Dharwad or Dharawada, located in the northern part of the state of Karnataka : Location, How to Reach, Historical Importance, Major Attraction

Dharwad or Dharawada, located in the northern part of the state of Karnataka : Location, How to Reach, Historical Importance, Major Attraction

Location & Introduction

Dharwad, mentioned as `Dharawada' in a record of the 12th century of the Kalyani Chalukyas,is a major town located in the northern part of the state of Karnataka.It is located at a distance of 420 Kms from Bangalore.The city of Dharwad is just east of the famous Western Ghats and is surrounded by hills and lakes.Dharwad is famous for its milk based sweet called the Dharwad Pedha.

The name is derived from the Sanskrit word 'dwarawata', 'dwara' meaning "door" and 'wata' or 'wada'meaning "town".For centuries, Dharwad acted as a gateway between the Malenaadu (western mountains) and the Bayalu seeme (plains) and it became a resting place for travellers.It is also a cultural Headquaters of North Karnataka.

Best time to visit: is between August and March.

How to Reach:

By Air: The Airport at Hubli (18 KM) is the nearest airport to Dharwad.

By Rail: Hubli being an important railway junction has daily trains running from Bangalore.

By Road: National Highway 4 connecting Pune Bangalore passes through Dharwad.There are numerous luxury buses plying everyday from Bangalore.

Major Tourist Attraction

• Someshwara Temple is one of the notable landmarks in Dharwad.Built in 12th century by Chalukyas, It houses statues of Mahishasuramardini and Chaturbhuja Ganesh {Ganesh/Ganapathi represented with four hands).
• Unkal Lake is a beautiful water spot where you can have a wonderful view of the sunset.
• Dattatreya Temple dedicated to Lord Dattatreya, is situated at Gandhi Chowk in Dharwad.
• Siddharoodha Math is a prominent religious institution, a centre of Advaita philosophy as preached by Swami Siddharoodha (1837-1929).
• Bhavanishankar Temple This Chalukyan Temple with the image of Sri Narayana is flanked by the ten incarnations of God.
• Asar Mahal It was built by Mohammed Ali Shah in about 1646 to serve as a hall of justice.
• Nrupatunga Betta This is a beautiful picnic spot on the Unkal Hill in Hubli. From here you can have a panoramic view of Hubli.
• Hazarat Sayyed Fateh Shah wali Darga The most famous Darga situated in Old Hubli, its one of the very old and all the community people are visiting and perform their prayers.