12 Best Tourist Places in Thirthahalli

Thirthahalli, which takes its name from the River Tunga and the legend, is one of the most beautiful tourist destinations of Karnataka, and the meaning of Thirthahalli is taken from the two Sanskrit words that are 'Thirtha' and 'Halli.' The meaning of 'Thirtha' is 'holy water,' and the meaning of 'Halli' is 'Village' in Sanskrit, and together, the meaning of 'Thirthahalli' is 'Village of Holy Water.' Thirthahalli stands true to its meaning as this city is positioned on the banks of River Tunga, and it is a quaint little town in Karnataka. Thirthahalli is also the taulak headquarter in the Shimoga district, and there is a temple made out of stone, which is named 'Rama Thirtha.' This 'Rama Thirtha' temple is dedicated to Lord Rama, and that's why this tourist attraction is also known as 'Rama Thirtha' or 'Parashurama Thirtha.' All those tourists and nature enthusiasts, who love the serenity of Nature and Indian Heritage, must-visit this tourist destination, which is set along the dense forests of the Western Ghats in Karnataka. This city is also the hometown of many world-famous great Kannada writers, such as M K Indira, Ur Ananthamurty, Kuvempu, and many others, and this is also a reason that this tourist destination is famous among the book lovers of the native language of this state. There are many such tourist places in this city that allure visitors from all over India with its natural beauty, and this article talks of all such tourist destinations of Thirthahalli. This article also talks about tourist destinations of this city that preserves Indian Heritage history and many other tourist attractions which are popular among visitors.

(1) Nagara Fort

Built on a small hill which is positioned near a Lake in Thirthahalli, Nagara Fort is one of the most popular tourist attractions of this city, and it is packed with several marvels of nature in the form of lush green surroundings, mystical temples, gorgeous waterfalls, and picturesque landscape. The raw beauty of this tourist place will leave anyone enchanted, and this fort also has a well-developed system to circulate water. Tourists, who are visiting the beautiful city of Thirthahalli, cannot afford to miss seeing this form and should go to this beauty of malenadu & explore its beauty during their next vacation or trip. This fort also comprises a cannon, two tanks which are known as Akka Thangi Kola, and a large Darbar Hall.

(2) Tavarekoppa Tiger and Lion Safari

A Lion and Tiger Safari across a huge area of 200 hectares began in this city in 1988, and here, a thick cover of the forest is also situated, where one can spot lions and tigers moving freely in the deeper parts. Enchanted with varied types of fauna and flora hidden in every part and corner of this Safari, this is a perfect picnic spot for a family and friends trip, and Tavarekoppa Tiger and Lion Safari forest also offers special recreational ones for kids.

(3) Chibbalagudde

Chibbalagudde, which is popular among visitors for its powerful Sri Siddhi Vinayaka Temple, is positioned only 10 KMs away from Thirthahalli, and this powerful temple is dedicated to Lord Ganesha. Due to the distinct location of this village, tourists can easily find lots of fish and soft silty shores, and this village is positioned where River Tunga makes a complete U-turn and changes its course before it heads North towards Shimoga. Matsyadhama, which is an excellent spot to feed the fish and head with kids, friends, and family, is also present in this tourist destination, and it is popularly known for its abundance of big fish.

(4) Mandagadde Bird Sanctuary

Mandagadde Bird Sanctuary, which is also present in Thirthahalli, is positioned nearly 32 KMs away from the Shimoga town, and it is a small picturesque island located on River Tunga while having on the way to Thirthahalli. July to October is considered the perfect time to explore this island bird sanctuary, which is a part of Shettihalli Wildlife Sanctuary. During this time of Monsoon and after-monsoon, tourists can easily spot a rare plethora of migratory birds, such as the cormorant, snake-bird, egret, darter, and many others, which visit the island during these seasons.

(5) Gajanur Dam

Gajanur Dam, which is also known as Tunga Dam popularly, is built over the River Tunga, and it is positioned only 12KMs away from Shimoga town. This dam falls on the route of Shimoga to Thirthahalli, and tourists can witness this perfect family & friends picnic spot while on their way to Thirthahalli. While visiting this dam, tourists can also enjoy views of an elephant camp, where elephants are being trained by their masters with their family or friends.

