Sarvajna Peetha is a shrine dedicated to Saint Adi Shankaracharya situated on top of the Kodachadri mountains in Karnataka. It is believed that this is the spot where he meditated and gained enlightenment. The temple, which is built in the Dravidian style of architecture, features a small idol of Adi Shankaracharya and also has many intricate carvings. It is accessible via a short trek and is also an excellent spot for nature lovers since the temple is located away from the city and offers magnificent views of the surrounding beauty.
What Is The Sarvajna Peetha
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Perched atop the Kodachadri peaks amidst Karnataka’s Western Ghats, Sarvajna Peetha is a small temple dedicated to an 8th-century saint named Adi Shankaracharya. The temple is said to have been constructed at the very spot where this saint supposedly meditated and achieved enlightenment. “Sarvajna Peetha” translates to the “throne of wisdom.”
This is a small temple with an idol of Adi Shankaracharya. It has been built in the beautiful Dravidian style of architecture. It also features some beautiful carvings, but most of them have worn off over time. Besides its religious and spiritual significance, Sarvajna Peetha is also visited for its stunning vistas. Given its location atop the hills, it offers marvellous views of the green Western Ghats.
Many come here to admire its natural beauty and soak in its tranquillity, meditate, and spend some time away from the city. Watching the sunset here is also an absolute treat! The only way to reach Sarvajna Peetha is by trek; it is about 1 km away from the foot of the hill.
Must Read: Places To Visit In Shimoga
Places To Visit Nearby
Sarvajna Peetha is located in the city of Shimoga, and there are numerous places to visit nearby, some of which are as follows:
1. Jog Falls
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The Jog Falls is a major tourist attraction in Karnataka and also happens to be one of the highest waterfalls in all of India. Its water cascades down from a height of about 253 metres, and the resulting foam and fog make for beautiful scenes along with the lush greenery surrounding the waterfall. It is about 2 hours away from Shimoga and is a group of four waterfalls. The best time to see this waterfall is during the monsoon season when the rainfall makes its water gush strongly,
Location: Jog, Shimoga, Karnataka, India
Distance from Sarvajna Peetha: 87.4 km
2. Tyavarekoppa Tiger And Lion Safari
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The Tyavarekoppa Tiger and Lion Safari is a little over 2 hours away from the peetha and is the second safari park of Karnataka. It is spread out across an area of 250 hectares and is home to several diverse flora and fauna besides lions and tigers. Safaris opened here in 1988, and since then, this park has been regularly frequented by visitors who wish to learn about its biodiversity. It is also a superb picnic spot. Some animals you might spot here include Indian leopards, Bengal tigers, black panthers, Asiatic lions, etc., all kept in separate enclosures.
Location: NH 69, Tyavarekoppa, Thevara Koppa, Karnataka 577205, India
Distance from Sarvajna Peetha: 102.3 km
Suggested Read: Waterfalls In Shimoga
3. Sakrebyle Elephant Camp
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Another place to visit not too far from Sarvajna Peetha for those who love to see wildlife is the Sakrebyle Elephant Camp, which is a forest camp for captured elephants. Managed by the Karnataka Forest Department, this eco-tourism centre is where they are trained. It is situated by the Tunga River and is a great place to watch elephants; you can see them with their little ones, often by the water. Moreover, if you come early in the morning, you might even see them bathing in the backwaters. Flash photography is not allowed here to avoid startling the elephants.
Location: Shivamogga, Sakrebyle, Karnataka 577202, India
Distance from Sarvajna Peetha: 112.2 km
4. Keladi
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Keladi is a small temple town near Shimoga, which once served as the capital of the Keladi Nayaka Kingdom and is also said to be where the Ikkeri chiefs originated. It is situated within the state’s Sagar Taluk and is mainly known for its double temple dedicated to Rameshwara and Virabhadra. This temple is built in such a way that it represents three styles of architecture, namely the Dravidian, Kadamba and Hoysala styles. It also houses a shrine of Goddess Parvati. Moreover, it also features beautiful carvings, idols, copper inscriptions, coins and more from the Chalakya and Hoysala periods.
Location: Keladi, Shimoga, Karnataka, India
Distance from Sarvajna Peetha: 62.3 km
Suggested Read: Temples In Karnataka
5. Dabbe Falls
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Dabbe Falls is a mesmerising waterfall in Karnataka’s Sagar Taluk that falls from a height of about 110 metres. It lies within the Sharavathi Wildlife Sanctuary and is nestled in dense vegetation; the waterfall’s stream bed resembles stairs. You would need to hike up a somewhat steep route to get to Dabbe Falls but it is worth it if you can since the scenes are simply breathtaking. You can also swim in its cold water.
Location: Dabbe, Sagar Taluk, Shimoga, Karnataka, India
Distance from Sarvajna Peetha: 54.1 km
Perfect Season To Visit Shimoga
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Shimoga experiences different kinds of weather throughout the year and the best time to visit is during the winters from November to February. With temperatures not rising beyond 30 degrees Celsius, the region is quite cool and pleasant during these months, which in turn means that you would not have any problems being. Furthermore, many festivals are celebrated during the winter, like Pongal, so you might get to participate in local festivities.
The monsoon season here lasts from July to September; during this time, the region experiences heavy rainfall. The temperatures don’t go beyond 35 degrees Celsius, and it often gets cool; it is a suitable time for sightseeing as long as you can plan around the rainfall. This is also a great time to visit if you want to experience the region’s natural beauty since the rivers and waterfalls fill up with water, and the vegetation appears green and fresh!
It is not the best idea to visit Shimoga between April and June because the summer season here is synonymous with hot air and humidity. This is not an ideal time to be out and about. However, it is not as hot here as it is in other parts of the state, so if you don’t mind braving the heat, you can also visit during the summer.
Further Read: Karnataka Cuisine
One of Karnataka’s many religious and spiritual sites, the Sarvajna Peetha in Shimoga is worth visiting, especially if you love nature and adventure. Not only will you learn about the region’s spiritual heritage, but you will also revel in its utter beauty and serenity. There are plenty of such sites and attractions for you to discover on your trip to Karnataka, along with so much more, so make sure to book your getaway soon!
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Frequently Asked Questions About Sarvajna Peetha
What is the city of Shimoga also known as?
Shimoga is often also referred to as Shivamogga.
Is there an airport in Shimoga?
The Shivamogga Domestic Airport was recently built close to the city but is not fully functional and there aren’t a lot of flights coming in and going out from here. It is advisable to go to the Mangalore International Airport which is about 4 hours away.
Does Shimoga have a nice nightlife?
Although the city is primarily known for its natural beauty, Shimoga does have a fairly vibrant nightlife. There are bars, live shows, nightclubs etc. here where locals and tourists can have a good time post sundown.
How safe is Shimoga for solo travellers?
As is the case when travelling to any destinations, it is key to be vigilant and to not engage in any kind of risky behaviour. Shimoga is considered a generally safe destination for solo travellers, even for women.
Is it possible to see the most of Shimoga in 2 days?
You can easily visit most of Shimoga’s attractions within 2 days but it is usually advisable to spend at least 3 to 4 days here to be able to fully enjoy it.
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