Sigandur Temple, Sharavathi backwaters, Sagar, Shimoga

Sigandur is a picturesque spot for nature lovers. Sigandur is located 35 kms from Sagar town. Sagar is 70 kms from Shimoga. Jog falls is 30 kms from Sagar. But, Sigandur and Jog falls fall on different routes from Sagar. Jog falls can be reached from Sigandur also.

Sigandur is a forest area with a temple of Goddess Chowdeshwari. When Linganmakki dam was contructed across river Sharavathi, the backwaters submerged the area. The road to Sigandur is cut-off with the backwaters. 

The backwaters has to be crossed by launch. The government runs two launch here for travellers during the day. Buses and vehicles can use the launch to cross the river. Sigandur temple is 6 kms from the backwaters. The backwater is about 1 km in distance to cross by launch. It takes around 30 minutes to cross the river. Launch service is not available after 5 pm.

Holebagilu is a Kannada word, "Hole" refers to river and "Bagilu" refers to Door. Holebagilu means river gateway.

Sharavathi River has been dammed to form Linganamakki dam where Holebagilu is situated. Holebagilu is the starting point of ferry journey for 45 minutes to reach Sigandur at the other end.

Holebagilu is a tourist attraction as the forest around the place has been declared as reserved forest and called as 'Devara kaadu'. 

More devotees come to Sigandur than tourists. Devotees of Goddess Chowdeeshwari come here to resolve land disputes and personal disputes.

Accomodation is available at the temple for a few people. But, there is no accomodation for tourists at backwaters.

Sigandur is located 35 km from Sagara town. Sagara is 70 km from Shivamogga. Jog falls is 30 km from Sagara. But, Sigandur and Jog falls fall on different routes from Sagar. Jog falls can be reached from Sigandur also which is a very long route.