Hubli, also known as Hubbali, is part of the twin cities of Hubli - Dharwad and a well-known industrial town. A major city of Dharwad district in Karnataka, Hubli is renowned for its handloom textile units and has several cotton ginning and processing mills. Hubli is situated 80 km from Belgaum, 160 km from Goa, 420 km north of Bangalore, and 550 km south of Mumbai. It is the second-largest city in Karnataka, after Bangalore. The climate of the city is extremely good throughout the year, however the best time to visit Hubli is between the months of October and March. It is also an important city for the Indian Railways, being the headquarters for South Western Railway Zone and the Hubbali Division.
The historic town of Hubli was formerly known as Raya Hubli and also as Elaya Puravada Halli. During the reign of the Vijaynagara Empire, Hubli was transformed into an important cotton and iron trade center. Bhavanishankar Temple is a worth watching site of Hubli. This Chalukyan Temple has an image of Sri Narayana, with ten incarnations of God around it. There is the famous Moorusavira Matha, and the Matha authorities claim that it was begun by a Sharana of Basaveshwara`s period.
Hubli is an important industrial center, boasting more than 1000 allied small and medium industries already established. There are machine tools industries, steel furniture stores, electrical, food products, rubber and leather industries and tanning industries. With the establishment of K.E.C, Universal Group of Industries, Bhoruka textile Mill, Microfinish Group, BDK Group of Industries and Murudeshwar Ceramics, this city has gathered momentum in industrial development. Popular group of hotels, Kamat Group, started off in this very city. IT Park Hubli is situated in the heart of the city and is promoted by the Government of Karnataka.
Kundgol is the haven for renowned Hindustani classical music singers, situated about 20 km southeast of Hubballi. Panchakshri Gavai, Pandit Sawai Gandharva, Pandit Putturaj Gawai, Pandit Mallikarjun Mansoor, Pandit Kumar Gandharva, Pandit Basavaraj Rajguru, Gangubai Hangal, Pandit Arjunsa Nakod and Pandit Bhimsen Joshi are some of the outstanding personalities of music world from this part of the region who have enriched the Hindustani music with their contributions. Hindustani music is patronized in the regions of Hubli-Dharwad, Hyderabad Karnataka, Belgaum region. Hubli has numerous colleges and schools in all streams providing quality education. Karnataka Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS) and KLE Society Belgaum`s BVB College of Engineering and Technology are the best-known institutions of Hubli.
Dollu Kunitha is a popular drum dance and is at times accompanied with songs relating to religious praise or wars. The large drums are decorated with coloured cloth, and are slung around the necks of men. Veeragase is popular folk dance. It is a symbolic presentation of the heroism and valour of God Veerabahadhra. Its exponents are called Lingadevaru and they dance with religious fervour at festival time especially during the months of Shravana and Kartika. Nandikolu kunitha and Jodu halige are two more local art forms of Hubli. While Lambani nruthya, women dressed colorfully move circularly, clapping and singing. Veerabhadra kunitha is the dance form that depicts the story of Veerabhadra, the legendary minor god created by Lord Siva to teach a lesson to his father-in-law Daksha. The folk art forms of Hubli are some of the oldest and most exquisite ones in India.
Asar was built in about 1646 AD by Mohammed Ali Shah to serve as a hall of justice. This edifice was also used to safely store two hairs from the Prophet`s beard. Siddharoodha Math is an eminent religious institution in Hubli and a centre of Advaita philosophy as preached by Swami Siddharoodha, is located just 2 km from Hubli.
Unkal Lake is a pictorial water spot with a superb sunset view; this perfect picnic spot has green garden, entertaining facilities for the children, boating facilities and so on. The lake is created 3 km away from Hubli. Glass House is a palace of glass in Hubli, inaugurated by the former Indian Prime Minister, Smt. Indira Gandhi. The important places around Hubli include Navilteerth that is situated 53 km from Hubli and a picturesque spot on the way to Ramadurga is ideal for a picnic. Sathodi and Mathodi Falls are ideal destination for trekkers and nature lovers, this falls on Hubli - Karwar Highway is 85 km away from Hubli. Sykes Point is a picnic spot, located 84 km from Hubli, and is a nice place to watch nature`s beauty and sunset. Ulavia is sited near Dandeli, 98 km from Hubli. This is a holy place where Shri Chennabasaveshwar Temple is situated.
Dharwad Utsav is an event comprises of a daylong Hindustani music concert held in the twin cities of Hubli and Dharwad, generally in the month of November. Music, dance, theater, painting, Janapada and other events mark the celebrations. The tourists can enjoy a comfortable stay while on a tour to Hubli, at the hotels in Hubli, offering a remarkable blend of tradition and modernity. One can reach Hubli by air, through its own airport, located 18 km away. One can also reach Hubli by its major rail junction on the Mumbai - Bangalore route and the city is also well-connected to places like Vasco da Gama and Margao in Goa. Hubli is connected by a network of roads to all major cities of Karnataka and also to neighboring Maharashtra and other cities in South India.