Sirsi is a city and a taluk headquarters in Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka state in India. It was also known as Kalyana Pattana during the Sonda Dynasty. It is one of the most well-known pilgrimage sites in Uttara Kannada and one of the top Sirsi attractions. The Manjuguni Temple in the Sahyadri Hills is devoted to Lord Venkataramana and Goddess Padmavathi. For the trekking experience, the places to visit near Sirsi are Banavasi Temple town, Magod Falls, Unchalli Falls, Yana Caves, and Vibhooti Falls. It is a tourist destination with evergreen forests, waterfalls, and a commercial centre.
About Places To Visit Near Sirsi
Sirsi is a city and taluk headquarters in the Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka state in India. During the Sonda Dynasty, it was also known as Kalyana Pattana. It is one of the most well-known pilgrimage sites in Uttara Kannada and one of the top Sirsi attractions.
1. Sirsi Marikamba Temple
Sirsi Marikamba Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Marikamba Devi. The sanctum sanctorum has the central image of a fierce form of the goddess Durga, multi-armed (eight shoulders), riding a tiger and killing a demon. It is believed that the 7-foot-tall (2.1 m) image was retrieved from a pond on the road to Hangal. Shorts, mini-skirts, middies, sleeveless tops, low-waist jeans and short-length T-shirts are prohibited inside the temple premises. The Sirsi Marikamba jatre (chariot procession) of the deity is held every alternate year in the month of March and taken through the town. A very large number of devotees attends it.
Best Time to Visit: Festivals like Navaratri (September-October) are special throughout the year.
Distance from Sirsi: Located in Sirsi town itself.
Must Read: Homestays In Sirsi
2. Sahastralinga
Image Credit: sarangib for Pixabay
Sahastralinga is a pilgrimage place located around 14 km from the Sirsi Taluk in the district of Uttara Kannada of Karnataka state in India. When the Shalmala River loses its volume in February, a shiva linga appears on the river bed, one of the thousands that dot the area. This place is Sahasralinga, a holy place for those who worship the Hindu god Shiva. The Shalmala riverbed and banks have a number of these carved Shiva lingas. The lingas in Uppinangady are under the river and are naturally formed, not carved.
Best Time to Visit: Post-monsoon months (October to February) for pleasant weather.
Distance from Sirsi: Approximately 17 km.
3. Banavasi Madhukeshwara Temple
Banavasi Madhukeshwara Temple is an ancient Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva. It is located in Banavasi, in Karnataka State of India, 24 km from the nearest city, Sirsi. Banavasi was the ancient capital of the Kannada empire Kadamba, which ruled the modern-day Karnataka state. They were the first native empire to bring Kannada and Karnataka to prominence. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, according to history, this temple was built by Mayura Sharma of the Kadamba dynasty. The Kadambas were the oldest rulers of Karnataka, and they reigned till the Chalukyas came to power.
Best Time to Visit: October to March when the weather is mild.
Distance from Sirsi: Around 23 km.
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Sirsi
4. Hole Falls
Benne Hole Falls is a waterfall and a tourist destination located at a distance of 36 km from Sirsi in Karnataka, India. Benne Hole Falls is made by the tributary of the Aghanashini River, which flows through the Devimane Ghat region of the Western Ghats. This location has another plus point for Bird-watchers as they can see birds such as plum-headed parakeets, grey jungle fowl, common kestrel, woolly-necked stork, jungle owlet, coppersmith barbet, orange minivet, black-headed oriole, and many more.
Best Time to Visit: Monsoon season (July to September) for the best waterfall experience.
Distance from Sirsi: About 30 km.
5. Shri Swarnavalli Mahasamsthana
Image Credit: RavendraSingh for Pixabay
Shri Swarnavalli Mhasamsthana of the Uttar Kannada district is one of the most famous Shankar peethas in India. Shree Swarnavalli Matha, about 16 KM away from Sirsi, located on the bank of Shalmala, is surrounded by areca and coconut gardens, evergreen forests, hillocks, valleys, paddy fields, rivulets and several historical monuments-Mathas, temples, tanks, fort, stone inscriptions, etc. It is surrounded by areca and coconut gardens, evergreen forests, hillocks, valleys, paddy fields, rivulets and several historical monuments-Mathas, temples, tanks, fort, stone inscriptions, etc.”
Best Time to Visit: October to February for pleasant weather.
Distance from Sirsi: Approximately 15 km.
Suggested Read: Top Hill Stations In Karnataka
6. Mattighatta Waterfall
At 43 km from Sirsi, Mattighatta Waterfall is a small picturesque waterfall near Mattighatta village in the Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka. It is one of the lesser-known Karnataka Waterfalls and among the must-include places in Sirsi. There are varieties of endangered species of birds and butterflies in this biodiversity hotspot; bird watching in this area can be a beautiful experience. It is also called “hase halla”. Trekking to the black rock formations through the hilly forest of Sahyadri can be a good experience. The way is damp and slippery during the rains, and trekking can be a breeze during winter.
Best Time to Visit: Post-monsoon months (October to February) for good water flow.
Distance from Sirsi: About 25 km.
Further Read: Goa To Mangalore Road Trip
Now that you have a list of things to remember for your next adventure to Sirsi plan your trip to Karnataka. Don’t miss out on the opportunities to witness the majestic hills, trek through the lush forests, and soak in the serene beauty of the region. Visit the nearby Netravati Peak, a haven for adventure enthusiasts and nature lovers, and experience the thrill of trekking amidst the beauty of nature. Explore the region’s stunning landscapes and rich culture, and book your trekking packages now to conquer the thrilling heights near Sirsi!
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Frequently Asked Questions About Places To Visit Near Sirsi
What is the best time to visit Sirsi and its surrounding areas?
The best time to visit Sirsi is from October to February when the weather is pleasant and ideal for trekking and outdoor activities.
Are there any accommodation options available near Sirsi?
Yes, there are several accommodation options available near Sirsi, ranging from budget-friendly homestays and guesthouses to luxury resorts.
Is Sirsi a good destination for family trips?
Yes, Sirsi is an excellent destination for family trips, with its scenic beauty, adventure activities, and cultural attractions making it an ideal place for a fun-filled family vacation.
What is the best way to experience the beauty of Sahasralinga near Sirsi?
The best way to experience the beauty of Sahasralinga is to take a coracle ride on the river, which offers a stunning view of the thousands of lingas carved on the rocks.
Is Sirsi a safe destination for solo travellers?
Yes, Sirsi is a safe destination for solo travellers, with a low crime rate and a friendly local population. However, it's always a good idea to take necessary precautions and stay informed about local conditions.
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