• Overview: Shivamogga, officially Shimoga, is a district in Karnataka, India. It covers 8,465 square kilometers and is divided into seven taluks: Soraba, Sagara, Hosanagar, Shimoga, Shikaripura, Thirthahalli, and Bhadravathi. Shimoga city serves as the administrative center.
• Geography: Located between latitudes 13°27' and 14°39' N, and longitudes 74°38' and 76°04' E, Shimoga features a mean altitude of 640 meters. Kodachadri hill is the highest point at 1,343 meters. The district experiences a tropical climate with an average annual rainfall of 1,813.9 mm.
• Economy: Shivamogga's economy is largely driven by agriculture, with arecanut, paddy, and pepper as key crops. The district also supports industries such as iron foundries and textiles, with Pearlite Liners (P) Ltd. being a significant employer. Approximately 9,800 industrial units are active in the area.
• Demographics: As of 2011, Shivamogga’s population is 1,752,753, with a density of 207 people per square kilometer. The literacy rate is 80.5%. The majority of the population practices Hinduism (84.41%), followed by Islam (13.39%). Kannada is spoken by 70.20% of residents.
• History: Shivamogga has a rich history, having been part of various empires including the Mauryan, Kadamba, Rashtrakuta, and Vijayanagara empires. It was ruled by the Keladi Nayakas before becoming part of the Kingdom of Mysore under Haider Ali.
• Rivers and Topology: The district is the source of several major rivers, including the Tunga and Bhadra. These rivers converge at Koodli to form the Tungabhadra. The district's varied topography includes forests, hills, and river valleys.