Northern Karnataka’s Hubli-Dharwad: A Journey Through Its Hidden Gems

The northern Karnataka twin cities of Hubli and Dharwad are enchanted places that have played an important part in the development of many cultures, including those of literature, architecture, spirituality, and industry. Just beyond the flurry of activity of modern universities, colleges, and IT campuses is a picturesque countryside teeming with dynamic cultural places, picturesque hillocks, and mediaeval shrines.

To make the most of your time in the magnificent twin towns of Hubli and Dharwad, here are seven must-see sites and activities:

See the magnificent Chandramouleshwara Temple, built of Chalukyan stone, and be amazed.
The perfect Chandramouleshwara Temple, which is situated beside the lake after which Hubli is called, is an architectural gem that demonstrates the Chalukyan skill. Dedicated to Lord Shiva in the 12th century, every detail showcases exquisite craftsmanship, from the intricately lathe-turned pillars to the elaborate friezes that cover the plinths that enhance the stone light from oil lamps.

Within, see the Nandi sculpture fashioned from a solitary rock. Then, via a gateway adorned with dwarpalikas and exquisitely chiseled, enter the inner sanctuary that houses the Shiva Lingam. The distinctive Sahasralinga temple on the grounds is a prime example of the Chalukyan style, but historians have found Hoysala and Vijayanagar influences throughout the Mandapas.

temple constructed by the Kalyani Chalukyas in the 12th century; the pillars are lathe-turned and the architecture is ornate.
Houses Sahasralinga temple on premises 2, with intricately carved gateway and dwarpalikas.Stunning views of the city await you atop picturesque Nrupatunga Hill.
Climbing lovely Nrupatunga hill, which is about 3 km from Hubli center and accessible by stairs amongst magnificent rocks, is a fast trip that promises pleasant seclusion. At its peak, on Bettada Kere islet, you can take in a breathtaking 360-degree panorama of the twin towns’ captivating skylines, adorned with swaying palms, shimmering domes, and smoking chimneys—a sight that becomes even more enchanting as the sun sets.

Along the route, you’ll see vermillion-coated shrines where villagers pay homage to goddess Banashankari, whose 18-handed granite statue sits in the middle of the forest, among the usual suspects like joggers and smiling children waving kites. Nrupatunga is the perfect place to get away from it all, whether you’re looking to improve your fitness, visit some sights, or even do some soul-searching.

The most important things are:

Not far from the city center, on a little hill
Reaching the peak of Bettada Kere requires a series of stone stairs.
Midway between the two cities, at the summit of the Goddess Banashankari temple, one can get a panoramic vista.Spend time in contemplation at the lively Banashankari Temple.
Located at the foot of Nrupatunga hill, the Banashankari temple is devoted to the goddess Parvathi, who has been venerated by the locals for years. It is somewhat older than the other temples in the Deccan, but just as impressive. Inside the shimmering sanctum sanctorum is the remarkable eight-handed sitting deity made of black stone, which is what attracted the worshipers.

Spectacular folk dances are performed on important occasions in the glistening Sabha Mantapa hall, which has lathe-turned pillars and exquisite carvings depicting stories from the Shakta tradition, as well as patterns of mythological creatures like griffins and yalis. As the evening artifacts come to a close, the temple is filled with the palpable, auspicious vibrations that refresh weary hearts, accompanied by the joyful chime of bells.

The most important things are:

An old temple at the foot of Nrupatungahill is devoted to Shakti, with an eight-armed black stone statue of Parvathi sitting atop it. The pillars have carvings of legendary beasts and stories about Shakti, and the festivities often feature folk dance performances.
4. Relax in the Jain tradition at the magnificent Navagraha Teertha.
The contemporary Jain pilgrimage complex Navagraha Teertha is awe-inspiring in its sheer size; standing at 61 feet, the elaborately carved sculpture of the 24th Tirthankara Parshvanatha faces the holy Hubli hill and commands attention from a distance. A replica model of important Jain sites around India is also housed inside the spaceship-like building.

