Name: Thirthahalli
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Thirthahalli, Karnataka Overview

Thirthahalli is a quaint little town situated on the banks of river Tunga and is also a taluk headquarters in Shimoga District. 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.

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, it's 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 6 h 46 min to reach from Bangalore. This is around a distance of 328 km. This is 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 takes 6 h 48 min 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 8 hours to reach.

List of Distances from Bangalore to Thirthahalli

Shimoga: 60 Km

Bangalore: 335 Km

Mysore: 304 Km

Mangalore: 167 Km

Udupi: 113 Km

Sringeri: 53 Km

Koppa: 27 Km

Agumbe: 33 Km

Chikmagalur: 157 Km

Local Food of Thirthahalli

Thirthahalli's draws its cuisine from the Malnad region of Shimoga District.

The local food of Thirthahalli includes

1. Midigayi-Uppinakai: spiced pickle made with tender mango
2. Sandige (Paapad): spiced rice flour deep fried before serving
3. Avalakki: Beaten rice seasoned with lentils, spices, salt
4. Akki Rotti: Flatbread made out of salted rice flour. This is usually made as a breakfast option.

Restaurants in Thirthahalli

1. Hotel Durga Deluxe
Serves alcohol and delicious local non-vegetarian foods.
Address: Thirthahalli, Karnataka 577432
Timings: 11:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Phone: 081812 20136

2. Bismilla Hotel
One of the best restaurants in Thirthahalli for non-vegetarian food
Address: Agumbe - Thirthahalli Rd, Thirthahalli, Karnataka 577432
Hours: 12:30 PM - 3.30 PM, 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Phone: 099867 15410

3. Hotel Ashoka Park Inn
Perfect if you are looking a comfortable AC hall and good hygienic food
Address: Kushavati, Thirthahalli, Karnataka 577432
Hours: 6:30 AM - 10:30 PM
Phone: 081812 27711

Legend of Thirthahalli

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'.

Best Time to Visit

Thirthahalli is set in the midst of the Western Ghats making it quite humid during the summers. The monsoons bring in torrential rains as the town is surrounded by dense jungle. Winters are the best time to visit Thirthalli from October to March.

Thirthahalli Weather in January-May: If you are contemplating the best time to visit Thirthahalli, this period fits the bill just right. The weather is nice and sultry with the lowest temperature being around 17 C and the warmest being a usual 37 C. Albeit a humidity of 67%, marks a good time to explore the best things to do in Thirthahalli.

Thirthahalli Weather in June-August: A pleasant time to be in the Thirthahalli, the temperature lies within the range of 21 C and 31 C, the average being 26 C. Although the weather is humid, it is not hot enough to make you not like it outdoors! All in all, a good time to be here!

Thirthahalli Weather in September-October: The highest temperature recorded is 32 C, but the moderate humidity of 83% makes this an excellent time to visit Thirthahalli.

Thirthahalli Weather in November-December: The air is slightly humid with average humidity being 71% and the average temperature is 26 C. The weather is perfectly balmy making it a great time to visit Thirthahalli. The maximum temperature recorded in this period is 32 C. An ideal season to visit Thirthahalli.

Places to Visit in Thirthahalli

Kuvempu House in Kuppalli near Thirthahalli — Source

Kuppali is a small village in the Thirthahalli taluk located about 16 kms 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.