Shimoga's real value is as a base for exploring the surrounding Malnad region. The bus stand connects to all the major destinations; a private car or motorcycle gives more flexibility for the forest roads.
Jog Falls is the headline attraction — one of India's highest waterfalls, about 100 km northwest. The rainforest village of Agumbe in the Ghats, 65 km west, is famous for king cobras and some of the heaviest monsoon rain in India. Sigandur, on the backwaters of the Sharavathi reservoir, combines a boat crossing with a well-known temple and is worth combining with a Jog Falls trip. Kodachadri is a moderately demanding trek to a forested peak with views into the Ghats, about 95 km southwest.
