Shimoga, locally called Shivamogga is a quaint and picturesque town in Karnataka. Blessed with natural beauty endowed by waterfalls, valleys, mountains, and forests, Shimoga is a peace seeker’s heaven. Moreover, museums, Bhadra wildlife sanctuary, and Mandagadde bird sanctuary and ancient Heart Cathedral make the place charming and attract tourists throughout the year. But Shimoga has very interesting and scenic places, located close by. These places near Shimoga are worth a visit and can make up for ideal weekend escapes.
15 Places Near Shimoga
These beautiful places near Shimoga are a mix of hill stations, forests, religious and historical places that allure all kinds of avid travellers. Take a look at them and choose what all places are you going to discover on your next Karnataka trip.
- Chikmagalur – Admire The View
- Kudremukh – Green Hilly Area
- Yana – Beautiful Rock Formations
- Hubli – Explore The Historic Town
- Gokarna – Laze Around
- Hampi – Explore The Ruins
- Srirangapatna – Visit The Temples
- Mysore – City Of Palaces
- Coorg – For Green Vistas
- Kabini – Ideal For Nature Lovers
- Badami – For Spectacular Views
- Aihole – The Cultural Town
- Bandipur – For Wildlife Enthusiasts
- Biligirirangana Hills – Best For Activities
- Goa – The Party Hub
1. Chikmagalur – Admire The View
A quaint and picturesque hill station in Karnataka, Chikmagalur is surrounded Baba Budangiri and Western Ghats. Sprawling meadows, lush green hills, forest trails, expansive coffee estates, and waterfalls make the place charming and the overwhelming serenity makes it a heaven for peace seekers. If you want to visit places near Shimoga, this should be your first place.
Distance from Shimoga: 97 km
Key attractions in Chikmagalur: Kudremukh National Park, Mullayanagiri, Jhari Waterfalls, and Hebbe Waterfalls. One can enjoy rafting in Bhadra River, a safari in Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary and trekking.
Places to stay: The Grand Krishna Luxury Hotel, Hotel Aadrika, and Chikmagalur Homestay
Must Read: 20 Scenic Hill Stations Near Shimoga To Visit!
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2. Kudremukh – Green Hilly Area
Nestled close to Chikmagalur, Kudremukh is another amazing option amongst places near Shimoga. This is a scenic hill station and mining town and boasts of a sprawling wildlife sanctuary and a tiger conservation project and is popular for trekking and nature trails. The lush green hills, valleys, waterfalls, and lake enhance the charm of the place and make the travellers hypnotic with its surreal beauty.
Distance from Shimoga: 144 km
Key attractions: Kudremukh National Park, Kudremukh Peak, Hanuman Gundi Falls, Lakya Dam and Horanadu.
Places to stay: Upasana Retreat, Shola Heights, Nagagiri Comforts and Silent Valley Resort.
Suggested Read: 7 Resorts In Shimoga To Stay In While On A Trip To This Beautiful Location
3. Yana – Beautiful Rock Formations
Perched within the forests of Kumta, known for its strikingly beautiful and stunning karst rock formations. Located in the Sahyadri mountain range of the Western Ghats, Yana not only attracts geologists and nature lovers but its surreal beauty attracts all kinds of avid travellers.
Distance from Shimoga: 195 km
Key attractions: Yana Rocks, Vibhooti Falls, and Mohini Sikhara
Places to stay: Sathwik Homestay, Suryodaya Nature Retreat, and Mattighatta Green Ravine
Suggested Read: 22 Incredible Places Near Mangalore Hidden From The Eyes Of The World
4. Hubli – Explore The Historic Town
Popular as the second largest city in Karnataka, Hubli is another place near Shimoga, worth a visit. There are beautiful age-old temples that enhance the charm of this historic town and the industries of iron and cotton make it an important commercial and industrial hub.
Distance from Shimoga: 195 km
Key attractions: Utsav Rock Garden, stunning sunset views from Nrupatunga Betta hill, black granite pillars and beautiful carvings of age-old Chandramouleshwara Temple and Unkal Lake.
Places to stay: Denissons Hotel, The President Hotel, and Clarks Inn
Suggested Read: 10 Beautiful Homestays In Shimoga That Will Make You Extend Your Vacation!
5. Gokarna – Laze Around
A new kid in the block, Gokarna is a trendy and upcoming beach destination in Karnataka. A favourite among backpackers, and solo travellers, Gokarna is popular as a hippie’s paradise and offers peace, serenity, and rejuvenation. Beach strolls, chilling out in beach shacks, watching the sunset and indulging in exhilarating water sports make the Gokarna vacation worth and ever memorable. If you are looking for beach destinations near Shimoga, Gokarna should be included in the list.
