|
|
About 75 kms from
Belgaum, is the District headquarters
of Dharwad. Calm, peaceful with a picturesque beauty, this town still
retains its old-world charm. Dotting the town are a number of beautiful
churches and temples. Some of the churches not-to-be-missed are the All
Saints Church, Basel Mission Church and the Roman Catholic Church.
The temples of Hanuman, Dattatreya, Durgadevi, Dyamavva and Panduranga
are also worth a visit. Dharwad is also a famous educational centre. Its
has two renowned universities, the Karnataka University and the University
of Agricultural Sciences.
A few kilometers away from Dharwad is Lakkundi, once an important center
for religious training. This town also has exquisite temples in the
Kalyani and Chalukyan Style. One of the most magnificent temples is that
of Kashi Vishweshware dedicated to Lord Surya Narayana, the Sun god.
MAJOR ATTRACTIONS
Annigeri:
An important political and cultural centre of ancient times. Various kings
like the Chalukyas, Yadavas and the Hoysalas annexed Annigeri. It once
formed part of the kingdoms of the Kalachuris. Situated in Annigeri is the
Amruteshwar Temple built in the Kalyani Chalukya style.
This large, black stone temple has a roof supported by 76 pillars and
carvings of mythological figures on its walls. Every year, during
December-January, this temple is the venue of a festival that attracts
many people. Apart from the temple, Annigeri also has temple dedicated to
Banashankari, Basappa, Gajina Basappa and Hanuman.
Bankapura:
Situated at a distance of 20 kms from the railway station of Yalavigi on
Poona-Bangalore line and 30 kms from Hubli, Bankapura has a fort, now in
ruins and two ancient temples. Bankapura is named after Bakeyrasa, an
officer of King Rashtra Kuta Amoghavarsha-I.
The Ranganatha Nagareshwara Temple here has 60 pillars carved out of grey
stone. The magnificent temple has an exquisitely carved ceiling. The
Sidheshwara Temple is another notable temple here.
Dambala:
Famous for its grapes ands guavas, Dambala lies 75 kms from Dharwad. It
boasts of many fine temples, the best being the Dodda Basappa Temple.
Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the Dodda Basappa Temple belongs to Kalyani
Chalukya period. It is renowned for its multigonal stellar shape.
It contains one of the most beautifully designed doorsteps that can be
seen in any temple in western India. This doorstep is exquisitely engraved
with festoons, rosettes and small marvellously carved pillars and walls.
Also at Dambala was situated a Buddhist shrine dedicated to the Goddess
Taradevi.
Gadag:
A famous centre of Kalyani Chalukyan Art, Gadag is situated about 75 kms
from Dharwad and houses the noted temples of Trikuteshwara, Vira Narayan
and Someshwara. The large Trikuteshwara Temple has a principal shrine that
consists of three lingas mounted on the same stone.
Inside the temple one can see beautiful stone screens and little figures
carved exquisitely. The Vira Narayan temple has a huge 'gopuram' built in
the Vijayanagara style of architecture.
Gudda Guddappara:
Situated on a steep hill, the village of Gudda Guddappara is famous for a
large fair held in November in honour of Malhari, an incarnation of Shiva
who killed the demon, Malla. His temple is at the top of this hill.
TRAVEL INFORMATION
HOW TO GET THERE
Air:
The nearest Airport is Belgaum (100
kms)
Rail:
Hubli is the nearest railway junction.
Road:
Dharwad is connected by road to:
Bangalore (427
kms.), Goa (140 kms.), Belgaum (140
kms.)
Local Transport:
Auto Rickshaws, Tongas, and Bus Service.
WHERE TO STAY
Vyshali Lodge, Vijaya Road. PWD Rest House. Hotel Dharwad. Brindavan
Lodge.
){kind=link}