Shimoga (Kannada name is Shivamogga), is a city located in Shimoga district in the central part of the state of Karnataka, India. It lies on the banks of the Tunga River .

Yakshagana a dance drama is popular in Thirthahalli, Hosanagara, Sagara, Soraba regions of the district. There are many professional and amateur troupes performing the dance drama in various places across the India and the state of Karnataka. People like Hosatota Manjunatha Bagavatha who is the author of more than 160 Yakshagana prasangas actively teach Yakshagana here.

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. Kuvempu, Jnanpith Award winner was from Shimoga.

Shimoga can be reached on road by car or bus by taking the National Highway, NH-206 via Tumkur, Arsikere, Banavara, Kadur, Birur, Tarikere, and Bhadravathi. Shimoga is around 274 km on road from Bangalore


Near by Attractions of Interest
Jog Falls - 105 kms from Shimoga
Agumbe - 90 kms from Shimoga
Kodachadri- 120 kms from Shimoga
Sringeri - 105 kms from Shimoga