Nestled in the picturesque Malenadu region of Karnataka, Shimoga is a charming city known for its lush green landscapes, gushing waterfalls, and rich cultural heritage. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a history buff, or simply seeking a peaceful retreat, Shimoga has something to offer for everyone. If you’re wondering how to reach Shimoga, worry not!
In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the various modes of transportation to reach this captivating destination, be it by train, flight, bus, or car, so you can plan your journey with ease.
How to Reach Shimoga Through Different Modes?
How to Reach Shimoga By Train?
Shimoga is well-connected to major cities in Karnataka and neighbouring states through its railway station, Shimoga Railway Station (SME). Travelling by train is a convenient option so that you can prepare for the best 5-day Shimoga itinerary.
Here’s how to reach Shimoga by train from different cities:
Bangalore to Shimoga: Several trains ply between Bangalore and Shimoga, offering a convenient option for travellers. Some popular trains on this route include the Siddaganga Intercity Express and the Talaguppa Intercity Express. The journey takes approximately 4-5 hours, depending on the train you choose.
Mangalore to Shimoga:
If you’re travelling from Mangalore, you can take the Karwar to Yesvantpur Express or the Mangalore Central to Shimoga Express. The journey takes around 6-7 hours, allowing you to enjoy the scenic beauty of the Western Ghats. Upon arrival, you can stay in one of the best hotels in Shimoga.
Hubli to Shimoga:
Hubli, another major city in Karnataka, is connected to Shimoga by the Hubli-Shimoga Passenger train. The train journey takes around 3 hours, providing a quick and comfortable ride.
Mysuru to Shimoga:
Travellers from Mysuru can take the Talaguppa Express or the Sharavathi Express to reach Shimoga. The journey typically takes around 4-5 hours.
If you are travelling from other cities like Chennai and Mumbai, you can look for direct trains to reach Shimoga. Otherwise, you can book trains to Bangalore, Mangalore or Mysuru. From these stations, you can find straight trains to Shimoga. Now, after knowing how to reach Shimoga by train, you might be interested in learning how to reach Shimoga by flight. Here is the answer:
How to reach Shimoga By Flight?
Earlier Shimoga had no separate airport. So, people had to reach the city by flying to the nearest airports, followed by a road journey.
The two closest airports are:
Mangalore International Airport (IXE):
Located approximately 200 kilometres away from Shimoga, Mangalore Airport is the nearest airport with good connectivity to major cities in India and abroad. After arriving at Mangalore Airport, you can hire a cab or take a bus to reach Shimoga. The road journey takes around 4-5 hours, offering scenic views of the Western Ghats.
Bengaluru Kempegowda International Airport (BLR):
Situated around 300 kilometres from Shimoga, Bangalore Airport is well-connected to domestic and international destinations. From Bangalore, you can opt for a bus, train, or car to reach Shimoga, which takes approximately 5-6 hours.
Shimoga Airport was opened only recently in February 2023. So, you can check whether you can book direct flight tickets from your city to reach Shimoga. Otherwise, you will have to reach either Mangalore or Bangalore Airport to travel to Shimoga. Now, with this information, you might be interested in understanding how to reach Shimoga by bus. Here is the answer:
How to Reach Shimoga by Bus?
Shimoga is well-connected to neighbouring cities and towns through a network of state-run and private buses.
Here are some popular bus routes to reach Shimoga:
Bangalore to Shimoga:
Several buses operate between Bangalore and Shimoga throughout the day. The bus journey takes around 6-7 hours, depending on the traffic and the type of bus you choose. You can select from luxury Volvo buses, sleeper coaches, or regular state-run buses. As Shimoga is one of the best places to visit near Bangalore and it is possible to reach Shimoga from Bangalore within 6-7 hours by road, many people choose this mode.
Mangalore to Shimoga:
There are direct buses from Mangalore to Shimoga, providing a convenient option for travellers. The journey typically takes around 6-7 hours, allowing you to enjoy the scenic beauty en route.
Hubli to Shimoga:
Hubli is connected to Shimoga through regular bus services. The journey takes approximately 3-4 hours, depending on the bus type and road conditions.
Mysuru to Shimoga:
Mysuru is well-connected to Shimoga by bus, and the journey takes around 4-5 hours. You can opt for government-operated buses or private buses for a comfortable ride.
Similar to these Karnataka Cities, buses might be operating from your city to Shimoga. Check with different bus services including government-run buses. If you cannot find direct buses, you can reach one of the above-mentioned cities in Karnataka. Thereafter, you can travel by KSRTC buses to reach Shimoga. Now, after knowing how to reach Shimoga by bus, you might be interested in learning how to reach by car. Here is the information:
How to Reach Shimoga By Car?
Travelling to Shimoga by car offers the flexibility to explore scenic routes and picturesque landscapes. When you travel by car, you will have the flexibility to engage in a lot of things to do in Shimoga.
Here are some popular routes from nearby cities:
Bangalore to Shimoga:
The road journey from Bangalore to Shimoga takes approximately 6-7 hours, covering a distance of around 300 kilometres. You can take the NH75 or the NH48 for a smooth and scenic drive.
Mangalore to Shimoga:
The distance from Mangalore to Shimoga is approximately 200 kilometres, and the drive takes around 4-5 hours. Take the NH169 and NH73 for a beautiful road trip.
Hubli to Shimoga:
The road distance from Hubli to Shimoga is about 180 kilometres, and the journey takes approximately 3-4 hours. Take the NH52 and SH1 for a pleasant drive.
Mysuru to Shimoga:
The drive from Mysuru to Shimoga takes around 4-5 hours, covering a distance of about 220 kilometres. Take the NH275 for a scenic journey.
Conclusion:
Whether you prefer the convenience of a train journey, the speed of a flight, the economy of a bus ride, or the freedom of travelling by car, reaching Shimoga is easily accessible from various parts of India. The reason is that you know how to reach Shimoga by different modes from different cities.
The captivating landscapes, historical sites, and warm hospitality of Shimoga await your arrival. So, plan your trip, pack your bags, and get ready to immerse yourself in the natural beauty and cultural richness of this charming city in Karnataka. Create lasting memories as you explore the enchanting world of Shimoga, and cherish the experiences for a lifetime. Happy travelling!