Discover Dharwad: Temples, Music and Nature

Dharwad reveals itself through temple architecture, Hindustani music, and a distinctive craft tradition. Parks, lakes, and a science centre add further highlights.

Architecture from the Chalukya Era and Maratha History

The Chandramouleshwara Temple in Unkal is considered an architectural monument of the Chalukyas. It has four entrances facing the cardinal directions and two large Shiva lingas; its age is estimated at around 900 years. At Shri Amruteshwara Temple, other architectural details take centre stage: it is built in the Kalyani Chalukya style, and its roof rests on 76 pillars. In Annigeri, Shri Amruteshwara Temple was built in 1050 AD; it is considered the first temple built from soapstone. It was intended to serve as a model for later, more elaborately articulated structures such as the Mahadeva Temple in Itagi.

Dharwad Fort is another of the area's notable historic structures. Rulers of the Maratha Empire built it in the 18th century; today, it is considered an important historical landmark. In Kundgol, you can visit the ancient temples of Shambulingeswara and Brahma. The existence of the 11th-century Shri Shambhulingeshwara Temple is regarded as an indication that Kundgol may have belonged to the heartland of the Western Chalukya Empire.

Pilgrimage Sites and Musical Heritage

Tamboor is an important pilgrimage centre for the Lingayat community. At its heart is the Basavanna Temple, dedicated to one of the most revered saints of the Lingayat faith. Tamboor Basavanna Temple is 11 km from Kalghatgi, at the edge of the Devikoppa forest. The Tamboor Jathre draws pilgrims from across Karnataka. If you would like to include the event in your trip, check the dates in advance.

Kundgol is considered the birthplace of Hindustani musician Rambhau Kundgolkar, also known as Pandit Sawai Gandharva. Dharwad, in turn, is known for its contribution to classical music, particularly Hindustani classical music. In Hubli, Siddharoodha Math was built at the place where Siddharoodha died in 1929. Near Dharwad is Tapovana, a meditation and yoga centre 5 km from the city in the direction of Haliyala Road. Kumara Swamiji founded it in 1965 as a spiritual retreat for seekers.

Crafts, Flavours and Learning

Dharwad Kasuti is an embroidery tradition practised by local artisans. Markets and shops in Dharwad and Haveri sell embroidered clothing and home accessories; the selection at any individual shop may vary. Dharwad Peda is a popular regional sweet with locals and visitors alike.

The Regional Science Centre offers interactive exhibits, planetarium shows, and educational programmes. If you would like to attend a show or programme, check the relevant timings in advance. This makes it easy to plan a visit to the science centre as a separate activity, without mixing it with your trip's temple or music highlights.

Parks, a Lake and Time Outdoors

Sadhankeri Park honours Kannada poet Dr. Dattatreya Ramachandra Bendre. Visitors can go boating on its lake; children can enjoy rides such as see-saws, merry-go-rounds, slides, and swings. Unkal Lake is surrounded by lush greenery and is ideal for walking, boating, and picnicking. Nrupatunga Betta is a hill with paved roads leading from its base to the summit. These places offer different ways to spend time outdoors, from a lakeside stroll to the path leading up to the summit.

Getting There and Finding a Hotel

Dharwad Railway Station is an important station in the Hubli Railway Division of Indian Railways' South Western Railway zone. Connections include Hubballi, Belgaum, Bangalore, Mumbai, Pune, Delhi, and Hyderabad, among others. As individual connections may change, check the current timetable before departure. Dharwad Bus Stand is in the city centre and offers bus connections to numerous districts; routes and schedules may also change.

Hubballi Airport serves the twin cities of Hubli and Dharwad and is 20 km from Dharwad. Check current flight connections for your trip. Then check the location of your accommodation against your own itinerary.

Discover more destinations: Nāvalūr, Hubli-Dharwad, Mysore District, Davanagere, Bellary, Chitradurga, Chikkaballapur, Chamarajnagar

For the full travel overview: Karnataka.