Nestled on the banks of the Tunga, about 30 kms from Thirthahalli near shimoga is this small village with paddy fields, arecanut and coconut plantations that have pepper and vanilla creepers covering their trunks. The village is very close to the Shetty halli forest, the Sakrebyle elephant camp and the Mandgadde bird Santuary It is a perfect weekend travel plan to be away from the noisy, stressful city.
The drive to Mandagadde is very pleasant and pretty as one passes through the coffee plantations, distant Blue Mountains, plenty of village tanks, streams and rivers. One also encounters canals alive with children swimming, women washing and some even trying to catch a fish or two. The scenic territory beckons you stop admire and appreciate the beauty as one crosses the many towns and villages. Weekends are filled with bustling village fairs all along the village roads. Variety of flowers, fruits, vegetables, bangles, puffed rice, jaggery and fish are a common sight at the fairs. It also awakens one to the land that is so rich in its history and heritage. Temples dot the map as one drives past these winding roads and each one of them is an interesting place to visit.
The Shetty halli wildlife sanctuary close to Mandagadde has forests ranging from dry deciduous to semi evergreen and is home to a good variety of flora and fauna. As one drives by or even treks the enchanting bird calls in the early hours of the morning and evening are incredible. Some of the common birds are the Parakeets, Bulbuls, Munias, Kingfishers, Swallows, Flycatchers, Drongos, Doves and Pigeons. A Tiger and lion safari has been added to this sanctuary near Tyavarekoppa and the safari is organized and open between 2.00 -5.00 pm. The Sakkarebyle Elephant camp is a elephant training camp where elephants get trained under mahouts and is close to the Shetty halli sanctuary. This is a real treat for children and adults. The area also has Teak and Acacia plantations.The Gajanur dam across the Tunga river is located close to Mandagadde and the dam gets its name from the water that resembles a sheet of glass and so gajanur. (Gaju-glass in Kannada, uuru –town).
As the Tunga flows quietly along Mandagadde, the chirping of the winged visitors perched on the trees create an orchestra that is incredible. An early morning or evening trek along the Tunga here is very rewarding as one gets to see the Darters, Egrets and the little cormorant in great numbers. These winged visitors are in cluster on the trees that form a small island with Tunga flowing around them. There is also a watch tower nearby where one can spend hours just observing the bird life, their nesting habits, their young ones and their ways of catching prey. The local villagers use motor boats to get across to the villages across the Tunga. One way ride costs about Rs.5/- and one can even take longer boat rides to get a closer glimpse at the feathered splendor. Along the banks of this stretch of the Tunga is a small beach at Mandagadde . It’s a perfect place for an evening wander or an evening picnic and for kids to play in the sand.
A major attraction close to Mandagadde is the world famous Jog falls where the Sharavathi dives deep into a gorge in Sagar Taluk and is about 100 kms from Manadagadde. Ambutheertha, the place where Sharavathi takes its origin is also close by near Thirthahalli. Agumbe which is about 60 kms from Mandagadde is at an altitude of 826 m above mean sea level and it is from here that one can experience the magnificent, entrancing sunset. The setting sun sets the sky into a flame of vibrant colours and is reflected by the Arabian Sea. This leaves one spell bound.
Places to stay: Home stays ( Inchara Home stay), Budget hotels
Route: Bangalore-Hassan-Balehonnur-Thirthahalli-Mandagadde-Shimoga
Best Time: June- January
