Autos are not metered, and the minimum fare is Rs. 20 for intra-city distances.
Nature Photography and Hiking are the best things to do in this district which houses a plethora of waterfalls, trekking passes, mountains, viewpoints, and hill stations. Also it is home to a large variety of wild animals, butterflies, moths, snakes, and insects.
Those interested in a very different culinary experience can visit one of the local temples for lunch. ''(See suggested day trip below)''
A suggested day trip is Jog Falls - Varadahalli - Ikkeri - Lion & Tiger safari '''Jog Falls''' is about 90 kms from Shimoga. This is the highest waterfalls in India and during the monsoons the 4 jets of water named Raja, Rani, Rocket, and Roarer gush in full strength. It takes the better part of 2 hours to climb down and a little more to climb back up. A trail of approx. 1400 steps has been constructed from the top of Jog Falls till the bottom. Though it eases the descent and ascent greatly, it can be quite tiring and exhaustive. Its always advisable to carry a water bottle(though refreshments are available till a point) and some snacks till the bottom.thumb|Ikkeri temple
'''Varadahalli''' is a small hamlet that is off the main road near the town of Sagar. There is a temple here and like most other temples in the region, free lunch is provided at a communal dining hall every day to all visitors between 1230 - 1400 hrs. The fare is a simple vegetarian meal consisting of rice with rasam, sambar, and buttermilk. Although the lunch is free, donations are recommended (Rs. 50 per person is adequate). Note that local traditions require all people to remove their footwear before entering the dining hall, and for all males to remove the shirts at the time of lunch. Also, the seating is on the floor and there are no tables or chairs.This is the place where Guru Sri Sridhara Swamy made tapassu.
'''Ikkeri''' is best visited on the way back from Varadahalli and has an approx. 500 year beautiful old stone temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.
'''Lion and Tiger Safari''' is around 12 Km from the Shimoga bus terminus. Not a safari in the true sense of the word because the lions and tigers are housed in fenced enclosures and a sighting is guaranteed. The park also has a mini zoo housing hyenas, bears, porcupines, pythons, and alligators. Entrance is Rs. 6, cameras Rs. 50 (video cameras Rs. 150) and safari bus ticket Rs. 30. Unlike some other tourist spots in India, the charges here are the same for Indian and foreign nationals.
There is no nightlife in Shimoga. A few bars may be found in the commercial areas only.