Shimoga district is a district in the Karnataka state of India. A major part of Shimoga district lies in the malnad region or the Sahyadri. Shimoga city is its administrative centre. Jog Falls is a major tourist attraction. As of 2011 Shimoga district has a population of 1,755,512. There are seven taluks: Bhadravathi , Hosanagara, Sagara, Shivamoga, Shikaripura, Soraba and Thirthahalli.

Shivamogga, as per traditional derivations, the name pertains to Lord Shiva ( ‘Shiva – Mukha’ – Face of shiva , ‘Shivana – Mogu’ – Nose of shiva, ‘Shivana – Mogge’ – Buds of flowers meant for shiva ). According to the legend, the place had the ashram of the famous sage ‘Durvasa’ who was noted for his sharpness of temper. He used to keep on the oven a pot boiling with sweet herbs. Once, some cowherds, who chanced upon it, tasted the beverage out of curiosity and called the place ‘Sihi- Moge’ (Sweet Pot) , Which was later called as ‘SHIVAMOGGA’ .