Distance from Shimoga: 211 km
Key attractions: Half Moon Beach, Om Beach, Kudle Beach, and Sri Mahabaleswara Temple
Places to stay: Gokarna International Beach Resort, Zostel, Kudle Beach View Resort and Spa and Sanskruti Resort.
Suggested Read: 10 Hotels In Shimoga For An Awesome Stay Experience During Karnataka Trip
6. Hampi – Explore The Ruins
Hampi is a spectacular place, displaying the remnants and ruins of temples of the Vijaynagar Kingdom. Settled on the bank of Tungabhadra River, Hampi boasts of 500 ruined monuments and relics of ancient temple complexes, treasury buildings, markets, and streets and have been rightly listed as World Heritage Site by the UNESCO.
Distance from Shimoga: 213 km
Key attractions: Virupaksha Temple, Vithala Temple, Lotus Palace, Hampi Bazaar and Hippie Island.
Places to stay: Shanthi Guest House, Lakshmi Heritage Tourist Home, Mowgli Guest House, and Tutti Hampi Tents.
Suggested Read: 11 Things To Do In Shimoga That Will Make You Fall In Love With The City!
7. Srirangapatna – Visit The Temples
Nestled near Mysore, Srirangapatna is a popular historical town in Karnataka. This is an egg-shaped island town, on the banks of the Cauvery river. Adorned with temples and forts; Srirangapatna attracts history buffs and is one of the popular places to visit near Shimoga.
Distance from Shimoga: 224 km
Key attractions: Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, Dariya Daulat Palace, Balmuri Falls, and Nimishamba Temple.
Places to stay: Mayura River View, The Cute Resort and Young Island Resort
Suggested Read: 21 Charming Places To Visit In Shimoga For A Serene Holiday Experience!
8. Mysore – City Of Palaces
No one would deny Mysore as one of the tourist places near Shimoga. A beautiful and well-planned city, Mysore flaunts of mighty palaces, sprawling gardens, and temples. Aptly called the ‘City of Palaces’, Mysore is globally famous for spices, silk, and sandalwood.
Distance from Shimoga: 244 km
Key attractions in Mysore: Mysore Palace, Chamundeswar Temple, Mysore Zoo and Vrindavan Garden.
Places to stay: The Mansion 1907, Tullips Homestay, Grand Mercure and Country Inn and Suites
Suggested Read: 10 Haunted Places Of Karnataka: Are You Ready To Challenge Your Soul?
9. Coorg – For Green Vistas
With sprawling coffee estates, spice plantations, forest, hillocks, and gorgeous cascades; Coorg looks like a picturesque canvas. One can enjoy nature trails, plantation tours, shopping in local markets and trekking along with admiring the surreal beauty of the place. The reason why Coorg stands out as one of the places near Shimoga is its scenic drive through aromatic coffee and spice plantations.
Distance from Shimoga: 254 km
Key attractions in Coorg: Abbey Falls, Raja’s Seat, Madikeri Bazaar, Madikeri Fort, Mandalpatti, Dubare Elephant Camp and Namdroling Monastery.
Places to stay: Orange County Resort, Club Mahindra Resort, Gowri Nivas, Evolve Back, Woodstock Resort and Taj Madikeri Resort.
Suggested Read: 7 Major Airports In Karnataka For A Safe & Joyful Trip In The Air
10. Kabini – Ideal For Nature Lovers
If you are planning to visit a place near Shimoga for absolute relaxation and invigoration; Kabini is your perfect bet. With minimal touristy things around, Kabini is a perfect nirvana and weekend escapade. Surrounded by Nagarhole and Bandipur reserve forests, Kabini is located on the bank of the river by the same name and allows one to enjoy thrilling wildlife spotting. Once a private hunting ground, Kabini is now a favourite and quaint holiday destination that offers tranquillity and solace to all.
Distance from Shimoga: 291 km
Key attractions: Nagarhole National Park, Bandipur National Park and Kabini Dam. One can indulge in boating, forest safari, elephant ride.
Places to stay: The Serai, Evolve Back, Kabini River Lodge and Kabini Lake View Resort
Suggested Read: 25 Incredible Places To Visit In December Near Bangalore For A Refreshing Getaway
11. Badami – For Spectacular Views
Famous for beautiful rock-cut temples of the Badami Chalukyas dynasty, Badami is a beautiful and spectacular place near Shimoga. Formerly known as Vatapi, Badami is an enchanting display of age-old beautifully ornated temples and forts, made of red sandstone.
