Renowned for Dharwadpedas, Girmit and Jolladha Rottis, the twin cities of Hubli-Dharwad also has a rich historical heritage. The area was under the rule of mighty dynasties like Vijayanagara, Chalukyas, Bahmanis, Mughals, Marathas and subsequently the British. It is but natural to see a plethora of traditions, monuments and culture in Hubli-Dharwad. Some must-visit places in the twin cities are:
Banashankari Temple, Hubli:
Devoted to Goddess Parvathi, the Banashankari Temple is in Amargolnear Unkal Lake. The temple was built by the Chalukyas in the 13th century and depicts the northern influence. The temple has a Dvikuta, which means two shrines. The two shrines have two vimanas. One is in the Nagara style and another in the Dravidian style of architecture. One deity is of Goddess Parvathi or Banashankari and the other is of God Shiva. There is a NavarangaMantap decorated with beautiful pillars. The figures of Vishnu, Ganapathi, Brahma, Narasimha, Shiva and Parvathi are sculpted on the pillars. The temple is a protected monument and maintained by the ASI.
Photo Credit: Karnatakatravelblogspot.in
Chandramouleshwara Temple:
Located close to the Banashankari Temple, the Chandramouleshwara Temple is in Unkal Village. Built 900 years ago by the Chalukyas, the temple is dedicated to Lord Chandramouleshwara or Shiva. It has two shrines. The main one is for Shiva and has entrances in four directions. The other shrine is for ChaturmukhaLingas. The striking features of the temple are the walls and pillars, all decorated with intricate carvings and sculptures. This temple is also under protection by ASI.
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Nruptunga Hill, Hubli:
Located on top of the small Unkal Hill is the Nruptunga Hill. The panoramic views of the city from the top and the cool breeze make it a favourite picnic spot.
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Indira Gandhi Glass House, Hubli:
The Indira Gandhi Glass House is made of glass as the name suggests. It is similar to the one in Lalbagh, Bangalore and is surrounded by landscaped gardens and park. Many concerts and exhibitions are also held here.
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Navagraha Teertha, Hubli:
Located 18 kilometres from Hubli, the NavgrahaTeerthahas a 61 feet monolithic idol of BhagavanParshwanath installed on a 48 feet pedestal. It is carved from a huge hillock which was near Bangalore and was then transported through Hospet in a huge trolley. There are eight other idols or Tirtankaras installed along with the main idol.
Photo Credit: Getaway.tajhotels.com
Ulavi Channabasaveshwara Temple, Dharwad:
Set on a hillock, the UlaviChannabasaveshwara temple is an important pilgrimage centre for Lingayats. The temple shrine is eight sided and every side is dedicated to a Shivasharana. The main shrine is of a meditating Shankara made of marble. With elephants, a statue of Akka Nagalambike, Channabasaveshwara’s mother and bilvapatre or wood apple tree, the temple houses all the favourites of its main God Shiva.
Photo Credit: Lifeathangarki.blogspot.in
Unkal Lake, Hubli:
The Lake is a popular picnic spot for the locals and tourists. It is spread over 200 acres. It has a statue of Swami Vivekananda in the centre of the lake, green gardens, children’s corner and boat rides.
Know more about Unkal Lake
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