Shivaganga Falls

Shivaganga Falls is a seasonal waterfall near Sonda village in Sirsi taluk, Uttara Kannada district, Karnataka, within the Western Ghats. Formed by the Sonda River, a tributary of the Shalmala River, it drops approximately 74 metres into a forested valley. Surrounded by dense evergreen forest, it is noted for its strong monsoon flow, short trek to the viewpoint and proximity to the historic Sodhe Vadiraja Matha and Sahasralinga site.

Visitors can expect a forested Western Ghats setting reached by a short trek from the road near Sonda. The waterfall cascades into a rocky valley surrounded by dense evergreen forest. There is a viewpoint above the falls and a trail leading closer to the base during drier months. The area is natural and undeveloped with no major commercial structures, offering sightseeing, photography and nature walks. Flow is strongest during monsoon and post-monsoon months and reduces significantly in summer.

The falls lies in the former territory of the Sonda (Sodhe) Kingdom which ruled the region from the 16th to 18th century and patronized the Sodhe Vadiraja Matha nearby. The surrounding forest and river valley have long been part of the cultural landscape of Sirsi-Sonda.

The waterfall is named after Lord Shiva and is considered sacred locally. It is situated close to the revered Sodhe Vadiraja Matha and the Sahasralinga site where thousands of Shiva lingas are carved along the Shalmala River, both important pilgrimage and cultural sites for visitors to the area.