Nobody really tells you much about Hubballi (also known as Hubli) before you go, and for good reason. There are no bustling commercial centres, no postcard skyline, just a working city with old markets, old temples, and a rhythm of daily life that’s rather lovely to be part of, even for a few days. Sort your stay at one of the popular hotels in Hubballi first, and the rest of the trip gradually falls into place on its own. If you’re visiting for the first time, here’s what I’d point you towards.
Old Hubli Market – where the city actually reveals itself
Also known locally as the Subhash Road area, Old Hubli Market is the place I’d suggest anyone wanting to understand what makes this city tick. It’s a proper working market, not one dressed up for visitors, selling everything from cotton textiles and sarees to spices, dried fruits, and small handmade goods. I found the whole experience oddly relaxing, wandering between stalls with no itinerary.
Cotton Market and the Saturday stalls
Hubballi’s roots in cotton ginning and handloom textiles run deep, and nowhere shows this better than Cotton Market, tucked away with its own distinct charm. If your visit aligns with a weekend, the Saturday Market is worth seeking out too. It is a weekly gathering that brings fresh produce, traditional wear, and household items all under one sprawling, chaotic roof.
Chandramouleshwara Temple – Nine centuries of quiet stone
The Chandramouleshwara Temple, which is around nine centuries old, is located in Unkal. According to the surveys carried out by Archaeological India, it could be traced back to the Chalukyan period when it was built. Visitors can find impressive carvings at the temple that can make them awe-struck. The temple is primarily dedicated to Lord Shiva, which is why it is also an important site from religious and architectural perspectives.Â
Siddharoodha Math – A different kind of calm
The Siddharoodha Math, located in Old Hubli, is another unique spiritual site. Constructed based on the teachings of Siddharoodha Swami, the temple offers free meals to people from all backgrounds. Despite its strong ties to religion, the place offers peace to those who simply want to be quiet.
ISKCON Sri Krishna Balarama Temple – A newer chapter
Located on the opposite end of the spectrum is the ISKCON Sri Krishna Balarama Temple situated in Rayapur and based upon its well-known equivalent in Bengaluru. The temple is dedicated to God Krishna and has a newer and brighter ambience compared with the older temples of the city. What impressed me the most about ISKCON Sri Krishna Balarama Temple is its community activities of providing mid-day meals to thousands of children every day in Hubballi and Dharwad. The temple serves as a wonderful reminder that churches and temples do much more than just religious rituals.Â
Evenings by Unkal Lake
For a slower pace after a day of markets and temples, Unkal Lake is where locals go to unwind, and I’d suggest joining them. The surrounding gardens make for an easy evening stroll, and there’s a certain charm in watching ordinary Hubballi life carry on, like families out for a walk, locals sharing snacks, children playing along the paths.
Getting a taste of local life
No visit here is complete without trying the street food. Look out for girmit and crispy paddu from the street stalls, and definitely save room for a proper Dharwad peda, the city’s most famous sweet export. Eating your way through Hubballi tells you almost as much about the place as its temples do.
A few tips for first-timers
Mornings and evenings are the best time to explore, especially in warmer months, so plan your market visits accordingly. Wear something light and comfortable, keep some small change handy for bargaining, and don’t rush. Hubballi rewards visitors who take the time to explore rather than tick off a checklist. It’s also worth booking one of the good hotels in Hubli close to Old Hubli or Vidyanagar in advance, since a central base makes hopping between the markets and temples easier.
Final thoughts
Hubballi isn’t your usual commercial centre, and that’s exactly why it is so memorable. Between the markets, the temples, and the unhurried evenings by the lake, you come away with a real sense of a city living its own life, allowing you to slow down and join in for a while.
