About Hubballi

Although Hubli and Dharwad are two separate regions, they are fondly called twin cities. Hubli is just 20 km southeast of Dharwad. Hubli is a famous commercial center while Dharwad is the administrative hub.

As an industrial town and important trading centre, Hubli is the business centre of the Hubli-Dharwad Municipal Corporation. Now, handloom textiles rule the once-Vijaynagar Kingdom-flourished terrain.

The trade of cotton and iron was happening at an impeccable speed during their reign. While Dharwad was an important learning centre for understanding arts and literature. Before the Britishers owned the Dharwad premises, it had been ruled by the Bahmani Sultanate, Chalukyas, Marathas, Mughals, Vijaynagar monarchs, and the Mysore Kingdom.

Hubli literally means “flowering creeper” and the staple crops are chili pepper, cotton, and peanuts. Hubli is the headquarters of the South Western Railway Zone. The twins are on their way to becoming smart cities. Green City and Solar City plans are coming soon to enrich the diverse culture of the two cities. The second most populous and largest city in Karnataka.

Popular As

• Hubballi
• Chotta Mumbai (little Mumbai)

Prominent Places to Visit 

Navagraha Teertha is an important and must-visit pilgrimage site for the Jain population of the country. Express your gratitude before the tallest Jain deity in India. It weighs 185 tons. There is a 61-foot idol of Shri 1008 Bhagavan Parshvanath and 8 smaller statues of the Jain Tirthankaras.

Siddharoodha Math, following the ‘Samadhi’ of Sri Siddharoodha Swami in 1929, his followers built a monastery. He was an ‘Advaita’ (philosophy) teacher. This Math is best visited during Mahashivaratri when the car festival takes place.

Chandramouleswara Temple is 900 years old and was built during the reign of the Classical Royal Dynasty - Chalukyas. This marvellous temple is carved from Black Granite. The intricate work of the Chalukya artisans is evident even today.

Nuggikeri Hanuman Temple is an ancient temple in Dharwad dedicated to the Hindu God Hanuman. Saturdays have “Vishesha Divasa” (special occasion) portraying the valour of Hanuman. The Desai family takes care of the temple while Shri. Vyasraj, a famous sage, had reinstalled it.

Indira Gandhi Glass House Garden. This is a municipality-maintained garden laid out with the most beautiful plants. The attraction is the famous glasshouse-like building similar to that of the Glass House building in Lal Bagh Gardens, Bangalore. Important concerts and exhibitions happen here.

Unkal Lake, the most famous picnic spot in Hubli, is spread across a massive 200 acres. There are boating activities and recreational spots in and around the lake. The 110-year-old Unkal Lake has a statue of Vivekananda in the centre.

Attiveri Bird Sanctuary is an entry into this tropical paradise, which is only 50 km away from Hubli-Dharwad. Nature lovers and birdwatchers find this rich biodiversity hotspot rejuvenating. Spot Brown Shrike, Barn Swallow, Rose-ringed Parakeet, Southern Grey, and Bay-backed Shrike. So, always carry a good pair of binoculars.

Best Time To Visit

October to February is the best time to visit Hubli in Karnataka.

How to Reach Hubli?

• By Air - The nearest Airport is Hubli Airport (8 km away from the city), and direct flights are available to all major cities. The nearest International Airport is the Goa International Airport.
• By Rail -  Hubly Junction Railway Station connects all major states, and it functions under the South Western Railway Zone.
• By Road -  Hubli is located on the Golden Quadrilateral Highway connecting industrial, cultural and agricultural centres of India. Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, and Chennai are the corners of this busy quadrilateral. North West Karnataka Road Transport Corporation takes care of public transport. National Highway 63 and 218, Asian Highway 47, pierce through this city.