Being an integral part of Samse Taluk of Chikmagalur district, the Gangamoola hill is surrounded by dense forest areas. Three mighty rivers, namely the Tunga, Bhadra and Nethravathi originate from here.
Gangamoola is an integral part of Gangamoola-Aroli-Gangrikal range of Western Ghats. Varaha Parvata is another name of Gangamoola. Rising to a height of approximately 1458 mts above the mean sea level, this hilly tract is bounded by the Kudremukh National Park. On an average it records a rainfall of approximately 575 cm. Rich deposits of magnetite-quartzite yeilding iron ores are found in close proximity.
Special attractions include the shrine Bhagavathi and also a Varaha image, 1.8 metres high, within a cave.
Kudremukh, Nandi Hills, B.R. Hills, Kemmannagundi, and Madikeri are the attractive locales near by. Another place of interest is Jamalabad Fort. This majestic fort was constructed by Tipu Sultan, the famous Mysore king, in 1794. The fort was named after his mother, Jamalbee. Previously, it was named `Narasimha Hangadi`.
