, snake swallowing moon are some of the stone carving still seen on the outer wall. There is a underground passage to come out of the Fort. This was used during emergency.

Gersoppa

Gersoppa village is around 50 kms from Kanagala Homestay. It lies on the banks of the Sharavati River, 29 kms from Honnavar in Uttara Kannada District. It was ruled by the Saluvas between 13th and 17th century. The village is renowned for the 14th century Chaturmukha Basadi (a Jain shrine), which has four identical doors in four directions.
The old town of Gersoppa, also called Nagara Bastikeri, is rich with historical monuments the Chaturmukha basti being the most prominent one. It is a beautiful structure built in Vijayanagar style with Chaturasara plan. It has four entrances from four directions leading to garbhagrihas. There are four images of Tirthankaras, Vrishabha, Ajita, SambhavaOne of this has been of late damaged. The engravings in this basti of dwarapalas and other mural designs are well executed with refinement.
Gersoppa dam project was completed in the year 2002 with the main purpose of generation of electricity (4 units totaling to 240 MW). It has a height of 56 metres and a length of 545 metres. The breathtaking view of the valley can be had from atop a observation tower constructed by Forest dept, about 10 kms from Gerusoppa towards Jogfalls. Boat cruise in the reservoir through the valley is on the anvil.

Sigandur

Sigandur or Sigandooru is a small village made famous by Chowdeshwari Temple which attracts devotees in thousands every day. It is around 35 kms from Kanagala Homestay (via Barge and road). There is also a “road-only” route which increases the distance to around 70 kms. Sigandur got surrounded on 3 sides by River Sharavati upon the construction of Linganamakki reservoir in the 1960s. The deity is believed to be very powerful and fulfills the wishes of her devotees. Placards prominently displaying “Under Goddess’ Protection” are used by the local people to protect their land and belongings from thieves. A lot of people visiting Sigandur stay at Kanagala Homestay since it is only 35 kms from Sigandur and is a vegetarian-only homestay.

Varadamoola

Varadahalli

Talakalale reservoir

Less than 100 kms

Apsarakonda

Banavasi

Basavaraj Durga

Belligavi

Bhatkal

Burude Jog

Burude waterfalls , near Siddapur, is at a distance of around 55 kms from Kanagala Homestay. The way to get down to the river is through a small creek which is dry in summer. And will be full in rainy and winter seasons which makes the entry to the waterfall and the valley impossible.
The first step of the waterfall has an amphitheater sort of setting where hundreds of people can sit and watch the glorious waterfall and feel the mist rushing towards them. On the other side after a serious climb down you will get to see the other end of the waterfall. And the last stretch of this waterfall can only be heard from here. If you have a heart for climbing you can climb down to the edge of the rock to see it partially. This one is a wonderful one.
This could be a ideal two day spot. On the way to Kumta from Siddapur after Kyadagi (1+kms) you will get down at ilimane cross and take a walk for 5+kms to reach the waterfall. Do carry your ration and tentage. This place can also be reached by trekking from the Unchalli waterfalls along the stream.
The best time to visit here is winter and early summer.

Chandragutti

Chandragutti , a religious center near Siddapur, is at a distance of around 54 kms from Kanagala Homestay. The temple of Renukadevi (wife of Jamadagni and mother of Parushurama) is prominent here which is attracting pilgrims from all parts of Karnataka. At the entrance there is a small pond which is known as “Tottila baavi” and also there is small rock on which foot prints of main deity is carved. On to the right hand side there is a small temple of “Kalabairaveshwara”. In this temple lord is in both human and in “lingam” form. Few steps from this temple towards hill top will lead to Renukamba Temple. Renukamba temple will be open through out the day only on Tuesdays and Fridays. Rest of the week, the temple is open only for few hours in morning. The main deity is inside a cave with golden coverings or golden statue. Along with this goddess there are 2 more temples, one of sacred seven headed “Nagaraja” (snake god) and “Parusharam” right in front of the Goddess Renukamba and the other one is of “Shoolada Beerappa”. There is a stair way which goes down hill. There you can find temple of Shoolada Beerappa. Shoolada Beerappa has hundreds of tridents (trishula in Kannada) emerged from earth. Behind this is a small pond known as “Ammanavara Honda”. Water for this pond comes from a bigger pond from top of the hill known as “tavarakere” (tavare means lotus in Kannada). The same water continues further ahead and reaches Tottila baavi. Chandragutti and Gudavi Bird Sanctuary are separated by around 11 kms and both can be visited together. Travelling from Kanagala Homestay, Chandragutti comes first followed by Gudavi.

Gudavi

Gudavi Bird Sanctuary is located on the Banavasi Road in Gudavi of Sorab Taluk and is 65 kms from Kanagala Homestay. A place famous for bird sanctuary is one of the best 5 bird sanctuaries of Karnataka. It is spread over an area of 0.74 square Kms.
As per 1993 survey, it is told that 191 different types of birds are found at this place. A natural lake and the trees gives shelter to this birds.
The picturesque Gudvi Lake with trees all along its banks is a beautiful sight in itself. It is a small seasonal lake and is filled with water mostly in the rainy season.
Nature lovers, you will get 191 species of flora and fauna here at the bird sanctuary. Various avian species migrate from across the globe to the Gudavi Bird Sanctuary in different seasons for breeding. A platform is built for bird watchers to have a closer look at the birds.

