Tourism in Shimoga district in Karnataka is an appreciation of the natural beauty of the place. There are a number of waterfalls and beautifully constructed dams that are visited by a number of tourists from various parts of the country. Shimoga district is also home to various religious centers and sanctuaries. Some of the popular tourist destinations in the district are as follows-

Waterfalls in Shimoga District
By far the most attractive tourist destination in the Shimoga district is that of the Jog Falls. The world-famous Jog Falls is situated on the borders of Shimoga and North Kanadda, about a 100 kilometres away from Shimoga district. The sight of the river Sharavathi taking a spectacular leap into the chasm from a height of 900 feet is most remarkable.

The river Sharavathi hurtles in four distinct cascades. The first of these falls is known as the `Raja` - the grandest, an unbroken sheet of water, the Raja plunges into the vapour- shrouded poll 900 feet below. A few 100 feet way down, with a thunderous gush, Raja is joined by `Roarer`. Leaping down with great speed in a series of cascades is the `Rocket`. And gliding away with feminine grace is `Rani`. The effect is greatly heightened by the wild and beautiful region around which is covered with a wealth of luxuriant vegetation. The steps cut into the rocks leads one to the very depths of the fall. The place is well connected with Shimoga city by road as well as rail. There are a number of Government and private buses that ply between Shimoga and the Jog falls. The best time to visit the place is between July-January.

There are a number of other beautiful waterfalls located here as well. Situated four kms away from Agumbe are the Abbey Falls. The falls are surrounded by lush green trees and natural beauty. 10 Kms from Thirthahalli on the way to Hosanagar near Aralsuruli the eye-catching Achakanya falls. The Sharavathi River takes a spectacular leap here to form this wonderful falls. The Hidlamane falls is situated near Nittur in Hosanagar taluka. To reach the falls, one has to trek the rocky hills surrounded by dense lush trees.

Dams in Shimoga District
Apart from the many waterfalls located here, there are also a number of beautiful dams that are quite popular amongst the tourists. The Tunga Anecut is located 10 Kms from Shimoga city on the way to Thirthahalli at Gajanur. The Tunga Dam is situated here. It is a popular picnic spot. The B.R.P. Dam is located 28 Kms from Shimoga city near Kuvempu University. The dam has been constructed over the Bhadra River at a height of 194 feet. There are a number of islands found here that have been created by the Bhadra river, and one can enjoy a boat ride around these islands. The Linganmakki Dam is situated 6 Kms away from the Jog Falls, across the river Sharavathi. The height of the dam is 1819 ft above sea level. Linganmakki dam is the main feeder reservoir for the Mahatma Gandhi Hydro Electric Power unit.

Religious Spots in Shimoga District
Shimoga district is home to a number of temples that are equally frequented by the tourists. Humcha also called "Hombucha" is a famous Jain pilgrim centre in Shimoga District. It was founded in the 7th century by Jinadattacharya, founder of the Santhara dynasty. Chowdeshwari Temple is another holy center located in the other side of backwater of river Sharavathi (before Jog falls). The Lakshmi Narasimha Temple, built by the Hoysalas, is also a notable pilgrimage center in the district. Some of the other religious destinations in Shimoga district include Sarvajna Peeth, Kedareswara Temple, Rameshwar Temple, Tripurantaka Temple, Sri Rameshwara Temple, Sri Ranganatha Temple, and Siddi Vinayaka Temple.

Wildlife Sanctuaries in Shimoga District
Tourists visiting this picturesque district can also have a look on the varied wildlife sanctuaries. Sharavathi Wildlife Sanctuary, situated in Sagar of Shimoga District, is spread over an area of 431 kms and is home to a variety of mammals, birds, reptiles and the endangered Lion-tailed macaque. Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary is situated in the midst of Western Ghats in Chikmagalur and Shimoga districts of Karnataka and boasts of a substantial tiger population. Then there are Gudavi Bird Sanctuary and Mandagadde Bird Sanctuary in Shimoga District. Both the bird sanctuaries are home to an impressive number of bird populations.