Are you looking for a place that has it all, rich history, natural beauty, commercial centres and religious sites? Hubli can be your next getaway destination. The city is a popular commercial and educational hub located in the state of Karnataka. Along with Dharwad, its twin city, Hubli forms the second largest city in Karnataka and houses the largest number of government offices outside the state capital.
So, whether you are on a business trip or looking for a relaxing getaway, the places to visit in Hubli are perfect for you. The city is deeply rooted in its history, which you can witness in its historic temples and architecture. Hubli, the anglicised version of Hubballi, which means “Flowering creeper” in Kannada, is also known for its scenic beauty and boasts serene lakes and vibrant local culture. Additionally, it serves as a gateway to North Karnataka, offering easy access to Dharwad, Badami and Hampi.
Let’s explore this hidden gem in Karnataka and find out more about the places to visit in Hubli!
Best Time to Explore Places to Visit in Hubli
Hubli, being famous for its cotton, textile, iron and automobile industries, is a year-round destination for business travellers. But if you are looking for a vacation, then, winter season (October to February) is the best time to visit Hubli. The weather during these months ranges from 15 degrees Celsius to 30 degrees Celsius, offering pleasant weather for sightseeing, outdoor activities and exploring places to visit in Hubli at their best. Monsoon season (June to September) is accompanied by heavy rains, which can hamper your sightseeing plans. Moreover, during the summer season (March to May), the temperatures soar up to 40 degrees, which again can obstruct your outdoor activities. Therefore, for the best travelling experience to Hubli, the winter season is suitable for you.
How To Reach Hubli
Hubli has excellent connectivity with the neighbouring cities and major states in India via road, rail and air. Bangalore is the nearest major city to Hubli. If you wish to relax before heading to Hubli, you can book your stay at affordable hotels in Bangalore.
Here is a detailed description of various modes of transportation to reach the city without a hassle:
- By Air: Hubli Airport connects the city to major cities like Bangalore, Hyderabad, Chennai and Goa through regular flights. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take public transport to explore the places to visit in Hubli.
- By Rail: Hubli Junction on the South Western Railway network serves as the major railway station. The station is centrally located and connects the city to major cities like Bangalore, Mumbai, Delhi, Ahmedabad, Hyderabad and Chennai.
- By Road: The city is well-connected by road to neighbouring cities and states. The National Highway 48 (NH 48) passes through Hubli, linking it to Bangalore, Pune and Mumbai. Various state highways running through the city connect it to other cities of Karnataka. You can either reach the city by your vehicle, cab or government-run and private buses.
Places to Visit in Hubli
1. Nrupatunga Hill
Located 5 kms away from the Hubli Junction Railway Station in Unkal locality, Nrupatunga Hill is one of the best places to visit in Hubli. It is a small hillock situated at Unkal locality of Hubli, where you can relax and unwind in nature’s realm. It is a famous tourist destination attracting a large number of visitors. You can get a bird’s eye view of the cities of Hubli and Dharwad from the hilltop and enjoy a stroll while admiring the lush green surroundings.
While exploring Nrupatunga Hill, you can also visit the Devi Temple and a Dargah atop Nrupatunga Betta.
Best Time to Visit: Early mornings or Sunset.
Timing: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM.
Entry Fee: INR 10 for Adults and INR 5 for Children.
2. ISKCON Krishna Balarama Temple
ISKCON Krishna Balarama Temple, a sacred Hindu temple, is located in the Rayapur locality of Hubli on the Hubballi-Dharwad Road. It is one of the prominent religious places to visit in Hubli. Spread over an area of about 8 acres, the temple was built by the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON). It houses the deities of Sri Radha Krishna, Sri Krishna Balarama, Sri Gaura Nitai, and Sri Srinivasa Govinda.
The temple rituals begin with Mangala Aarti at 4:30 AM and close at 8:00 PM. Rath Yatra (January or February) and Krishna Janmashtami (August) are the significant events celebrated at the temple and the grand celebrations leave the visitors awe-inspired.
Best Time to Visit: During Mangala Arti or Festivals.
Timings: 4:00 AM – 1:00 PM and 4:00 PM – 8:20 PM.
Entry Fee: No Fees.
3. Hubli Railway Museum
Visiting the city with friends and family? One place you cannot skip is the Railway Museum at Hubli. It is one of its kind in North Karnataka and second in South Western Railway after the Mysore Rail Museum in Mysore. The museum located on Gadag Road opposite to Central Railway Hospital was inaugurated on 31st July, 2020.
At the museum, you not only get to witness the locomotives, wagons but there is also an antique tiled roof cottage where you will find railway theme artworks, station master’s office and other related offices. Moreover, you can get an unforgettable experience of watching a movie in a train at Theatre Coach or take a toy train ride.
Best Time To Visit: November to February.
Timings: 12:00 PM – 7:00 PM (Tuesday to Friday); 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM (Saturday, Sunday and other public holidays) and the museum is closed on Mondays.
Entry Fees: INR 20 for Adults above 12 years and INR 10 for Children between 5 to 12 years.
4. Utsav Rock Garden
If you wish to witness and learn about the culture and traditions of rural Karnataka, Utsav Rock Garden is one of the best places to visit in Hubli. The garden is a “Contemporary Sculpture Museum offering a glimpse of the rural empire of the state through art, architecture, sculptures and modern art. Crowned with 8 World Records for its thousands of awe-inspiring sculptures, it is a popular educational and cultural tourism hub in Karnataka.
Located at Gotagodi village between Hubali and Haveri, it showcases Indian traditional agriculture and other rustic professions through art and architecture. Therefore, for an incredible experience of rural India, the Garden is a must-visit for every traveller.
Best Time to Visit: March – May and September – November.
Timings: 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Entry Fees: INR 200 for Adults and INR 100 for Children between 3 to 12 years of age.
5. Siddharoodha Math
Another famous religious institution and tourist place in Hubli is Siddharoodha Math, located just 4 kms away from Hubli Junction Railway Station. The institution was established by the followers of Sri Siddharoodha Swami, who took Samadhi in 1929. He was a famous spiritual leader who preached Advaita Philosophy in the 18th century. The math, in the past also seen notable visitors like Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak and Mahatma Gandhi.
Apart from its teachings, the math also attracts visitors’ attention for its architecture and annual Car Festival on the occasion of Maha Shivaratri, making it one of the popular places to visit in Hubli.
Best Time to Visit: October to January and during the Car Festival on Maha Shivratri.
Timing: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM.
Entry Fees: No Fees.
6. Chandramouleshwara Temple
One of the most popular places to visit in Hubli for its spirituality and architecture is the Chandramouleshwara Temple. Located in the suburbs of the city, this 900-year-old temple is one of the finest examples of Chalukya Architecture.
The temple dedicated to lord Shiva has sculpted walls and pillars of black granite stone and images of lord Ganesh and Jalandhar, which mesmerise the visitors. Moreover, the temple is one of its kind Shiva temples in North Karnataka with two big Shivlings, four doors in as many directions.
Best Time to Visit: Throughout the year.
Timings: 6:00 AM- 11:00 AM and 5:00 PM – 7:30 PM (Pooja timings) and 6:00 AM to 7:30 PM ( Temple timings).
Entry Fees: No entry Fees.
Thus, the places to visit in Hubli will not only take you back in time but will also become an unforgettable memory.