(6) Kuppalli

Kuppalli, which is positioned only 16 KMs away from the main Thirthahalli town, is a small village of the Thirthahalli taluk, and it is nestled in the Western Ghats. This small village is popular for being the birthplace as well as the childhood home of Kuvempu, who is an accomplished Kannada poet and playwright. Tourists, who are visiting this village for the first time, should also visit the Kavishala megalithic rock monument, which is also present in this village and is dedicated to Kuvempu. The monument is very special because it is the final resting place of the great literary figure, and it was built in a circular manner resembling stone.

(7) Koodli

Koodli, which is the site of the confluence of two holy rivers, Bhadra & Tunga, is counted as one of the most famous sacred places of South India, and it is popularly known as Varanasi of South. Koodli, which has been an important place of peace, meditation, and worship from very ancient times, is a place that is endowed with a lot of religious and historical importance. Koodli, which is positioned only 16 KMs away from Shimoga town, is a must-visit place for all the tourists, who are planning a trip to Thirthahalli, and it is a place that is filled with piety, faith, and peace.

(8) Kavaledurga

Kavaledurga, which is famous for the Kavaledurga Fort, is only positioned 20 KMs away from the main town of Thirthahalli, and it is one of the most popular tourist attractions of the city. This Kavaledurga Fort, which offers magnificent views of the Varahi River and the Western Ghats, is a paradise for trekkers, and that's why all those tourists, who love trekking, are very excited while visiting this fort. The fort, built in the 9th century by the Nayakas of Keladi, mainly consists of the Srikanthesvara temple, a famous small temple positioned at the summit, and a ruined palace site.

(9) Siddeshwara Gudda

Siddeshwara Gudda, a magnificent view offering hills at 200 feet high, is positioned on the Agumbe highway, only about 10 minutes from Anandagiri Gudda. The hill is open for tourists only during the months of October and November due to heavy rainfall in the area, and it also offers panoramic views of the surrounding forests and villages. Tourists can see the other big hills of Shimoga District, such as Kundadr, Kodachadri, and many more, from the top of this hill.

(10) Anandagiri Hill

Anandagiri Hill, which is also known as Anandagiri Gudda popularly, is a beautiful scenic spot, and it is positioned on the Shimoga highway. With viewpoints overlooking the dense jungles of the Western Ghats, Anandagiri Hill is one of the most beautiful and magnificent tourist attractions of Thirthahalli, and there is a large Mantapa with a big doom on this hill. Tourists, especially those who love trekking, can come here to trek and climb this hill during any time of the year, and this hill is also a popular picnic spot for all the local people of Thirthahalli as well as Shimoga town. The height of this hill maybe around 60 to 90 m (200 to 300 feet), and the hill towers are at an elevation of 300 feet.

(11) Tunga Bridge

The Tunga Bridge, which is built over the holy Tunga River, is one of the popular tourist attractions of Thirthahalli, and it is also known as the Jayachamrajendra Wadiyar Bridge popularly by the native people of this town. Famous architect and scholar Sir M Vishveshwaraiah constructed this popular bridge, and its construction was completed in 1943. Inaugurated by H H Jayachamarajendra Wadiyar, who was the Maharaja of Mysore at that time, the Tunga Bridge is famous for its arc-like structure at the top, which is supported by multiple pillars installed on either side of the bridge, and this bridge was also named after the king of Mysore then. In today's time, this bridge is not only a popular tourist attraction of Thirthahalli but also a connecting medium for the town to its neighboring villages.

(12) Sri Rameshwara Temple

Located on the banks of the popular holy River Tunga, Sri Rameshwara Temple is a very famous ancient temple, and this temple is regularly visited by the devotees and followers of Lord Shiva to give their offerings to God. Tourists, especially those who are followers of Lord Shiva, can enjoy the unique experience of worshipping God alongside the cascading River Tunga and mother nature at the Sri Rameshwara Temple, which is positioned near the 'Parashurama Thirtha.' There is a Shiva Linga present inside the sanctum of the temple, and it is believed that Lord Parashurama himself has installed the Shivlingam in this temple. Tourists, who are looking for a great place to worship and meditate, can come to Sri Rameshwara Temple, which is a tranquil place for worship, and visitors can also meditate along the banks of River Tunga.