Hubli

Hubli, officially known as Hubballi is the second largest city in the

Indian state of Karnataka. It forms continuous urban area with the
city of Dharwad.Hubli-Dharwad is the largest conurbation in the
state after capital Bangalore and is located 85 kilometres south of
Maharashtra-Karnataka border.
The name Hubballi literally means "Flowering creeper"
in Kannada. While Dharwad is the administrative headquarters,
the city of Hubballi, situated about 20 km south-east of Dharwad,
is the commercial center and business hub of North
Karnataka region. Crops including cotton, chili
pepper and peanuts are grown aplenty in the surrounding rural
agricultural areas, and Hubli is a major trading center for
these commodities. It is also an important city for the Indian
Railways, as it is the headquarters for South Western Railway
zone and the Hubli Railway Division. Hubli is a major railway
junction in North Karnataka. It is also the headquarters of North
Western Karnataka Road Transport Corporation.
Despite of being physically separate, the
cities, Hubli and Dharwad are often referred to as twin cities and
is a part of a single municipal corporation in Karnataka. The two
cities are separated by 20 kilometers and while Dharwad serves
as the administrative center, the city of Hubli serves as a
commercial hub. Hubli is not just the business hub of the
municipal corporation Hubli-Dharwad but also the major trading
center and industrial town in Karnataka. The city flourished in
trade of cotton and iron during the reign of the Vijaynagar Kings
and is still known for its handloom textiles. The city Dharwad has
been an important learning center for arts and literature since the
12th Century AD. The region that contains the city of Dharwad
has been ruled by the Chalukyas, the Bahmani Sultanate,
Vijaynagar Empire, Mughals, Marathas, Mysore kingdom and
eventually the British. The city due to this displays a wide plethora
of culture. Heres the list of the best places you can visit in the
twin cities of Hubli-Dharwad.
Major Attractions

CHANDRAMOULESHWARA TEMPLE

The prized architectural monument in Hubli-Dharwad,

the Chandramouleshwara temple is a 900 year old temple built
during the reign of the Chalukyas. The temple is dedicated to
Chandramouleshwara, another name for the Hindu deity Shiva.
The temple is carved and sculpted straight out of black granite
and displays a marvelous architectural prowess of the Chalukya
era artisans.

BANASHANKARI TEMPLE
The Banashankari Temple was built in the 13th century by the
Chalukyas. Once again the temple is a marvelous example of the
Chalukya period art and stone sculpting prowess. It is a stone
carved masterpiece and is dedicated to the Hindu deity Shiva.
The temple pillars are marvelously carved out of granite and are
currently undergoing restoration.

NRUPATUNGA HILL
Nestled in the Unakal Hill, the Nrupatunga Hill is a small hillock
and picnic spot in Hubli. The hillock serves as an excellent view
point and a great escape point from the bustle of the city area.
The area is best visited between the months of October and
January.
 NAVAGRAHA TEERTHA
Navagraha Teertha is one of the major pilgrim spot for the Jain
community in India. The temple features a 61 foot tall idol of the
Shri 1008 Bhagavan Parshvanath and the smaller statues of the
other 8 Jain teerthankaras. The statue is the tallest statue of the
Jain deity in India and weighs 185 tons.
INDIRA GANDHI GLASS HOUSE GARDEN
The Indira Gandhi Glass House Garden is a municipality
maintained landscaped garden that has a central glass house like
building that resembles a similar building in Bangalore. The place
is a popular venue for various socio-cultural activities like musical
concerts and exhibitions.
UNKAL LAKE
Unkal Lake is spread around 200 acres and is a popular picnic
spot in Hubli-Dharwad. The lake can be used for boating and is
harbored by a lush green garden that serves as a great
recreational spot. The lake is around 110 years old and is
adorned with the statue of Swami Vivekananda placed in the
center of the lake.
SIDDHAROODHA MATH
Siddhoroodha Math is a monastery that was established by the
followers of Sri Siddharoodha Swami who took his Samadhi in
1929. The math has seen notable visitors like Lokmanya Bal
Gangadhar Tilak and Mahatma Gandhi. The Swami Sri
Siddharoodha was a famous teacher of the Advaita philosophy
and is best visited during the car festival during the Hindu event
Mahashivaratri.
Due to the twin cities close proximity and hilly surroundings,
Hubli-Dharwad are a famous tourist spot in Karnataka. The
ancient archeological temples and monuments, the deep rooted
culture and the scenic surroundings and pleasant climate of the
cities will make your remember your visit to Hubli-Dharwad for
years to come.