A quiet town in the Western Ghats near Dandeli, known for its ancient temples, spice gardens, and as a base for exploring spectacular waterfalls.
Discover what makes this destination truly special

Sirsi is a town in the Uttara Kannada district, located amidst the dense forests of the Western Ghats. It functions as a central point for exploring the region's natural and cultural sites, making it a popular full-day excursion from Dandeli. The town itself is known for its large areca nut plantations and spice gardens, which you'll see lining the roads as you approach. The air here is often filled with the aroma of pepper and cardamom.
Plan your trip around the ideal season for the best experience
October to January, weekends, and during the Marikamba Jatre (held every two years, usually in Feb/Mar).
September, February, and March on weekdays.
April to August, due to the summer heat and heavy monsoon rains.
Plan ahead with accurate pricing and visiting hours
Indian Visitors
Free
No entry fee
Opening Hours
6:00 AM — 9:00 PM
Sirsi is a town and is always accessible. The timings mentioned are for the Shri Marikamba Temple, which is generally open from 06:00 to 12:30 and reopens from 16:00 to 21:00. The visiting hours for most waterfalls are from 08:00 to 17:00. It's advisable to finish visiting waterfalls before sunset.
There is no entry fee for Sirsi town or the Marikamba Temple. However, the Forest Department charges a nominal entry fee of around ₹10 - ₹30 per person at the entrance to waterfalls like Unchalli and Magod. Parking fees are also applicable at these sites.
Find your way to this destination with ease
Address
Sirsi Town, Uttara Kannada District, Karnataka
Coordinates
15.1724, 74.7593
Nearest City
Dandeli
Multiple ways to get to this destination conveniently
The nearest airport is Hubli Airport (HBX), located about 105 km away from Sirsi. You can hire a taxi from the airport for the 2.5-3 hour journey.
Hubli Junction (UBL) is the nearest major railway station, approximately 100 km away. It has good connectivity to major Indian cities. Talguppa (TLGP) is a smal...
Sirsi is well-connected by road. It is about 75 km from Dandeli (2-2.5 hours), 100 km from Hubli, and 400 km from Bengaluru. KSRTC and private buses run regular...
Auto-rickshaws are common for travel within Sirsi town. For sightseeing, especially to the waterfalls located in remote areas, it is highly recommended to hire ...
Learn about the story and cultural importance of this destination
Sirsi's history is closely linked to the Sonda Kingdom, which ruled the region from the 16th to the 18th century. The town rose to prominence as a trading hub for spices like pepper and cardamom. The most significant historical landmark is the Shri Marikamba Temple, established in 1688. The idol of ...
Sirsi's significance is twofold. Culturally, it is anchored by the Shri Marikamba Temple, a major pilgrimage site dedicated to a form of Goddess Durga. Its bi-annual Jatre is a massive event that preserves local traditions and rituals. Environmentally, Sirsi is situated in the heart of the Western G...
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