Davanagere, located in the heart of Karnataka, is a vibrant city known for its cultural heritage, educational institutions, and scenic landscapes. Often referred to as the “Manchester of Karnataka” due to its cotton mills, Davanagere offers a mix of urban charm and natural beauty. The city and its surrounding areas are home to historical sites, temples, and natural attractions that draw visitors from all over. Here’s a guide to some of the best places to visit in Davanagere:
Best Places to Visit
1. Harihareshwara Temple
The Harihareshwara Temple, located in the town of Harihar, is an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Harihareshwara, a form of Lord Shiva and Vishnu. The temple is known for its unique architecture and intricate carvings that date back to the Hoysala period. It is an important pilgrimage site and attracts devotees throughout the year.
- Key Attractions: Unique deity, Hoysala architecture, intricate carvings.
- Activities: Offering prayers, exploring the temple’s architecture.
- Location: 14 km from Davanagere city.
2. Kondajji Lake
Kondajji Lake is a popular destination for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts. The lake is surrounded by lush greenery and offers activities such as boating, trekking, and camping. It is an ideal spot for picnics and spending a relaxing day amidst nature.
- Key Attractions: Scenic lake, lush surroundings.
- Activities: Boating, trekking, camping.
- Location: 15 km from Davanagere city.
3. Kunduvada Kere
Kunduvada Kere, also known as Kunduvada Lake, is a picturesque water body in Davanagere. It is a popular spot for locals and tourists, offering beautiful views and a serene environment. The lake is an excellent place for morning walks, bird watching, and enjoying sunsets.
- Key Attractions: Tranquil lake, sunset views.
- Activities: Walking, bird watching, photography.
- Location: Davanagere city.
4. Davanagere Benne Dosa
Davanagere is famous for its unique version of the South Indian dosa, known as Davanagere Benne Dosa. These buttery dosas are a must-try for food lovers visiting the city. Several local eateries serve this delicious dish, which is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
- Key Attractions: Davanagere Benne Dosa, local cuisine.
- Activities: Food tasting, exploring local eateries.
- Location: Various eateries in Davanagere city.
5. Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary
Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary, located near Davanagere, is a biodiversity hotspot that offers a unique experience for wildlife enthusiasts. The sanctuary is home to a variety of flora and fauna, including tigers, leopards, elephants, and numerous bird species. It also offers activities like wildlife safaris and bird watching.
- Key Attractions: Rich biodiversity, wildlife safaris.
- Activities: Wildlife viewing, bird watching, nature walks.
- Location: 80 km from Davanagere.
6. Shamanur
Shamanur is a small town near Davanagere, known for the Shree Anjaneya Swamy Temple. The temple is a significant pilgrimage site dedicated to Lord Hanuman and attracts devotees from all over Karnataka. The town offers a peaceful environment and a glimpse into local religious practices.
- Key Attractions: Shree Anjaneya Swamy Temple, peaceful ambiance.
- Activities: Offering prayers, participating in religious ceremonies.
- Location: 6 km from Davanagere city.
7. Chennagiri Fort
Chennagiri Fort is a historical site located near Davanagere. The fort, perched atop a hill, offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Although in ruins, the fort provides a glimpse into the region’s historical past and is a great spot for history enthusiasts and trekkers.
- Key Attractions: Historical ruins, panoramic views.
- Activities: Exploring the fort, trekking, photography.
- Location: 17 km from Davanagere city.
8. Anekonda
Anekonda is a small village near Davanagere, known for the ancient Anekonda Basaveshwara Temple. The temple, dedicated to Lord Basava, is an important religious site and showcases beautiful architecture. The village itself offers a peaceful rural setting, ideal for a tranquil getaway.
- Key Attractions: Anekonda Basaveshwara Temple, rural charm.
- Activities: Temple visits, exploring village life.
- Location: 5 km from Davanagere city.
9. Uchangidurga
Uchangidurga is a historical fort town located near Davanagere. The town is known for the Uchangidurga Fort, which sits atop a hill and offers stunning views of the surrounding areas. The fort is associated with several historical events and legends, making it an interesting site for history buffs.
