Sirsi, a blissful town in Uttara Kannada, is the ultimate destination for travellers with many picturesque spots to unwind and relax. Being famous for Shri Mahakamba Temple, Sirsi embraces the beauty of lush green forests, beautiful streams, and thundering waterfalls. The nearby villages thrive on the cultivation of Areca nut or Betel nut, locally referred to as Adike (also known as Supari), establishing the region as a prominent trading hub for this primary crop. So in case you are in search of an offbeat holiday experience amidst the beauty of the Western Ghats, then look no further than these amazing places to visit in Sirsi.
10 Best Places To Visit In Sirsi
Sirsi is one of the offbeat tourist destinations packed with religious places, waterfalls, and lush greenery, as well as adventurous places to explore. If you want to enhance your travelling experience in Sirsi, here is the list of the 10 best places to visit in Sirsi.
1. Marikamba Temple
Marikamba Temple, also known as Doddamma Temple is one of the greatest attractions of Sirsi. It was built in the year 1688 and has a great history behind its development. A special celebration called the ‘Marikamba Jaathre’, is held every alternative year at this temple commemorating goddess Durga (Marikamba) and it is one of the biggest festivals in Karnataka. The temple is highly revered by people from across the country, particularly from Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh, making it one of the top places to visit in Sirsi.
Timings- Daily 06:00 am to 9:00 pm
Location- State Highway 77, Uttara Kannada, Sirsi, Karnataka 581402
Distance from Sirsi- 2.5 Km from Sirsi bus stand
Entry fees- ₹20/- (parking fees)
Must Read: 15 Homestays In Karnataka That Have Ample Of Offbeat Experience To Offer
2. Unchalli Falls
Known as one of the most popular waterfalls in Karnataka, Unchalli Falls offers a combined experience of a magnificent and joyous vibe. It is located in the Siddapur Taluk and forms by a 116-meter drop in the Aghanashini River. To experience a closer look at this picturesque waterfall, visitors can view it from the viewing deck or hike down the steps to the foot of the waterfall. The place is also known as Lushington Falls, named after its founder J.D Lushington, a British Officer, in 1845. The best time to witness its blissful aroma is the post-monsoon season.
Timings- 6:00 am- 6:00 pm
Location- Unchalli, Karnataka 581331
Distance from Sirsi- 34.1 km from Sirsi
Entry fees- ₹5 for Person, ₹10 for Two Wheelers, & ₹40 for Four Wheelers
3. Banavasi Temple
Banavasi Temple or Madhukeshwara Temple is located in Banavasi town, Karnataka which is also one of the oldest places in India. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva crafted by Mayurasharma of the Kadamba dynasty. As a tourist attraction, this temple is surrounded by lush green plantations of rice, sugarcane, and pineapple, with the river Varada flowing around it. The town Banavasi used to be one of the capitals of the Kadamba kings of the Kannada Empire. In ancient times, scholars used to come from other states and settle down here for learning. To indulge in the flourishing green landscape and explore ancient architecture, the temple is one of the top places to visit in Sirsi.
Timings- 06:00 am to 12:30 noon and 05:00 pm to 08:30 pm
Location- Madhukeshwara temple, Ratha Beedi, Banavasi, Uttara Kannada, Karnataka, India – 581318.
Distance from Sirsi- 24 km from Sirsi
Entry fees- Free
Suggested Read: 17 Festivals In Karnataka That Will Give You A Glimpse Into Its Vibrant Culture
4. Sahasralinga
Located at a distance of 14 km from Sirsi, Sahasralinga is one of the most popular places to visit in Sirsi on the banks of river Shalmala. The place is also known as “Saharsa Linga” because there are thousands of stones carved with Shiva Linga. The best time to visit this place is during winter and early summer when the water level is not high enough, and you can witness all these carvings closely and clearly. It is said that all these Shiva Lingas were carved by the King of Sirsi, Sadashivaraya.
Timings- Open 24 hours
Location- Hulgol, Karnataka 581402
Distance from Sirsi- 14 km from Sirsi
Entry fees- ₹20/- (parking fees)
5. Shri Kshetra Manjuguni
Shri Kshetra Manjugun or Sri Venkataramana Temple is one of the top Sirsi near famous places in Uttara Kannada. It is a very famous pilgrimage centre located in Sahyadri hills, at a distance of 26 km from Sirsi. During winter, the area becomes enveloped in thick fog, earning it the name “Manjuguni.” According to Sri Venkatesha Mahatmya, this spiritual temple was founded by the saint named Sri Tirumala Yogi. The temple is dedicated to Lord Venkataramana and Goddess Padmavathi and is also known as the Tirupati of Karnataka. It is a great attraction for people looking for Sirsi near tourist places. According to belief, the Lord of Tirupati rests in the temple while travelling around the world, hunting wild animals. Hence, the temple is also known as “Tirupati of Karnataka” or “Chikka Tirupati”.
Timings- 6:00 am to 12.30 pm, and 4:00 pm to 8:30 pm
Location- Manjuguni Sirsi, Uttara Kannada District Karnataka- 581315
Distance from Sirsi- 28 km from Sirsi
Entry fees- Free
Suggested Read: 6 Places To Visit Near Bidar For Tourists To Discover Hidden Gems In Karnataka
6. Sri Mahaganapathi Temple
Known as the centre of spirituality and devotion, Sri Mahaganapathi Temple is one of the best attractions for travellers looking for places to visit in Sirsi. The most captivating thing about this centuries-old place is its architecture and charming design which attracts most tourists. Founded by the devotees who migrated from Goa about 400-500 years ago, this temple houses the big Lord Ganesh Idol with a height of 183 cm and a width of 159 cm. With its rich history, intricate architecture, and sacred ambience, this temple stands as a beacon of faith, drawing pilgrims from far and wide to seek blessings and immerse in the profound spiritual experience it offers.
