Discover Hubli-Dharwad: Literature, Art and Nature

In Dharwad, you’ll find literary landmarks, art, parks, science and history. The wider Dharwad destination also encompasses temples and other nature- and culture-related attractions. Consider which of these interests you’d like to shape your stay; the places below offer specific ideas to help you decide.

Literature and Art in Dharwad

The lake in Sadhankeri Park inspired the Kannada poet Dr. Dattatreya Ramachandra Bendre. Opposite the lake is his former home in Sadhankeri Layout, in southern Dharwad. The park is defined by its dense mango trees. The lake, house and park offer a literary connection to Bendre, though his legacy is not confined to a single place.

D R Bendre Bhavan in Dharwad is a memorial to the poet, displaying rare photographs, portrait paintings, quotations and excerpts from his poems. Workshops, talks and events on Kannada literature are also held there regularly. If you’re interested in a particular event, check the current programme before your visit. The Bhagavad Gita Jnana Loka Art Gallery offers a different perspective: its paintings, sculptures and modern art installations present the Bhagavad Gita through art. Dharwad’s cultural attractions therefore range from a poet and his literary legacy to the visual arts.

Parks and Science

Sadhankeri Park has a range of facilities for children, including seesaws, merry-go-rounds, slides and swings. If these facilities are important to your plans, check their current condition in advance. The musical fountain is scheduled to operate on Saturdays and Sundays. If you’d like to plan your visit around the show, check beforehand whether it is currently running.

Dharwad Science Centre has a different focus, with three galleries: Science & Technology Heritage, Bio-machines and Fun Science. Their names point to distinct subject areas, from science and technology heritage to bio-machines and fun science. In the wider Dharwad destination, the Regional Science Centre adds to the range of attractions with interactive exhibitions, planetarium shows and educational programmes. If you’re planning to attend a particular show or programme, check the schedule in advance.

History and a Regional Speciality

All Saints Church in Dharwad was built in 1869 under British rule to serve the religious needs of British personnel stationed there. Dharwad Fort was built in the 18th century under rulers of the Maratha Empire and is considered an important historical landmark. Both places offer a glimpse into different chapters of regional history.

Dharwad’s regional food culture also has a distinct local connection: Dharwad Peda is a well-known sweet from the city and has a geographical indication (GI). This makes it a distinctive regional speciality, but you shouldn’t assume that a tasting experience is available when planning a visit.

More Places in the Dharwad Destination

In the wider Dharwad destination, several temples represent different architectural and religious traditions. The Chandramouleshwara Temple in Unkal is believed to be about 900 years old and is an architectural monument of the Chalukya dynasty. Its layout features four doors facing the four cardinal directions and two large Shiva lingas. In Annigeri, Shri Amruteshwara Temple was built in 1050 AD and is considered the first temple built of soapstone. Its design is associated with the Kalyani Chalukya style, and its roof is supported by 76 pillars.

Kundgol is known for its ancient temples, Shambulingeswara and Brahma, and as the birthplace of Hindustani musician Rambhau Kundgolkar, also known as Pandit Sawai Gandharva. In Tamboor, Basavanna Temple is at the heart of an important pilgrimage centre for the Lingayat community; it is dedicated to one of the faith’s most revered saints. These places show how temple architecture, religious life and music offer different ways to explore the Dharwad destination.

The landscape and local crafts add to the picture. Unkal Lake is surrounded by lush greenery and is suitable for walking, boating and picnicking. Dharwad Kasuti, meanwhile, is an embroidery tradition practised by local artisans. Markets and shops in Dharwad and Haveri sell embroidered clothing and home accessories; what individual shops offer may vary. When planning your trip, you can choose your own focus, from nature and architecture to music and crafts.

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