Hubli, the twin city of Dharwad, is the commercial and business hub of North Karnataka. It is the second largest city of Karnataka with many emerging industries.
A blend of Karnataka and Maharashtra cultures is evident in their language, cuisines and customs. People of Hubli speak a mixture of Kannada and Marathi language. Both cultures have borrowed a lot from each other, which defines the uniqueness of this place.
Usually addressed as Hubli-Dharwad, the main focus tends to go on Dharwad. Yet, Hubli as a developing city, also has a number of places which can be visited.
Let us have a look at these places to visit in Hubli:
The ancient Chandramouleshwara temple
Photo Courtesy: Chetuln
Chandramouleshwara Temple
Chandramouleshwara temple is 900 years old temple built during Chalukyan era. The temple modelled after Badami, Aihole and Pattadakal, is an important monument. The speciality of this temple is the four-faced Shiva lingam (Chaturmukha Lingam) and two Nandi statues at the entrance.
This ancient temple of Chalukyan style architecture is a must visit destination in Hubli.
Gangubai Hangal Memorial Musical Museum
GanguBai Hangal, the famous Hindustani classical singer belonged to Hubli. Her childhood house is converted into a museum. This memorial museum is a popular tourist attraction in Hubli.
A view of Unkal Lake
Photo Courtesy: Manjunath Doddamani Gajendragad
Unkal Lake
Unkal lake is a famous picnic spot in Hubli. Known for boating and recreational activities, Unkal lake is a refreshing place to visit. There is a statue of Swami Vivekananda in the middle of the lake which is a major attraction of the lake.
Indira Gandhi Glass House Garden
Indira Gandhi Glass House Garden is a popular place to visit in Hubli. This glass house is almost similar to glass house in Lalbagh, Bangalore.
Lord Naryana and the 10 incarnations
Photo Courtesy: Manjunath Doddamani Gajendragad
Bhavanishankar Temple
Bhavanishankar temple is an ancient temple. The main deity Lord Narayana is surrounded by ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu. This temple of Chalukyan era is a popular one in Hubli.
Moorsavir Mutt
Moorsavir Mutt was built in 12th c during Basavanna's period. This place has a story which says that Basavanna entered this mutt with 3000 followers during the Kalyana revolutionist movement. Hence, the name Moorsavir ( Moor means 3 and Savira means 1000 in Kannada) Mutt.
A view of Hubli from Nrupantunga Hill
Photo Courtesy: Syed Zohaibullah
Nrupatunga Hill
Nrupatunga hill is an ideal weekend getaway in Hubli. The hill is just 5 km from the city and is the highest view point of the twin cities Hubli-Dharwad. Known for its serene environment, the hill provides a panoramic view of Hubli. It is a must visit place if you want to enjoy some greenery away from the bustle of the city.
Indira Gandhi Glass House Garden
Indira Gandhi Glass House Garden is a popular place to visit in Hubli. This glass house is almost similar to glass house in Lalbagh, Bangalore.
Hubli-Dharwad usually has more hot temperature and less rainfall. However, from October to February it has moderate temperature and can be visited during this time. Hubli is a city, hence it is also not difficult to find accommodation.