Hasirumakki

Hasirumakki is a ferry point between Sagar and Nittur. We need to cross the Sharavathi back water using a Barge (big boat like vehicle). Huge, long stretch of back water surrounded by thick dense forests make it a most beautiful spot, which you will cherish for a long time.
Sharavathi backwater is about 60 KM in length and about 15 KM wide !!!!. It became backwater when dam was constructed at Linganamakki of Sagar taluk in Shimoga district to the river Sharavathi. This backwater has created lots of islands, it is so great to explore all these, where thick vegetation still exist and lots of wildlife in it including some rare birds.

Holebagilu

Holebagilu is at a distance of 76 kms from Kanagala Homestay, which is on the way to Sigandur Chowdeshwari Temple. It literally means River Gate. We need to cross the huge, long back water of Sharavathi through a Barge. It is surrounded by thick, dense forest. It is mesmerizing to travel by Barge in the vast back water with so many islands created by it.
Holebagilu is located at a distance of 30 Km from Sagar and it is surrounded by the thick and dense forest. Holebagilu is a place of natural beauty and it is situated in Kolur Grama Panchayat Limits.
You need to take a diversion from B H Road towards Ikkeri Road to reach Holebagilu. The Sharavati backwaters of Linganamakki dam have submerged acres of land here.

Honnavar

Idagunji

Gunavanthe

Kodachadri

Kodachadri, a mountain peak with dense forests (altitude – 1343 meters above sea level), is at a distance of around 88 kms from Kanagala Homestay. The name comes from native word “Kodacha” or “Kodashi” which means hill and “Adri” a Sanskrit word, both combined together coined the word Kodachadri. It is also called “Kutachadri” and “Kodashi Parvatha”. Kodachadri forms a background to the famous temple of Mookambika in Kollur. Situated in the middle of the Mookambika national park, it is home to several endemic and endangered species of flora and fauna. The peak is barren due to strong winds and as such, the forest covered nature is visible all around and also several smaller peaks and hills exist.
There is a small temple near the peak where ‘Shankaracharya’ did meditation and also ancient Sarvajna Peeta (built out of rock) at the top.
Kodachadri is also a popular trekking route among the people. Trekking during winter is ideal. During winter, the weather will be all clear and the panoramic view will be beautiful. Night trekking during winter on a full moon day will be thrilling and a good option for such trekkers who want a change. Another easier trekking route is on the jeep road, which starts from Sampekatte village (Hosanagara Taluk). The sunset watched from Kodachadri peak on a clear day is an enchanting experience. The Arabian Sea is visible from the top on cloudless day and sun literally goes down into the sea and due to the proximity to sea, the shape of golden sun changes every minute. At the beginning it looks like a inverted pot, then like a vessel, a hat, a ring with double edges and so many shapes are visible which are interesting sights. The sunrise is also seen from another hillock, which is called Venkatarayana Durga, with some remote connection to some Palegara Kings who ruled the surrounding places. During sunrise, the plateau below is usually covered with mist and it looks like a vast sea of curd with some high peaks peeping out of that misty plateau.
Around ten kilometers from Kodachadri, there is ‘Hidlumane Waterfalls’ and only a brittle path is there to reach this water falls – suitable for those who love a little adventurous trekking. Another waterfalls in deep forest is ‘Arasinagundi falls’ which is nearer to Kollur, at the bottom of Kodachadri. There is also one more distant waterfalls called ‘Belakallu theertha’, which is near Mudur, Jadkal (Kollur), also suitable for trekkers.
If you love to trek and are looking for a cosy homestay near Kodachadri, GundiMane is the place for you. You can plan an entire day if you are an avid trekker or you can visit Bheemeshwara and Kollur along the way and then take a Jeep to reach till “Bhattara mane” (which is around halfway to the top) and trek from there.

Kollur

Maravanthe Beach

Murdeshwara

SahasraLinga

Unchalli waterfalls

Sirsi

Sonda

Less than 150 kms

Gajanur Dam

Gokarna

Kundadri hill

Magod Falls

Mundgod

Mandagadde

Mahishi

Sakkare bayalu

Shimoga

Shimoga-Lion-Safari

The Lion-Tiger Safari started way back in 1988 is an ideal picnic spot. The Safari is at a distance of 106 kms from Kanagala Homestay. It lies 10 km from Shimoga, when traveling from Sagar. The safari is spread over a huge area of 200 hectares of dense forest. One can be a witness to the grace, diversity, colour and marvel of nature and catch enlivening glimpses of lions, tigers, cheetah, bear, deer, and rare migratory birds as they amble around in this luxuriant habitat. Regular recreation and sight seeing outings are organized by the forest department for visitors and special recreation facilities are made for the children visiting the Safari. While the scene is sure to enrapture you, there are strict rules prohibiting the use of Cameras within the area and while on the Safari, you need to compulsorily pick up the ticket . The Lion-Tiger Safari is open from 9.00 AM to 5.00 PM on all days of the week, save Tuesday, which is the one day when the Safari is shut and unavailable. Almost all buses to Sagar will stop here.

Teerthahalli

Yaana

Yellapur