Shimoga, a place known for its scenic beauty, flush green lush forests,  eye-catching waterfalls, cool climate is situated in the Malnad region bounded by Sahyadri ghats at an mean elevation of 640 AMSL  in the western part of karnataka. The district is spread over an area of 8477 Sq.Kms with an forest area of 2.27 Lakh Hectares. The total population of shimoga district as per 1991 census is around 1642545. The eastern part of district comes under the semi-malnad zone with plain topography and occasional chains of hills covered with semi-deciduous vegetation.  

Shimoga is origin of rivers Kali, Gangavathi, Sharavathi and tadadi. The other major rivers which flow through the district are Tunga, Bhadra and Varada. The rivers Tunga and Bhadra meets at a place called Koodalgi in shimoga district. Agumbe , a small place , known for its highest rainfall (8000 mm/annum) in southern india hails from this land.

Shimoga district is rich in flora and fauna , the dense forest and green shrub jungles are main producers of sandalwood, rosewood, teak and other exotic timber. Mango, Jackfruit, Tamarind etc..  are the other important trees found around the district with rich yields. The dense forests of the district is home for wild animals like Elephant, Tiger, Lion, Leopard, Wild boar, Bear, Antelope, Bison, Porcupine, Monkeys, wolves and many other animals. Birds migrate from all over the world and travel down to shimoga for a honeymoon. Birds like ...... are found flying higher and higher in the blue skies.

Shimoga farmers are feeding the people of Shimoga and other districts of Karnataka by producing good quality paddy, coconut, Ragi, Pepper, Areca and Sugarcane.

It ranks 9th in size among all the districts of the State. The district is just 274 Kms away from the silicon valley of India, BANGALORE.