Shimoga has everything that it takes to be a perfect tourist destination. For pilgrims it is an important pilgrimage. The several religious places here are as follow:-

Harihar: The 12th century temple of Lord Harihar, built by Hoysala king Vishnuvardhana, is worth visiting. In the sanctum, the huge image of the Lord is flanked by Parvati and Lakshmi. Nandi and Garuda are facing the sanctum. The star-shaped front mandapam is known for intricate carvings.

Kalasa: The Shiva temple here on the banks of Bhadra river is dedicated to Kalaseswar. This Swayambu Lingam is believed to have sprouted from the Kalasam of sage Agastya. Hence the Lord`s name. The Lingam is enshrined in a silver mandapam in the sanctum. The beautiful image of Goddess Parvati is known as Sarvaangasundari.

Lord Visweswara is enshrined on the outer prakaram. This place is revered as Dakshina Kashi.

Oranadu Annapoorneshwari: The temple is situated in beautiful surroundings. Sage Agastya is said to have installed the deity. The sanctum was renovated in recent years by a learned astrologer, Venkitasubba Jois. It has been designed in a unique manner. The single image depicts the Devi standing on a peetam with Devi Gayatri, Sri Chakram, Shanku and Chakra in Her 4 hands. The sanctum is surrounded by Adi Sesha and the Padma Peetam is formed by Ashtagaja, Koorma and others.

Koodali : It is a renowned pilgrim spot where the rivers Tunga and Bhadra meet. Though a small village, a lot of Puranic importance is attached to this place. A Lingam, known as Sangameshwar, is installed on the riverside. There are shrines dedicated to Narasimha, Rameshwar, Devi Sharada and Brahmeshwar. This place is around 17 km away from Shimoga.

The place is known as Narasimha Kshetra because of the presence of Lord Narasimha here. Prahlada is believed to have installed the deity of Saligrama image. He is known as Chintamani Narasimha.

Brahma installed the image of Sri Brahmeshwar with Devi Parvati. Sri Adi Sankara installed Devi Sharada`s image on the river bank. There are shrines for Adi Sankara and Devi Sharada. There are several Brindavanams of Madhwa swamijis on the banks of the river.

Thirthahalli : Here is a shrine of Rameshwar, located 52 kilometers from Shimoga, on the banks of Tunga river. Sage Parasurama is believed to have installed the Lingam and done penance to redeem himself from the curse of having killed his mother.

Amirtha Theertham : This is the birthplace of River Sharavati. A Lingam is installed at this sacred spot.

The place is associated with Pancha Pandava. Situated about 7 km away is Bheemannaghatta Matha, an ancient matha belonging to Madhwa swamijis. It houses the deities of Rama, Lakshmana, Sita and others worshipped by Bheemasena and an image of Narasimhamurthy worshipped by sage Durvasa.