Davanagere

In 1997, Davanagere district was carved out of 3 districts of Chitradurga, Shivamogga and Ballari and derives its name from Devanagari which gradually became Davanagere. It is surrounded by Ballari in the north, Shivamogga and Haveri in the west, Chikkamagaluru in the south and Chitradurga in the east. It supports a large-scale textile industry and is a trading centre for cotton and grain. The surrounding villages produce hand-loomed cotton and wool. Davangere Cotton Mills is a very popular name.
Davanagere is also famous for its lip-smacking Benne Dosa, a crispy variant of Dosa with butter applied generously on it which is best savoured with a spicy chutney and potato palya (curry). Another snack that’s popular is the Mirchi Mandakki which is a combination of puffed rice mixed with a spicy tempering and garnished with carrot, coriander and onion, often served with mirchi (green chilli coated in a batter deep fried in oil).

Shantisagara, Harihara, Kondjji Lake, Santhebennur pushkarani, Theertharameshwara, Rangayyanadurga Four Horned Antelope Sanctuary, UchangiDurga, Glass House And Duggamma Temple are Davanagere’s most popular tourist attractions.

For further information, visit the official district website click here!

Districts

Wildlife

Rangayyanadurga Four Horned Antelope Sanctuary: Rangayyandurga Four Horned Antelope Wildlife Sanctuary Rangayyandurga Wildlife Sanctuary is situated in Jagalur Taluk of Davanagere district spread over an area of around 77.23 sq km. It is covered with tall grasses of dry deciduous thorny scrub vegetation and open grass land habitat. The Sanctuary is extremely rich in flora and fauna, with few of them classified as endemic species, to be found only in these areas. The Sanctuary harbours many large mammals including Four Horned Antelope, Sloth Beer, Indian Grey Wolf, Pangolin, Palm Squirrel, Wild Boar, Jackal and Black Naped Hare.

Tourist Attractions

Santhebennur Pushkarani: Santhebennur Pushkarani (sacred pond) is one of the famous tourist places in Davanagere district. Pushkarani is locally called Honda here. This historical pushkarini is known for its architectural beauty. It is believed that Kenga Hanumantappa Nayaka, a local palegar, built a Rama Temple and this pushkarini here in the 16th century. The sides of the pushkarini, are veneered with granite steps. Initially, there were eight towers at the cardinal points (representing eight directions). However, of these eight, only six remain intact now. The Mantapa at the centre of the pushkarini, is a symmetrical pillared tower and exhibits Indo-Arabic style of architecture. The Kunduwada Lake & Glasshouse: Popular picnic spot for people of Davanagere
Kondajji Lake: Located on the way to Harihar from Davanagere, is the Kondajji Lake. A popular picnic spot, this lake also is a haven for different species of birds. The lake is named after Kondajji Basappa, who took an active role in promotion of Scout and Guide movement in Karnataka. The lake also offers boating for visitors.
Shanthi Sagara Lake: Also called as Sulekere, Shanti Sagara Lake is believed to be Asia's second largest lake ( 27 sq kms) and thus is a local tourist attraction. Shantisagara is a man-made lake built in 11^th or 12^th century AD by Princess Shantavva after whom the lake is named. It is the lifeline of Davanagere and Chitradurga districts as it is the main source of water supply for drinking and agriculture. Veerabhadreshwara Temple, Kali Temple, Sri Siddheshwara Temple and Sri Krishna temple are located in the proximity of the lake and attracts lots of devotees throughout the year. Boating facility is also available.
Uchangi Durga: Uchangi Durga is one of the oldest forts in Karnataka now in ruins. Uchangi got its name from nearby Uchangemma temple. Unchangi Durga is worth visiting for the view it offers. The old fort is in ruins but several gateways, watch towers and bastions are still intact. Uchangi Durga Fort was built in the fourth century and was under the rule of several kingdoms including Kadambas, Chalukyas, Hyder Ali and Nayaks. Uchangi Durga is believed to have its peak prosperity under the Nayaks of Chitradurga, Thimmappa Nayaka in particular.
Belagutti: Has remains of a fort and an old Siddeshwara temple
Chennagiri: Popular for an old hill fort, built by Queen Chennammaji. The hilltop fort has a temple of Bete Ranganathaswami and offers splendid views
Honnali: Has an old fort in ruins and Mallikarjuna T Honnali is believed to have had a gold mine in the past.
Kuruva Island: 10 kms south-east of Honnali, Kuruvada Gadde is an island in Tungabhadra river with Rameshwara temple
Santhebennur: Popular for a highly artistic pushkarini (pond), 90 square meters in area with a Vasantha Mantapa at the centre.

