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

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

Trade of cotton and iron was happening at an impeccable speed during their reign. While Dharwad was the important learning center for understanding arts and literature. Before 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 become smart cities. Green City and Solar City plans are coming soon to enrich the diverse culture of the two cities. The second most populated and largest city in Karnataka.

Popular As

Hubballi

Chotta Mumbai (little Mumbai)

Prominent Places to Visit:

Navagraha Teertha 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 feet idol of Shri 1008 Bhagavan Parshvanath and 8 smaller statues of the Jain Tirthankaras.

Siddharooodha 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 This temple is 900 years old and was built during the reign of the Classical Royal Dynasty - Chalukyas. This marvelous temple is chiseled and sculpted out of Black Granite. The intricate work of the Chalukya artisans is evident even today.

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

Indhira Gandhi Glass House Garden This is a municipality maintained garden laid out with the most beautiful plants. The attraction is the famous glass house 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 center.

Attiveri Bird Sanctuary Enter into this tropical paradise and is only 50 km away from Hubli-Dharwad. Nature lovers and birdwatcher find this rich biodiversity hotspot rejuvenating. Spot Brown Shrike, Barn Swallow, Rose-ringed Parakeet, Southern Grey, and Bay-backed Shrike. So, as always carry a good binocular.

Best Time To Visit:

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

Way to Reach:

 By Air -  The nearest Airport is Hubli Airport (8 km away from the city) and direct flights are available to all major states here. The nearest International Airport is 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 centers 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.