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Top 5 things to do when you visit the “Manchester City of Karnataka” - Davanagere

By Brunda Nagaraj

The moment we get to hear the name Davanagere it is always the image of textile mills that appear first in our minds. Davanagere gets the name with the legend of Chalukyas once halting at this place to quench their thirst after a long horse-ride. Davanagere is a short form of Danavina kere meaning, "A lake for thirsty"; Danivu means "Exhaust" and "Kere" refers to Lake in Kannada. Apparently, there are no more lakes in the city; listed under the Smart City development plan and being the 6th largest district of Karnataka; Davanagere is an abode for a lot of ancient temples with great history.

Come on! Let's take a tour around this city to spot some major attractions and must-dos while you are here!

Durgamma

Durgambika temple at Davanagere

Image Courtesy : Kiran Kollepalli

Durgambika temple
Located in the old town of Davanagere, Goddess Durga is the main deity of this temple and the statue of the goddess has the head tiltled a little towards the side makes it an alluring beauty. It is believed that a stone bought from the Duggatti village was being prayed as Durgamba until the shrine got built in the year 1932. There are many other temples surrounding the main shrine and a lot of devotees visit the Goddess to seek blessings. A car festival dedicated to the Goddess is celebrated every once in 2 years with great fervor and gaiety. Legend also says that devotees conduct a fair for five weeks when the city suffers draught for the season and it is believed that it starts to puour even before the conclusion of the fair.

Agasanahalli

On the way to Agasanahalli

Image Courtesy : Brunda Nagaraj

Agasanahalli
Located at a distance of 70km from Davanagere, drive through the beautiful scenic villages will take you to the village of Agasanahalli which is an abode of Lord Narasimha in the form of Lord Subramanya (Snake God). History of this temple dates back to the age of Saint Agastya who had once meditated in this place and hence the village is named as Agasanahalli. Every once in a year the temple celebrates a car festival with great devotion and it is believed that Lord Subramanya is the protector of this village. An ant-hill with an image of Lord Narasimha being formed on it is the main deity that is being worshipped here. An unexplored divine place with a great history awaits you if you are planning for a trip to Davanagere.

Harihareshwara

The entrance of Harihareshwara temple at Harihar

Image Courtesy : Dineshkannambadi

Harihareshwara temple
30 minute journey from Davanagere, an amazing temple of Lord Harihareshwara invites you in Harihar, also known as Dakshina Kashi; this is a place to be visted. The architecture of the temple is a blend of Hoysala and Chalukya dynasty. The temple has beautiful pillars which are lathe turned beaming proudly depicting the skills of the artist. A sand-stone mesmerizing building dedicated to Lord Harihareshwara (Vishnu and Shiva) fused together is a must-visit. Legend also says that the existence of Lord Harishareshwara is even before that of Lord Rama. The main attraction of this temple is the Goddess Mahishasura Mardini, the statue of the Goddess is in the Peshwa style and this shows the history of this temple. There are temples dedicated to Lord Ganapati and Lord Subramanya around the main shrine.

Ram and Co circle
A lane for foodies in Davanagere. Pre-dominantly, the puffed-rice and chilli bhajiya popularly called Mandakki-Mirchi made and served hot at small shops is a must try. Tasty food at affordable price that rejuvenates your taste-buds is available at the food street. Foodies, be ready to hit this street when you are in Davanagere.

Benne dose

Aromatic Benne Dose

Image Courtesy :Irrigator

Benne Dose (Butter Dosa)
If you ever plan your visit to Davanagere you should be trying your hands on the aromatic butter dosas (benne dose) this place has got to offer. Restaurants running for the last two decades exist in this place serving hot butter dosas to their customers. Do not foget to try these mouth-watering benne dose served with authentic coconut chutney and potato curry on a plaintain leaf. Old Sagar hotel located in Jayadeva circle which is two decades old serves the best benne dose. Jot it down on your travel list to try the crispy, yummy Benne Dose.

Jowar

Jowar roti meals

Image Courtesy : Nick Gray

Jowar Roti and Ennegaayi
Being located in the central part of Karnataka, Davanagere has a great influence on food habits from neighboring parts as well. There are Khaanavalis that serve Jowar rotis with butter and ennegaai - authentic curry made using Brinjal. If you are looking out for a sumptuous meal; do not forget to be a guest at these Khaanavalis.

Other attractions in and around Davanagere : Chitradurga fort , Bathi lake, Bathi hill, Maargaddurgamma temple, Sri Raghavendra swamy temple, Ucchangi hills and temple.

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