- Key Attractions: Uchangidurga Fort, historical significance.
- Activities: Exploring the fort, trekking, photography.
- Location: 30 km from Davanagere.
10. Bagali
Bagali is a village known for the ancient Kalleshwara Temple, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is an architectural marvel, showcasing the intricacies of Chalukyan art. It is a significant religious site and a must-visit for those interested in history and architecture.
- Key Attractions: Kalleshwara Temple, Chalukyan architecture.
- Activities: Offering prayers, exploring temple architecture.
- Location: 30 km from Davanagere.
Summary Table
| Place | Description | Key Attraction | Distance from City Center |
|---|---|---|---|
| Harihareshwara Temple | Ancient temple with unique deity | Hoysala architecture, intricate carvings | 14 km from Davanagere |
| Kondajji Lake | Scenic lake surrounded by greenery | Boating, trekking, camping | 15 km from Davanagere |
| Kunduvada Kere | Picturesque lake offering beautiful views | Tranquil environment, sunset views | Davanagere city |
| Davanagere Benne Dosa | Famous local delicacy | Unique dosa experience | Various eateries in Davanagere |
| Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary | Biodiversity hotspot | Wildlife safaris, rich flora and fauna | 80 km from Davanagere |
| Shamanur | Town known for Shree Anjaneya Swamy Temple | Pilgrimage site, peaceful ambiance | 6 km from Davanagere |
| Chennagiri Fort | Historical fort with panoramic views | Trekking, exploring ruins | 17 km from Davanagere |
| Anekonda | Village with ancient Basaveshwara Temple | Temple architecture, rural charm | 5 km from Davanagere |
| Uchangidurga | Fort town with historical significance | Uchangidurga Fort, scenic views | 30 km from Davanagere |
| Bagali | Village with the ancient Kalleshwara Temple | Chalukyan architecture | 30 km from Davanagere |
How to Reach Davanagere
By Flight
The nearest airport to Davanagere is Hubli Airport, approximately 150 km away. The airport is well-connected to major cities like Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Hyderabad. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Davanagere.
By Train
Davanagere Railway Station is a major railhead in the region, with regular trains connecting to cities like Bengaluru, Mysuru, Mumbai, and Delhi. The railway station is conveniently located in the city center.
By Road
Davanagere is well-connected by road, with National Highway 48 running through the city. Regular bus services and private taxis are available from nearby cities and towns.
Best Time to Visit Davanagere
The best time to visit Davanagere is from October to March when the weather is pleasant and suitable for sightseeing and outdoor activities. The cooler months are ideal for exploring the natural and historical attractions of the region.
Travel Tips
- Local Cuisine: Don’t miss trying the famous Davanagere Benne Dosa and other local dishes like Jolada Rotti and Obbattu.
- Cultural Insights: Davanagere has a rich cultural heritage. You can explore local markets and festivals to experience the vibrant culture.
- Safety Tips: Davanagere is generally safe for travelers, but it’s advisable to stay cautious, especially in crowded areas. Keep your belongings secure and follow local guidelines.
Itinerary Suggestions
One-Day Trip
- Morning: Start your day with a visit to the Harihareshwara Temple, followed by a walk around Kunduvada Kere.
- Afternoon: Head to Kondajji Lake for some adventure activities like boating and trekking. Have lunch at a local restaurant.
- Evening: Enjoy the local delicacy, Davanagere Benne Dosa, at a famous eatery in the city.
Weekend Getaway
- Day 1: Begin with a visit to the Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary to explore the rich biodiversity. In the afternoon, visit the Shree Anjaneya Swamy Temple in Shamanur.
- Day 2: Start the day with a trek to Chennagiri Fort for panoramic views, followed by a visit to the Anekonda Basaveshwara Temple. End the day with a relaxing stroll around Kondajji Lake.
Davanagere offers a perfect blend of historical, cultural, and natural attractions. Whether you’re exploring ancient temples, enjoying the local cuisine, or soaking in the natural beauty, the city provides a unique and enriching experience for all types of travelers.