Timings- 6:00 am to 7:00 pm
Location- Sri Mahaganapathi Shankar Temple, Sirsi, Uttara Kannada – 581401
Distance from Sirsi- 3 km from Sirsi bus stand
Entry fees- Free
7. Benne Hole Falls
Another beautiful and captivating waterfall near Sirsi is Benne Hole Falls. According to the Kannada language,’ benne’ in the name means butter, and ‘hole’ means big stream, which combined represents a hint about the beautiful and serene view of a waterfall. This big stream flows forcefully and looks creamy buttery white. Located at a distance of 30 km from Sirsi, this majestic waterfall is situated near Kasage village close to Kumta Road. This spectacular waterfall is created by a river Aghanashini tributary flowing from a height of more than 200 leaps into a pool surrounded by large and small rocks in the Devimane Ghats region of the Western Ghats.
Timings- 6:00 am- 5:00 pm
Location- GJ3F+RQ5, Hebre, Karnataka 581315
Distance from Sirsi- 36 km from Sirsi
Entry fees- Free
Suggested Read: 15 Top Hill Stations In Karnataka To Rejuvenate Yourself
8. Gudavi Bird Sanctuary
For some extra adventure, during your journey of the best places to visit in Sirsi, you must include Gudavi Bird Sanctuary in your list. Located on the banks of Gudavi Lake, it is one of the renowned Bird Sanctuaries in Karnataka. The sanctuary is spread across an area of over 0.75 sq. km, being the home of more than 217 bird species, including residential and migratory birds. This unexplored paradise is captivating tourists from all over the world with its lush greenery and rich biodiversity. The best time to visit this place and witness its allure is between June to December.
Timings- 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
Location- Gudavi, Karnataka 577429
Distance from Sirsi- 41 km from Sirsi
Entry fees- ₹50/- per person
9. Kailasa Gudda
Located at a distance of 7 km from Sirsi, Kailasa Gudda is one of the perfect picnic places to visit in Sirsi. This magnificent hill, adorned with a Microwave tower and a view tower, boasts breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding green forests and the charming Sirsi town. Kailasa Gudda is a picturesque destination that offers a perfect getaway for nature lovers and adventure seekers, as it is also one of the best places for trekking near Sirsi. Whether you seek a tranquil picnic spot or an exhilarating trekking experience, Kailasa Gudda has it all.
Timings- Sunrise to sunset
Location- Kailasa Gudda RdKarnataka 581402
Distance from Sirsi- 7 km from Sirsi
Entry fees- Free
Suggested Read: 5 Amusement Parks In Mangalore And Near The City For A Fun Vacay In Karnataka
10. Shivaganga Falls
Image Credit: MADHAN S BHARADWAJ for Wikimedia Commons
With evergreen flora and charming views, Shivganga Falls is the best place for sightseeing in Sirsi. Surrounded by thick forest, these spectacular and unique waterfalls immerse you in a magical aura, where you can truly enjoy the sparkling vibe of nature. Situated at a distance of 45 km from Sirsi, this majestic small river falls from a height of about 74 m into a deep valley. If you are seeking one-day tourist places near Sirsi, you should not miss the enchanting view of Shivganga Waterfall.
Timings- 06:00 am to 07:00 pm
Location- Shivaganga FallsIlehalli, Karnataka 581347
Distance from Sirsi- 45 km from Sirsi
Entry fees- Free
Further Read: 18 Places To Visit In Bidar To Admire The Beauty Of Karnataka
The list of places to visit in Sirsi must be included in your itinerary if you are planning to visit Sirsi. These places are surrounded by nature’s beauty and lush greenery that will be an astonishing experience for you in Karnataka. While planning your trip to Karnataka, you can take a look at TravelTriangle’s team packages. So, pack your luggage and get ready for a wonderful journey with us. Happy Traveling!
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Frequently Asked Questions About Places To Visit In Sirsi
What is Sirsi famous for?
Sirsi city is known for the Shri Marikamba Temple where a large number of devotees come to visit this temple from many states including Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Maharashtra. Apart from this, this city is the main market for various agriculture and horticulture produce in the region.
Which falls are near Sirsi?
The nearest waterfalls from Sirsi city are Shivaganga Falls (22 km from Sirsi), and Muregar Falls (29 km from Sirsi) located near Muregar village in Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka.
Where can I trek near Sirsi Karnataka?
For the trekking experience, the main attractions in Sirsi are Banavasi Temple town, Magod Falls, Unchalli Falls, Yana Caves, and Vibooti Falls.
What is Sirsi also known as?
Sirsi is a beautiful place surrounded by lush greenery. It was also known as Kalyanapattana during the Sonda Dynasty. The other names of Sirsi are “Gateway of Malenadu” and “Gateway of Western Ghats”.
How far is Vibhooti Falls from Sirsi?
Vibhooti Falls is around 50 kilometres from Sirsi, North Karnataka. This waterfall is known as the most magnificent waterfall in the Western Ghats.
What is the speciality of Uttara Kannada district?
Uttara Kannada district in Karnataka is known as the land of rivers and you can enjoy the pleasant aroma of many rivers here including Kali, Gangavali, Aghanashini, Sharavati, Venktapur, and Varada.
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