Buses on Boat

“Neladha bittu neera mela bandi hogadhu” goes a popular kannada song..” Hoguthe- Nerrina mela Barge hodre bandi adhmele hoguthe”(Vehicles can move through water through a barge).. Normally seen in Hollywood movies and Foreign locations, it was a massive surprise when we witnessed the same in Karnataka

Welcome to Sigandhoor!!!

Sigandhoor is a famous temple dedicated to Goddess chowdeshwari situated on the bank of the river Sharavathi, in Sagara Taluk of Shimoga District. The temple attracts devotess in large numbers on Holidays and during the festive season.Though it is present in the Sagar Taluk, the reservoir of Sharavathi has cut off the road connectivity from Sagara. However, direct road connectivity is present from Kollur

Sigandhoor is about 35 kms from the Taluk Headquarters of Sagara. As we proceed through the Western ghats forests on the main road, filled with greenery especially post monsoon, for about 20 kms, we reach the point of Holebagilu or the gateway to the river. Barges operated by the Government of Karnataka, stands awaiting for passengers.

As the people get into the barge, they are requested to move to the back of the barge and stand on the sides, The centre of the barge is reserved for the heavy vehicles, specially the buses which operate on the Sagara-Sigandhoor and Sagara-Kollur route. if at that particular point no buses are present, then the taxis and other vehicles waiting in the queue get the chance to board the barge. Seating is provided only at the back and is limited to maximum of about 40 passengers. Remaining have to travel standing

Once the barge is filled up with vehicles and passengers, its time to move on over the river sharavathi. The barge moves through the spectacular waters of the reservoir, where the submerged island remanants can be seen. The water is quite deep up to 18 feet at places but is as calm as a lake. the ticket issuer comes and issues tickets. Passengers are charged at Re 1 per head and the fare varies to Rs. 20/- for cars and about Rs.50/- for buses. The travel distance is about 3 kms and the barge takes about 15-20 minutes to cover the distance from one end to other.Once on the other side, vehicles get down from the barge and proceed on the road towards Sigandhoor.

If owing to lack of space cars are not able to board the barge, then you can park your car on the Holebagilu side and proceed in the barge. While the barge reaches the other side, regular taxis are present to take you from there to Sigandhoor temple charging at Rs.20/- per head for the share ride. The temple is located at about 10 kms from this point.

Sigandhoor also falls on the Sagara-Kollur main road and certain buses (Only private- KSRTC doesnt operate on this route) also follow this barge route from Sagar to reach Kollur though not very frequent. But quite frequent buses are available from Sagar to Sigandhoor. Barge services also are operated only till 5PM on all days.

Recently, it was passed in the Parliament to dedicate some of the rivers as National Waterways and Sharavati has been announced for the same. Once it is marked, may the services might undergo a change and cover higher distances from this place.

Location:

Sagar is located about 300 kms from Bangalore and is situated on the Bangalore-Sirsi-Honnavar Highway connecting to the Coastal Karnataka.Inside Sagar Town, divert via the Private bus stand road to Holebagilu on the Kollur road. at 20 kms you will get the barge point where you can use the same to cross the water

Accommodation and lodging is available in Sagar town. Food is mainly south Indian food with the Malenad (Hilly region) type preparation.

How to Reach:

1. By Rail:

Sagar is connected by train to Bangalore and Mysore. 16227 Talaguppa Express leaves Bangalore City everyday at 11PM and arrives Sagar at 7AM. in return direction, the train leaves Sagar at 8:30PM and reaches Bangalore at 4:30AM.  16201 Mysore Intercity leaves Mysore at 6AM and reaches Sagar at 1PM. In return direction 16202 leaves Sagar at 2:45PM and reaches Mysore at 10:15PM

2. By Road

KSRTC as well as private buses operate both Ordinary and Luxury services from Bangalore via Sagar towards Sirsi and  the Coastal Karnataka towns of Honnavar, Kumta and Gokarna. NWKRTC operates regular services from Hubli via Sirsi

Best time to visit:

Monsoon are beautiful in Western Ghats but the barge does not have cover. so better to visit post monsoon season of September to December.