Thirthahalli, Karnataka

Thirthahalli is a quaint little town situated on the banks of river Tunga and is also a taluk headquarters in Shimoga district of Karnataka. Famous for the holy river Tunga and its significance to Indian mythology, Thirthahalli is a popular attraction near Shimoga. Set along the dense forests of the Western Ghats in Karnataka, Thirthahalli is a must-visit place for those who love the serenity of nature and Indian heritage. The area is also known to have produced some of the great Kannada writers such as Kuvempu, Ur Ananthamurty and M.K. Indira.

Thirthahalli holds its place strongly in Indian mythology with the ancient story of Parashurama and his father, Jamadagni. Legend has it that Parashurama chopped off his mother, Renuka’s head with an axe as commanded by his father Jamadagni, a great sage. Parashurama then tried to wash off the blood from his axe in various rivers but a stubborn sesame sized stain remained to his axe. It was only when he dipped it in river Tunga did the stain leave his axe. Thus, the people of Thirthahalli believe that a dip in the river can wash away one’s sins. Thirthahalli takes its name from the legend and the river Tunga – Thirtha meaning ‘holy water’ and Halli meaning ‘village’. The place is also known as ‘Parashurama Thirtha’ or ‘Rama Thirtha’. There is a stone temple dedicated to Lord Rama near the ‘Rama Thirtha’.

PLACES TO VISIT

Sri Rameshwara Temple

Sri Rameshwara Temple is an ancient temple located on the banks of River Tunga. Located near the ‘Parashurama Thirtha’, the temple has a Shiva lingam (idol) inside the sanctum that is believed to have been placed there by Parashurama himself. It is regularly visited by devotees to make offerings to Lord Shiva. Enjoy the unique experience of worshipping God alongside mother nature and the cascading river Tunga. If you are looking for a tranquil place of worship and a great spot to meditate along the banks of river Tunga, the Rameshwara Temple is the place for you.

Tunga Bridge

The Tunga Bridge, also known as the Jayachamrajendra Wadiyar Bridge, is a popular tourist attraction in Thirthahalli. Built over the river Tunga, it was constructed by the famous architect and scholar Sir M. Visvesvaraya. The Tunga bridge is known for its arc-like structure at the top supported by multiple pillars on either side of the bridge. The bridge was completed in 1943, and inaugurated by then Maharaja of Mysore Jayachamarajendra Wadiyar and consequently named after him. The bridge now connects the town of Thirthahalli to its neighboring village Kuruvalli.

Anandagiri and Siddeshwara Gudda (Hill)

Anandagiri Gudda is located on the Shimoga highway and is a beautiful scenic spot with viewpoints overlooking the dense jungles of the Western Ghats. The hill towers at a height of 300 feet and is a popular picnic spot for the locals. One can climb Anandagiri Gudda during any time of the year. Its height may be around 200 to 300 feet (60 to 90 m).

Siddeshwara Gudda is located about 10 minutes from Anandagiri Gudda on the Agumbe highway. At 200 feet height, the hill offers panoramic views of the surrounding villages and forests. Due to heavy rainfall in the area, the hill is open for visitors only during the months of October and November. From the top of this hill, one can see the other big hills of Shimoga district such as Kodachadri and Kundadri.

Agumbe

Agumbe is a small hilly village located in Thirthahalli taluk, about 30 km away from Thirthahalli town. It is located in the midst of dense jungles of the Western Ghats. Agumbe receives the second highest rainfall in India and the highest in South India due to which is aptly named as the ‘Cherrapunji of South India’. Brimming with biodiversity, wildlife and plethora of medicinal plants, it is also known as Hasiru Honnu or Green Gold. Agumbe is also called the ‘Cobra Capital’ of India due to an abundant number of cobras found here. It is a favorite destination for trekkers and wildlife enthusiasts alike. Visit Agumbe from Thirthahalli to watch the spectacular sunsets over the distant Arabian Sea, sparkling waterfalls and river and untouched rainforests.

Kavaledurga

Kavaledurga is located about 20 km from Thirthahalli and it famous for the Kavaledurga Fort. Built-in the ninth century by the Nayakas of Keladi, the fort is now a trekkers’ paradise offering magnificent views of the Western Ghats and the Varahi River. The fort mainly consists of a ruined palace site and a small temple at the summit popularly known as Shikhareshvara or Srikanthesvara temple. Note that the trek to the summit is a tedious one and requires a good level of fitness.

Kuppalli

Kuppali is a small village in the Thirthahalli taluk located about 16 km away from the Thirthahalli town. Nestled in the Western Ghats, Kuppali is famous for being the birthplace and childhood home of the accomplished Kannada playwright and poet Kuvempu. Visit the Kavishala megalithic rock monument dedicated to Kuvempu. The monument was built in a circular manner resembling the stone henge and is the final resting place of the great literary figure. Also, make sure to visit Kuvempu’s ancestral home called Kavimane or ‘Home of the Poet’ in Kannada.

Chibbalagudde

Located 10 km away from Thirthahalli, Chibbalagudde is famous for its powerful Sri Siddhi Vinayaka Temple, dedicated to Lord Ganesha. This charming village is located where river Tunga changes course and makes a complete U-turn before it heads north to Shimoga.  Due to its distinct location, one can find soft silty shores and lots of fish. Matsyadhama, which is also in Chibbalagudde, is known for its abundance of big fish and is an excellent spot to head with kids and feed the fish.

HOW TO REACH

By air: The closest airport to Thirthahalli is the Mangalore International Airport which is 122 km away. Although Shimoga is the nearest urban town, its airport is still under construction.

By train: The closest railway station to Thirthahalli is at Shimoga, at a distance of 65 kms. There are many trains from Bangalore to Shimoga every day but ensure you make your reservation beforehand. From Shimoga, there are plenty of buses and cab options to reach Thirthahalli.

By road: There are three routes to get to Thirthahalli from Bangalore.

Route 1: Bangalore-Kunigal-Kadur-Thirthahalli via Bangalore-Honnavar Road. This takes around seven hours to reach from Bangalore. This is around a distance of 328 km. This route has great roads and is the most scenic route to reach Thirthahalli from Bangalore.

Route 2: Bangalore-Tumkur-Tarikere- Thirthahalli via NH 48 and SH 24. This covers a distance of 347 km and also takes around seven hours to reach.

Route 3: Bangalore-Mandya-Channarayapattna-Kadur-Thirthahalli. This route traverses via Bangalore-Shimoga road. The distance between Bangalore and Thirthahalli on this route is 390 km and takes approximately eight hours to reach.