Dharwad is situated on the edge of Western Ghats and hence is a hilly town. Spread over seven small hills at an average altitude of 750 meters above sea level, the city enjoys a salubrious climate amidst thick vegetation. Years ago, Dharwad was known for its lakes but several have now dried out. The lakes that still exist are Sadhankeri, Kelgeri (a man made lake created during British rule, almost 100 years old), Navalur, Hosayallapur and Nuggikeri. The city still has a few more small lakes left, in spite of rapid urbanization. Dharwad sits at the cusp of two distinct geographical divisions – Malenadu (hilly, forest land with red soil) and Belavalanaadu (Deccan plains with black soil).
Dharwad has plenty of green cover. Karnatak University's Botanical Garden is a sanctuary for many rare plants, trees and birds. Kelgeri, Sadhanakeri, Navalur and Nuggikeri are also homes for water birds.

Ulavi Shree Channabasaweshwar temple at Dharwad

The climate is mildly hot during the summer (April–May), and pleasant during rest of the year, as it is at an altitude of about 750 m, plus still has a lot of greenery round. Dharwad is well known as a quiet and pleasant city popular with students and pensioners.The average yearly rainfall is 838mm
Dharwad is known as Chhota Mahabaleshwar due to its excellent climate throughout the year. Summers are mildly hot with occasional thunderstorms, lasting from late February to early June. They are followed by the monsoon season, with moderate temperatures and a large amount of precipitation. Temperatures are fairly moderate from late October to early February, with virtually no rainfall.

Dharwad cultivates a variety of crops. The Dharwad Cotton Hybrid (DCH), a popular product until a few years back, was invented in the University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad.[citation needed] In addition to this, Dharwad produces varieties of channa, kardi, soya and groundnut seeds. Farmers grow sugarcane, paddy, jowar, wheat, green gram, Bengal gram, moong and many other crops. Dharwad Alphonso mangoes and Navalur guavas are famous.

Industrial and business development

IT Park in Hubli
One of the largest automotive manufacturers, Tata Motors, has a commercial vehicle manufacturing facility at Dharwad. The unit produces small and intermediate commercial vehicles for the Indian market. The plant is on NH4, 11 km from Dharwad near Belur industrial estate, next to the high court bench of Karnataka, Dharwad.
Hubballi-Dharwad is a developing industrial hub in Karnataka after Bangalore, with more than 1000 allied small and medium industries established in Gokul Road[6] and Tarihal[7] regions of Hubli. There are machine tools industries, electrical, steel furniture, food products, rubber and leather industries, and tanning industries.
To promote the overall economic development of industries, institutions and businesses, the Karnataka Chamber of Commerce & Industry[8] was formed. It is one of the premier associations, which has been gaining momentum in achieving potential growth and prosperity in Hubli region.[9] One key aspect of industrialisation for Hubballi-Dharwad was foundation of Agricultural Produce Market Committee, which aimed at providing hassle-free market conditions for farmers, to establish regulated and stimulated production of agricultural related commodities and goods.
The new generation diesel locomotive shed in the city by Indian railways was another major boost for development of industries in this region. It was the first of its kind in Indian Railways history and created job opportunities for diploma and engineering students of this region.
Hubballi Software IT Park is in the heart of the city and is promoted by the Government of Karnataka IT Department and KEONICS acts as the modal agency for maintaining and marketing of IT Park Hubballi. STPI-Hubballi Software Technology Parks of India (organization under the Dept of IT, Government of India) has been operational from May 2001. It is on the 4th Floor of IT Park, to provide data communication, industry promotion and incubation services to IT/ITES industry.
Wallace Laboratories Pvt. Ltd. has established its manufacturing unit at Dharwad.


  • Posted By :Vipul Koul ............TWO FAMOUS TEMPLES OF DHARWAD Karnataka