Yet, there are more treasures inside the main complex, such as a beautifully decorated library with illuminated manuscripts, a painted corridor with several miniature shrines, and the holy Jal Mandir sanctuary, where the Tirthankara statue is ceremoniously bathed during yearly rath yatras. Modern, spacious hallways reverberate with the sound of philosophers arguing throughout the complex, keeping things vibrant throughout the year.

The most important things are:

Serves as the home of the Jain saint Parshvanatha’s towering 61-foot idol.
Replicas of Jain sites housed in a spaceship-like building
The sacred Jal Mandir and its library with its ornate decorations
Intense philosophical debates and discussions occur often 5. Unkal Lake is a beautiful place to find quiet spots.
After a day of touring, there are few places more peaceful than picturesque Just 5 miles from the congested highways of Hubli is the lovely Unkal Lake, nestled among green rural fringes. People unwind by its tree-lined grassy banks, where it is fed by natural springs, and watch birds glide over sparkling waters that reflect azure sky turned orange as darkness falls.

Located behind a modest Ganesha temple on one side, the heart-shaped waterbody is divided by an elaborately arched bridge, perfect for pictures. Indulge in some steaming bhajis and chai at one of the neighboring food stands for that authentic “rural retreating” experience, and stay until the sun goes down.

The most important things are:

Natural springs feed a heart-shaped lake.
On one bank is a little Ganesha shrine.
beautiful, tranquil area ideal for picnics
Vendors selling local, hot treats in the evening
6. Stop at the ancient Siddharoodha Math to soak up some history.
Founded seven centuries ago when founding saint Sri Siddharameshwar fell into samadhi at that precise area in Solapur while his followers created the Mutt in Hubli, the ancient Siddharoodha Math monastery has been a place of cultural richness ever since.

The Mutt grounds, which are now overseen by ascetics, have stone inscriptions that contextualize the teachings of the Lingayat religion that the saint spread. Black stone sculptures of independence luminaries, such as Lokmanya Tilak and Mahatma Gandhi, with whom the Swamiji met during their visits, would be easily identifiable to admirers. Math also encourages academics to write treatises that support the Advaita philosophy, which continues to draw scholarly visitors from all around the globe.

Most Important Details:

historic Lingayat Mutt established in the 12th century C.E.
Belonging to the previous guests are the statues of Gandhi and Tilak.
Run by monks who promote Advaita philosophy
Incised stone slabs reveal fundamental principles,
7. Have a blast in historic precincts on weeknights.
As the sun goes down, take in the nightlife at Gandhi Maidan and the District Court, two historic sites close to the train station. On one side, take in the sight of the massive white Vidhana Soudha-style building with its four majestic domes and a maze of twisting staircases.

Gandhi Maidan, an open-air theater, is just across the street, and on the other side is a bustling flea market selling ethnic items, Punjabi street snacks, and eccentric local artifacts beneath strings of sparkling lighting. You can also witness cultural events here. Hang out with the welcoming locals as you listen to live music performed on traditional percussion instruments as the sun sets over Hubli-Dharwad’s ethereal sky.

Most Important Details:

Near Railway Station, there are two historic precincts.
Gandhi Maidan and the well-lit historic District Court
Performances in the evenings at an outdoor amphitheater
Setup for a bustling flea market offering handmade goods
In essence, Hubli Dharwad provides dependable relief and enrichment, from picturesque local hills promising enchanting sunsets to mediaeval shrines pulsing with spiritual energy. A cultural atmosphere that encompasses philosophy, architecture, language, and harmony is being nurtured by the twin city’s contemporary communal spaces as well as its old temple complexes and imposing mathas.

As the years go by and both of these small towns become metros, it’s worth exploring their heritage areas. Things like picturesque lakefronts, ancient stone monuments, and charming bazaars at dusk offer glimpses into the enduring heartbeats of Karnataka’s beloved Northern town twins, Hubli and Dharwad.