Distance from Shimoga: 298 km
Key attractions: Cave Temples, Agastya Lake, and Badami Fort.
Places to stay: Clarks Inn, Hotel Marya Chalukya KTDC and The Heritage Resort
Suggested Read: 6 Magnificent Waterfalls In Mangalore Which Are The Hidden Treasures Of South!
12. Aihole – The Cultural Town
With Hindu, Buddhist and Jian monuments, Aihole is a religious, historical and cultural town in Karnataka. This is the former capital of the Chalukya dynasty and was previously known as Aivalli, Ahivolal or Aryapura, Aihole. A stunner and visual delight to all; Aihole boasts of century-old temples which are beautifully sculptured and ornated.
Distance from Shimoga: 317 km
Key attractions: Gowda Temple, Hucchimalli Temple, Durga Temple, Meguti temple and Ladh Khan Temple
Places to stay: Hotel Anugraha Deluxe, J K Lodging, and Sarvodaya Deluxe Lodge.
Suggested Read: 20 Temples In Karnataka That Are All About Grandeur That You Must Visit
13. Bandipur – For Wildlife Enthusiasts
Spread over 874-sq.-km, Bandipur national park and tiger reserve is a delight to nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. With a large population of tigers, leopards, elephants, bear, deer, and nilgai; Bandipur was formerly the hunting ground of Maharajas of Mysore and now a popular holiday hotspot.
Distance from Shimoga: -320 km
Key attractions: Forest safari and nature trails
Places to stay: KTDC Pepper Grove, Wild West, and The Woods Resort
Suggested Read: 21 Historical Places In Karnataka Every History Buff Should Visit
14. Biligirirangana Hills – Best For Activities
Biligirirangana Hills, locally called BR Hills is located on the borders of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu and acts as a serene retreat and one of the most offbeat places near Shimoga. Surrounded by dense forests and wildlife sanctuary and century-old temple, Biligirirangana Hills is also perfect for trekking, rafting, and forest trails.
Distance from Shimoga: 321 km
Key attractions: Biligiri Rangaswamy Temple, Dodda Sampige Mara Temple, and BRT Wildlife Sanctuary.
Places to stay: Gorukana Eco Wellness Retreat, Hotel Maurya Biligiri, and Giridarshini Hotel.
Suggested Read: Top 10 Tourist Places Near Jog Falls To Witness The Impeccable Beauty Of Karnataka
15. Goa – The Party Hub
The name says it all. If you are looking for a place near Shimoga for a happening and exciting vacation, plan for Goa. With scenic beaches, forts, churches, markets, seafood and dazzling nightlife; Goa has everything for an unforgettable vacay. If you love adventure and thrill; Goa is probably the best place to check out with an array of exciting water sports.
Distance from Shimoga: 324 km
Key attractions in Goa: Beaches like Baga, Calangute Candolim, Anjuna, Bogmalo, Covellim and Palolem, night market, old Goa churches, and Fort Aguada.
Places to stay: Grand Hyatt, Taj Aguada, Casa Britona, Ramada, Kenilworth and The Fern Residency. Goa has plenty of hotels, resorts, and homestays catering to every budget.
Further Read: 18 Places To Visit In Bidar To Admire The Beauty Of Karnataka!
Have you shortlisted your favourite ones from the list of amazing places near Shimoga? Explore these places over the weekend and chill-out with your near and dear ones. Without any delay, plan your vacation to Karnataka and make sure that you explore one of these places.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Places Near Shimoga
How to visit Mysore from Shimoga?
There are direct trains from Shimoga that reach Mysore in about 6 hours.
What to do in Hampi?
One can enjoy bouldering, camp in Hippie island, trek to Matanga hill and Anjaneya Hill and enjoy Sunset Jam Session at Sunset Point on Hippie Island.
Name the best homestays in Gokarna.
The popular homestays in Gokarna are Vedic Village, Haripriya Residency and Green Land Guest House.
Why is Aihole famous?
Aihole boasts of more than 125 century-old temples, built during Chalukya reign. The sculpture and architecture of Aihole temples are a pure visual delight.
What to buy from Coorg?
Popular items to buy from Coorg are coffee, spices, handmade chocolates, wine, and Coorgese handicrafts.
Name the popular places to eat in Mysore?
The famous restaurants in Mysore are Oyster Bay, Hotel RRR, Vinayaka Mylari, Tiger Trail and Anima Madhava Bhavan.
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A book lover and fun-loving, overtly emotional mom with a wanderlust soul, Sukanya has completed her Master Degree in Geography and currently perusing her passion for writing as a profession. Nothing detoxes her more than trying new recipes and travelling to offbeat places is ultimate Therapy for her.
