Places to see in Hubli

Hubli has long been known as one of the commercial hubs of Karnataka. Its other, more traditional name, “Hubbali,” literally translates to “flowering vine,” which pretty much defines the city’s constant state of growth. While it is a much smaller city than the prominent state capital Bengaluru, it has now been listed in Karnataka’s next batch of Tier 2 IT hubs. Dharwad, Hubli’s twin city is much less commercial than Hubli and also much greener. However, Hubli should not be underestimated as there is much to see and enjoy in this city. Note that the best-known landmark, by which most tourist spots are measured, is the Kittur Rani Chennamma circle. Also, it’s a good idea to bring a bottle of water and a hat or cap, as Hubli is a hot and dry city.

For starters, go where the locals go: to Nrupatunga betta (hill). This is the picnic spot for people living in Hubli-Dharwad. It offers a beautiful panoramic view of the Twin Cities and is a good place to spend a relaxing Sunday with the family. There are, of course, countless opportunities for photographers, particularly those interested in landscape photography.

Visit Unkal Lake and the Bund Garden. Take a boat ride, take pictures of the sunset and enjoy the green garden and children’s playground. This is a great way to spend at least two hours of your day.

Chandramouleshwara Temple, very close to Unkal Lake and behind Nrupatunga Hill, is one of the unique Shiva temples in North Karnataka as it is architecturally different. It is built in the Chalukya style. It has four doors in each direction, and has two large Shivalingas as well as carved walls and black granite stone pillars. It’s lovely.

Indira Gandhi’s glass house garden is also worth a visit and is much like Lalbagh in Bengaluru with a beautiful garden. Take a walk, and if you get there on a weekend, you are in for a treat because you will be able to see the musical fountains. Navagraha Teertha is a sixty one foot tall monolithic statue of Shri 1008 Bhagavan Parshwanath. It is one of the eight Tirthankaras that have been installed.

Neersagar is another body of water: a reservoir surrounded by lush greenery and a lovely place to spend the day.

There are a few other temples here that you must visit as well. They include the Banashankari Amargol temple and the Gayatri Tapobhoomi.

It is interesting to note that a small but commercially active city is always bustling with activity. Hubli flights are also cheap and it is quite quick to get here, particularly from Bangalore.