Sirsi is a city and a taluk headquarter in Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka state in India. It was also known as Kalyana Pattana during the Sonda Dynasty. It is a tourist destination with evergreen forest and waterfalls and is also a commercial centre.
The main businesses around the city are mostly subsistence and agriculture-based. Areca nut or betel nut, locally known as Adike (also known as supari), is the primary crop grown in the nearby villages, making it one of the major trading centres for areca nut. The region is also known for spices such as cardamom, pepper, betel leaves, and vanilla.
The major food crop is paddy.
Marikamba Temple: Marikamba temple was built in 1688. The famous 'Marikamba Jaathre', commemorating the goddess Marikamba is held by the temple authorities every alternate year. Nearly a lakh devotees from all parts of the country attend the fair, making it one of the biggest festivals in the region.
Unchalli Falls: Measuring 116 metres (381 ft) drop in the Aghanashini river, also known as Lushington Falls, named after J. D. Lushington, a District Collector of the British Government, who discovered the falls in 1845. This place can be reached by a 5 kilometres (3.1 mi) trek through thick forest or drive down to the falls by concrete constructed road. It is also called Keppa Joga because of the deafening sound they make.
Madhukeshwara Temple, Banavasi : An ancient Hindu temple known for its beautiful architecture at Banavasi village on the banks of Varada river by Karnataka state highway 77 (SH-77) about 30 Kilometre from Sirsi town towards Soraba.
Other places worth a visit are: Yana Rock , Sahasralinga, Gudavi Bird Sanctuary, Bheemanavra Gudda (Mountain Peak) in Nilkund, Shivaganga Falls, Muregar Falls, Tumbargod Falls, Benehole Falls etc.
Trek to Yana rock.
The Marikamba Jatre is held every year, around March. Get to know the local culture.
Several hotels in Sirsi - Yellapur road are famous for vegetarian dishes.
Sirsi is famous for several sweets prepared by locals.
There are many lodges, home stays and resorts in this town.
Sirsi is well connected to the neighbouring cities through many state highways. The Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation has daily buses connecting to Hubli, Karwar, Mangalore, Shimoga. Some private transports also have daily buses to neighbouring cities.
By North Western Karnataka Road Transport Corporation (NWKRTC) buses which go to nearby villages and to major towns of Karnataka (Karunadu) state. Auto rickshaws and taxis are available at Sirsi town.
