SIRSI – A Serene Hill Station Amidst the Ebullient Western Ghats

Sirsi is a picturesque mountain station situated along the ebullient flats of the Western Ghats in Karnataka, India. However, the serene environment is jostled by a cozy gathering of wildlife. Earlier known as Kalyanapattana, the scenic city is surrounded by lush green forests and countless waterfalls. Here you can see the majestic elephants, revered tigers, elegant leopards, and nonpareil black panthers.

Hubli is the most neighboring city, where you can come first to devour the distinct taste of southern India. With rich biodiversity, rainforest-covered areas, and abundance of tropical forests, the locals have found their solace in planting betel nut (or areca nut). You can view hectares of betel nut farms that cater to the needs of people in India and abroad.

Sirsa is the largest city in the Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka, therefore it is the main commercial center, with Areca being the most commercial agricultural product. In addition, many Indian spices such as pepper, cardamom, betel leaf, and vanilla are harvested here and exported to the world market.

Some Key Places to Visit/Things to do:

Since Sirsi is a historic site – was a major economic contributor of the Sonda Dynasty, you will find many ancient Hindu temples here. The city is quiet, serene, and friendly. Here is a collated list of some of the most sought-after places, including landmarks, nature parks, and waterfalls, to visit in Sirsi -

1. Marikamba Temple - a 16th-century gem, which has immortalized the Hindu deity - Durga. Every two years, the temple commemorates Marikamba Jatra (festival) to celebrate the goddess Marikamba.
2. Unchalli Falls – In the vicinity of only 15 km from Sirsi, here you will see crystal clear water gushing at might speed.
3. Swarnavalli Mutt – Easy to reach, Swarnavalli Mutt attracts several pilgrims all around the year.
4. Banavasi Temple – A major contributor to the artistic fiefdom of the Kadamba dynasty, the temple’s stone carvings are pleasing to the eyes.
5. Shri Kshetra Manjuguni – Along the side of the river Aghnashini, the temple is easy to reach and offers a calm and serene environment to the devotee.
6. Shivaganga Falls – Cascading down the rusty rocks, Shivaganga is a treat to the eyes of the beholder.
7. Burude Falls – Along the Kumta road, Burude waterfalls is almost 7 km from Siddapura. With milky water cascading from the 90 feet height, you spend time here with your family and friends.
8. Gudavi Bird Sanctuary – It is a seasonal bird sanctuary where you can behold exotic birds chirping all around you. The best month to visit is November and June.
9. Sahasralinga - The place is quiet and laid back and when you arrive here, you will see a cluster of Shivalingas built on the rocks of the Shalmali River. Also, you can meditate here.

Other Famous Landmarks and Places to Visit

• Tropical Rainforest Ecological Camp
• Muregar Falls
• Benne Hole Falls
• Gudnapur Lake
• Mattighatta Falls
• Sree Swarnavalli Mutt
• Shri Raghavendra Swamy Mutt
• Sonda Kote
• Shri Ishwara Temple
• Mahavishnu Temple
• Sri Kalikabhavani Temple
• Shri Subrahmanya Temple
• Sathyanatheshwara Temple
• Saint Anthony's Church

How to Get There?

Sirsi is approximately 425 km from Bangalore while the nearest airport is in Hubli, which is about 102 km. You can take an airplane, train, bus or your own vehicle.

By flight:

• Get a flight to Hubballi Airport, Karnataka, and travel by state transport.
• Or, come to Bengaluru airport (Kempegowda International Airport) and take public transportation.

By Train:

• The nearest station is Kumta, which is nearly 16-17 hours of journey from Bangalore

By Bus:

• Sirsi is connected to other major cities in the state via regular buses.

By Private/Own Vehicle:

• You can also go to Sirsi via road. In this case, you can observe the vast beauty of dense forests and sparsely populated hilly areas.

Nearby Cities:

Siddapur, Yellapur, Mallapur, Kaiga, Belgami, Kumta, Ankola, Haveri, Pala, etc.