'Come to the country where you belong,' says the caption of an adline. This is what I feel whenever I go to my native home in the Western Ghats. Those mist laden mountains, lush green tropical forests, crystal clear streams, affectionate villagers, always have a heart warming effect.

Shimoga, nestling on the side of River Thunga at a height of 640 msl, is now a bustling city of 3.5 lakh people mainly engaged in agro-based work. The rainy season is not the best time to visit this place, but that's when it's fun to be here. Here in the Malnad region (meaning the land of the hills) when it rains, it pours. It's common to see River Thunga and other smaller water bodies overflowing into low lying areas. You disembark from the comfort of your bus into the water logged bus stand!


The Sahyadri ranges, part of the Western Ghats, feed the rivers throughout the year and the fertile alluvial soil supports a range of wet and dry land crops. Little wonder that Shimoga is called the breadbasket of Karnataka. The Sharavathi Hydel Project and Varahi Project provide a major proportion of the state's power needs.

On the river bank is the Archaeological Museum established in the Shivappa Nayaka Palace on the Fort Road. Recovered idols of Hoysala and Chalukya period, between early 16th century to the late 18th century, are displayed here. Shivamogga, as the city was formerly called, was established by the Keladi rulers. It reached its pinnacle during the rule of Shivappa Nayaka around 1600 A D. But later with the decline of the dynasty, this palace fell into ruins and was used as a timber depot until the Archaeological Society of India (ASI) took over in 1972!
The palace is built in the typical Malnad style with wooden pillars supporting a roof of curved tiles. Very few tourists visit the place despite the best of efforts of the ASI to maintain it in a proper condition. The other important monument built in modern times is the Sacred Heart Cathedral which is supposed to be the largest in India! I am amazed to hear that my little hometown boasts of that record! But when we enter the church, we realize it just might be true, because it really has the space to hold 1500 people. The other major tourist attraction in Shimoga is the Lion and Tiger Safari just outside the city on the road to Jog Falls.

General Information:
Distance: 274 kms from Bangalore by Road.
Accommodation: Excellent hotel facilities are available.

Next, the journey to Jog Falls via one of the most enchanting rail routes in India!

Text and photos by Levine Lawrence

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