Shivgiri

About Shivgiri Tourism

Located in the southern part of the state of Karnataka, Shivgiri is a dense forest situated above the Yemmedoddi village in Hoggarekangri hills. Covered with dense forest, it is located to the north of Baba Budangiri hills in Chikmagalur District.

The region was once ruled by the Hoysalas. It was home to a great king of the Hoysala Empire, Veera Ballala II, who is known to have built the Amriteswar Temple in Tarikere Taluk. Also known for its rich coffee vegetation, Baba Budangiri hills is the place where the first coffee crop was grown during 1670.  Classical dances and Carnatic music are popular folk arts of the destination. Shivgiri is mostly inhabited by Kannad speaking populace.

Shivgiri is also home to the Doddabale Siddaragudda Peak, which is 5,500 feet high. From the peak of Doddabale Siddaragudda Peak, the Lord Shiva Temple can be seen, which is said to be about 400 years old. Near the small village of Yemmedoddi, there is a lake, Madagadakere, which according to folklore is said to be filled with magic rain. About 65 km from Shivgiri is the Muthodi Wildlife Sanctuary, which is home to many endangered species of animals and birds.

Tourists can board flights to Bangalore Airport, which is the closest airport. It is located around 235 km from Shivgiri and is served by domestic as well as international destinations. The closest railway station to the destination is in Hubli, which is at a distance of 215 km. Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) operates buses on regular basis from places such as Hubli, Kollegala, Mysore and Bangalore.

Shivgiri can be visited during any month of the year except July and August due to heavy rainfall.