HUBLI-DHARWAD
Dharwad is home to the Karnataka University and the University of Agricultural Sciences as well as the hub of numerous Arts, Culture, literature colleges.
Dharwad is located in the north western part of Karnataka. Geographically, Dharwad is surrounded by Gadag in the east, Belagavi in the north, Uttara Kannada in the southwest and Haveri in the south. Dharwad had been a part of many dynasties and kings.It was merged with Hubballi (which is located around 20 kms apart) to form the twin cities of Hubballi-Dharwad. The Karnataka Government combined the twin cities of Dharwad (an academic and cultural hub) and Hubballi (a commercial and industrial hub) and formed the Hubballi-Dharwad Municipal Corporation (HDMC) which is the second largest in Karnataka after Bengaluru.
Dharwad is home to the Karnataka University and the University of Agricultural Sciences as well as numerous other colleges. The district is synonymous for its distinct culture, cuisine and a strong penchant for art and creativity. Prominent names that have left an indelible imprint in the field of music, literature and art include Jnanapeetha awardee Dr. D. R. Bendre, classical Hindustani singers like Kumar Gandaharva, Gangubai Hangal, Mallikarjun Mansur, Pt. Bhimasen Joshi, Basavaraj Rajguru and Sangeeta Katti, have also made the district proud. The well-known artist Halbhavi also belongs to Dharwad. Alur Venkata Rao who spearheaded unification of Karnataka, Pampa Mahakavi and writer Patil Puttappa all hail from Dharwad.
When it comes to cuisine, Dharwad Peda takes the cake and is the most famous culinary item of Dharwad which has also got the Geographical Indications (GI) tag. The traditional food ranges from the simple meal of Jolada rotis served with lentils and tangy chutneys to holiges, mandgis and kadabus. Dharwad is also famous for its mango and guava orchards. Other must take souvenirs from here is the GI tagged Navalgund Dhurrie (a kind of floor carpet) and Kasuti embroidery sarees.
TOURING THE TWIN CITIES OF HUBLI-DHARWAD
• Banashankari temple:
The Banashankari temple, dedicated to the goddess Parvathi, is located in Lake Amargolnear Unkal.
• Chandramouleshwara temple:
Chandramouleshwara temple is located near the Banashankari temple in the village of Unkal.
•Nruplunga hill:
On the small hill of Unkal is the Nruplunga hill. The panoramic view of the city and the breeze make it a popular picnic spot.
• Indira Gandhi Glass House :
The Indira Gandhi Glass House is made of glass, as its name suggests. It is similar to that of Lalbagh, Bangalore and is surrounded by well maintained gardens and parks. Many concerts and exhibitions take place here.
• Navagraha Teertha, Hubli:
Located 18 kilometers from Hubli, NavgrahaTeerthahas has 61 feet of monolithic BhagavanParshwanath idol set on a 48-foot pedestal. It was carved on a huge hill near Bangalore and then transported in a huge car through Hospet. There are eight other idols or tirtankaras that have been installed with the idol of the hand.
• Ulavi Channabasaveshwara Temple :
Located on a hill, the Ulavi Channabasaveshwara Temple is an important pilgrimage site for the Lingayats. The temple is Shivasharana and is dedicated to Shivasharana. The hand consists of a Shankara marble of meditation. Along with the elephants, a statue of Akka Nagalambike, the mother of Channanasaveshwaras and Bilvapatire or Apple Tree, the temple houses all the favorites of God Shiva.
• Lake Unkal, Hubli:
The lake is a popular picnic spot for locals and tourists alike. It covers 200 hectares. It has a statue of Swami Vivekananda in the middle of the lake, green gardens, a children’s corner and boat rides.