Situated at 16 km from
Shimoga, Koodali is a cultural place renowned for its rich heritage and temples around. It is situated at the confluence of the rivers
Tunga and
Bhadra, hence the name Koodali.
The 16th century Smartha Monastery, founded by Jagadguru Narsimha Bharathi Swamigalu of Sringeri is a major point of attraction. The shrines of Sharadamba and Shankaracharya situated in the Smartha premises draw a large number of pilgrims.
Koodali, also known as ‘Varanasi of the South’, is home to some highly revered shrines such as the Rushyashrama temple, Brahmeshwara temple, and the Narasimha and Rameshwara temples belonging to the Hoysala period. A 600 years old mutt of Shankaracharya is another spot worth visiting.
