Hubli also called Hubballi means “flowering creeper” and is a major city in the state of Karnataka.

The twin cities of Hubli and Dharwad referred together as Hubli-Dharwad is the second largest urban city in Karnataka after Bangalore. Hubli is about 420 kms away from Bangalore. While Hubli is the commercial hub of this city, Dharwad is the administrative centre.

If you are visiting the state of Karnataka in India, then Hubli and Dharward must definitely feature as part of your package tour.

History of Hubli

The old Hubli often referred to as Rayara Hubli has a Bhavani Shankara temple and Jaina basti. Under the patronage of the Vijaynagara Rayas it expanded as a commercial hub trading in cotton and iron. Owing to its growing commerce, the British later opened a factory here. In 1673 this factory was looted and plundered by the Maratha king, Shivaji.

The town itself has a turbulent past and has witnessed a lot of bloodshed owing to wars waged by various rulers including the Marathas and the Mughals. The British later successfully recaptured Hubli from the Marathas in 1817.

In 1820 the British were also handed the new Hubli with 47 other villages by the Sangli Patwardhan owing to the provision of subsidy.

Hubli continued to flourish as a centre of commerce. Since cotton was produced locally it flourished as a textile hub. Its prominence as a commercial hub was further enhanced with the establishment of a Railway Workshop in 1880.

Tourism in Hubli

A historical treasure house, your visit to Hubli will definitely be filled with some great memories.

Constructed about 900 years back, the Chandramouleshwara temple is a gorgeous structure which can hold its own when compared to any other marvel in other tourist destinations. Here the tourist can see the Chalukyan style of architecture. The temple has two big Shivalingas. The walls and pillars, made up of black granite stone have sculpture carved out on them.  Images of dancing Lord Ganesh and Jaalandhra at Chandramouleshwara Temple are a visual delight. It has been acknowledged as a protected monument and is of national significance.

At the Chalukyan temple of Bhavanishankar the exquisite image Sri Narayana with his ten incarnations by his side is depicted.

A picturesque water spot with a marvelous sunset, Unkal lake is where tourists can spend a quiet, restful day at this picnic spot and is situated 3kms away from Hubli. Unkal Lake also offers boating facilities. With its lush green gardens and play areas for children the young and old can both have a memorable time at this place.

A Shrine dedicated to Sayed Fateh Shah Vali is of significance as both Hindus and Muslims can both worship alongside each other.

What is fascinating about a place like Hubli is that there is a collaboration of the urban with the ancient.

A trip to Hubli when visiting India is a must, so as to not miss the different architectural styles, the rich heritage, fascinating temples with wealth of sculptural details.