Shimoga is a true picture of nature's bounty-landscapes
dotted with waterfalls, swaying palms and lush paddy fields make
for picturesque locales
Shimoga, almost central on the Karnataka map
is the rice bowl of the State. The rivers Tungabhadra, Sharavathi,
Varada and Kumudavathi inundate the luxuriant greens of the region.Shimoga
was ruled by the great Indian dynasties of the Kadambas, Gangas,
Chalukyas, Rastrakutas, Keladi and Vijaynagar Kings. Shimoga (
Face of Shiva), was established by the Keladi rulers. It reached
its pinnacle during the rule of Shivappa Nayaka around 1600 A.D.
The Sahyadri ranges,part of the Western Ghats,
feed the rivers round the year, and inundate the fertile alluvial
soil, this nature's blessing makes it the bread basket of Karnataka.
The Sharavathi Hydel Project and Varahi Project provide a substantial
portion of the state's power needs.
Today, Shimoga is more than just a tourist destination.
Its rich tradition in education, fine arts and culture remain
deeply etched in its people and place. The enchanting natural
scenery of hills, hillocks and green dales, rivers and streams,
dense forests, flora & fauna, forts, temples and historical places,
sandalwood and spices, add to this mouth-watering cuisine and
touching hospitality and you know you've got - HEAVEN ON EARTH
History
Shimoga, as per traditional derivations ,the
name pertains to Lord Shiva ( 'Shiva - Mukha' - Face of shiva
, 'Shivana - Mogu' - Nose of shiva, 'Shivana - Mogge' - Buds of
flowers meant for shiva ) . According to the legend, the place
had the ashram of the famous sage 'Durvasa' who was noted for
his sharpness of temper. He used to keep on the oven a pot boiling
with sweet herbs. Once, some cowherds, who chanced upon it, tasted
the beverage out of curiosity and called the place 'Sihi- Moge'
(Sweet Pot) , Which was later called as 'SHIMOGA' .
Flashback : Remains found in the district disclose
that man was reisdent in the area in those early times. In 1881,
two early stone-age tools were discovered in a 'Shingle bed' at
Nyamati, at a short distance from the Tungabhadra river. They
were bifacial pebble tools made of quartzite, one with a rounded
working edge and the other with a pointed working edge. Some Neolithic
sites were noticed and uncovered at
- Guddemaradi on the bank of Tunga river near Shimoga city
- Nilaskal near Nagar in Hosanagar taluk
- Kunda hill near Agumbe in Thirthahalli taluk
- Yeddegudde near Thirthahalli
- Ashoka nagar, Anaveri and Nagasamudra in Bhadravati taluk
Three iron age megalithic sites, with different
megaliths, have also been found in the district, at Nilaskal in
Hosanagar taluk and Shimoga, which have menhirs, and at Arehalli
in Thirthahalli taluk, which has portholed burial chambers.
Geography
Shimoga, a place known for its scenic beauty,
flush green lush forests, eye-catching waterfalls, cool
climate is situated in the Malnad region bounded by Sahyadri ghats
at an mean elevation of 640 AMSL in the western part of
karnataka. The district is spread over an area of 1058,000 Hectares
with an forest area of 327,000 Hectares. The total population
of shimoga district as per 1991 census is around 14,52,320. The
eastern part of district comes under the semi-malnad zone with
plain topography and occasional chains of hills covered with semi-deciduous
vegetation.
Shimoga is origin of rivers Kali, Gangavathi,
Sharavathi and tadadi. The other major rivers which flow through
the district are Tunga, Bhadra and Varada. The rivers Tunga and
Bhadra meets at a place called Koodalgi in shimoga district. Agumbe
, a small place , known for its highest rainfall (8000 mm/annum)
in southern india hails from this land.
Shimoga district is rich in flora and fauna ,
the dense forest and green shrub jungles are main producers of
sandalwood, rosewood, teak and other exotic timber. Mango, Jackfruit,
Tamarind etc.. are the other important trees found around
the district with rich yields. The dense forests of the district
is home for wild animals like Elephant, Tiger, Lion, Leopard,
Wild boar, Bear, Antelope, Bison, Porcupine, Monkeys, wolves and
many other animals. Birds migrate from all over the world and
travel down to shimoga for a honeymoon. Birds like ...... are
found flying higher and higher in the blue skies.
Shimoga farmers are feeding the people of Shimoga
and other districts of Karnataka by producing good quality paddy,
coconut, Ragi, Pepper, Areca and Sugarcane.
It ranks 9th in size among all the districts of
the State. The district is just 274 Kms away from the silicon
valley of India, BANGALORE.
| Location |
| Longitude |
Between
13o27' and 14o39' north |
| Latitude |
Between
74o38' and 76o4' east |
| Length |
| East to West |
152.9 Kms |
| North to South |
128.8 Kms |
| Boundaries |
| North |
East |
West |
South |
| Haveri |
Davangere |
Udupi
Karwar |
Chickmagalur |