Religious Places

Durgamma and Veerabhadra Temples: Two old temples in Davanagere town.
Harihareshwara Temple, Harihara: Located in Harihar taluk, this place derives its name from the famous Harihareshwara Temple situated here. This temple is quite unique as it dedicated to Lord Harihareshwara which is the union between Lord Hari (Lord Vishnu) and Lord Hara (Lord Shiva). It is a great example of Hoysala architecture and is believed to have been built around the 12th Century. The idol of Lord Harihareshwara is believed to be a Swayambhu (self-manifested). There is also a temple dedicated to Goddess Parvathi inside the temple complex.
Rajanahalli: 6 kms from Harihara, home to Bannimahakali Temple, Amba Bhavani temple and Valmiki Gurupeetha
Thirtharameshwara Temple, Honnali: Located in Honnali, this temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The main attraction at this temple is the Kashi Ganga water tank, a small water tank wherein the water is believed to be originating from Kashi. There is constant flow of water in this tank throughout the year. The water is very pure and tasty and said to cure many illnesses. Another interesting feature of this temple is that it is one of the few temples in India which also worships the God of Creation, Lord Brahma. The 4 faced idol of Lord Brahma, consecrated here also has a glass mirror installed behind so that devotees can see the fourth face of the deity.
Kalleshvara Temple, Bagali: Bagali also known as Balgali during the medieval period, was an important ‘Agrahara’ (an area of land which was provided to scholarly brahmins priests) from the times of the of Kalyana Chalukyas to the Hoysalas and Vijayanagara Empires. The main temple was constructed during the reign of the western Chalukyan King Ahavamalla in 987 AD. The main deity is known as Lord Kalideva (Lord Shiva). The temple, facing east, is constructed close to the embankment of huge tank of the village Bagali to its north. A shrine of Lord Narasimha with an antarala and a passage is situated to the north of the sabhamandapa. The sabhamandapa is well-known for its fifty ornate pillars supporting the highly decorated ceiling. The temple is also known for intricately carved doorways.
Anekonda: Known for a beautiful hoysala style Ishwara temple
Anagod: Known for Siddeshwara temple
Balleshwara: Known for Hoysala era Ballala Lingeshwara temple on the banks of Tungabhadra river.
Hodigere: Known for Tomb of Shahji Bhonsale, father of Chatrapati Shivaji
Joladhalu: A pilgrimage centre with Amba Bhavani temple (also known as Kukkvadamma Renuka). The deity is seated on a lion with a trishula and drum in her hands.
Kalkere: A horse shoe shaped valley with Balleshwara, Kalleshwara and Hanumantharaya temples
Mayakonda: Known for Obala Narasimha temple and Keshava temple
- Nanditavare: Home to Amrita Manikyeshwara temple built in Hoysala style
Musafirkhana Mosque: A fine granite mosque in Santhebennur.
Shankaranahalli: Home to Ranganathaswami temple, locally known as Tiruvengalanatha. The Vijayanagara Era design is an exact replica of temples in Mayakonda.
Bhimeshvara Temple, Nilagunda:Often mistaken for other temples in the state, Bhimeshvara temple is located in Nilagunda town in Harapanahalli taluk of Davangere district in Karnataka

Tour Location

Davanagere is well connected by rail and road network from all over Karnataka. Davanagere is 262 kms north-west of Bengaluru.

Jindal Vijayanagara airport is the closest airport to Davanagere (134 kms) but has limited flights. Hubballi is the next closest airport 160 kms away. Bengaluru and Mangaluru are these well connected international airports, both about 270-280 kms from Davanagere.