Haveri District

About Haveri District

Haveri District is a prominent district in the south Indian state of Karnataka. It is located in the center of Karnataka and is equidistant from Bidar in the north and Kollegal in the south. It is encircled by the districts of Dharwad in the north, Gadag in the northeast, Davangere in the south, Bellary in the east, Shimoga in the southwest and Uttar Kannada on the west and northwest. The district headquarters is in Haveri, which is an important trading town and has a number of educational institutions. The rivers flowing through the district are Varada, Dharma, Kumudvati, and Tungabhadra. Before becoming a separate district Haveri was a part of Dharwad district.

Haveri District, the focal point of Karnataka’s art and culture covering an expanse of 4823 sq. km was carved out from Dharwad district. Strategically located 335 km from the capital city of Bangalore, Haveri is enclosed between Dharwad district on the north, Gadag district on the northeast, Bellary district on the east, Davangere district on the south, Shimoga district on the southwest and by Uttar Kannada on the west and northwest, respectively.

Haveri District has a population of 1,439,116 as per the 2001 Census. The local residents reap crops and indulge in industrial enterprises and other allied ventures to earn their living. The district is also trying to exploit its gold and silver deposits in order to earn revenue. The district is spread across an area of 4848 Sq.Kms. which is 2.53% of the area of Karnataka state. Haveri district has, for decentralized administration, two sub-divisions namely Haveri and Savanur with seven taluks namely Hanagal, Shiggaon, Savanur,Haveri,Byadagi, Hirekerur, and Ranebennur. Haveri being an administrative and political Head Quarters of the District, is 335 Kms. from Bangalore by road and 394 Kms. by rail.

Agriculture being the main occupation in the district, of the 485000 hectare of the geographical area of the district 360030 hectare is cultivated. Jawar, Cotton, Rice, Chilies, Gram, Groundnut, sunflower, sugarcane, and oilseeds are the major crops of the district.

Before it was made seperate district, it was part of Dharawad district.Bada village where the greatest of all Saints Kanakadasa was born is situated in Haveri district. Today Mutt dedicated to this great saint is located in Kaginele Village called the Shri Kaginele Kanaka Guru Peetha. The freedom fighter Milara Mahadevappa who was resistant for british rule is from Motebennur, which comes under this district. Another freedom fighter Gudleppa Hallikere a native of Hosaritti is also from this district. He started a residential school Gandhi Grameen Gurukul in Hosaritti. This place was an important center of the Kalamukha seat. As many as 32 inscriptions were found here. at present, it is a renowned center of cardamom trade.

History

History of Haveri district dates to pre-historic period. Evidences are available on existence of pre-historic civilizations on the Tungabhadra and Varada river basins. Stone carvings depicting Stone Age civilizations are found in many parts of the district. About 1300 stone writings of different rulers like Chalukyas, Rastrakutas are found in the district. Though none of the major kingdoms of Karnataka had their headquarters in Haveri, many Mandaliks ruled in this district.

Bankapura Challaketaru, Guttavula Guttaru, Kadamba of Hanagal and Nurumbad are some of the well known Samanta Rulers. Devendramunigalu the teacher of Kannada Adikavi Pampa and Ajitasenacharya the teacher of Ranna Chavundaray lived in Bankapura. This was also the second capital of Hoysala Vishnuvardhana. Guttaru ruled during latter part of 12th century and up to end of 13th century from Guttavol (Guttal) village as Mandaliks of Chalukya, independently for some time and as Mandaliks of Sevuns of Devagiri. Shasanas found in Choudapur, a village near Guttal, reveal that Mallideva was Mandalika of 6th Vikramaditya of Chalukyas. Jatacholina, under the leadership of Mallideva built the Mukteshwar temple at Choudapur. Kadambas of Nurumbad during the period of Kalyana Chalukyas ruled about 100 villages with Rattihalli as their capital. Kadambeshwar temple at Rattihalli is a beautiful Chalukya style temple.

All these Samantas who ruled from different parts of the district have left their permanent evidences in the history of the district. Many beautiful temples like Tarakeshwar at Hanagal, Kadambeshwar at Rattihalli, Someshwar at Haralahalli, Nagareshwar at Bankapur, Mukteshwar at Choudapur, Siddheshwar at Haveri, Eeshwar at Galaganath, Jain Basadi at Yalavatti depict the rich culture and history of the district.

Educational Institutions

Institutions

• Sindagi Shanthaveereshwara Ayurvedic
• P. V. S. Instutute Of Para Medical Science
• Sri Taralabalu Jagadgur Institute Of
• Janatha Co-operative Shikshana Samithi
• K M K G Tch College
• Shri. Kumareshwara College Of Edn
• Ranibennur Education Society
• Rural Polytechnic
• Kles Cb Kolli Polytechnic
• Sri Sadguru Seva Rural Iti
• Siddlingeshwara Iti
• Gudleppa Hallikeri College
• Srs Comp Pu College
• Rtes Arts & Science College
• Kumareshwara Pu College
• New Comp Pu College
• Anjuman Pu College
• Govt Sjjm Pu College
• Ces Pu College
• Sangameshwar Pu College
• Hosamani Siddappa Pu College
• Sbbm Desai Comp Pu College
• S. Veerabhadreshwar Pu College
• The Ranebennur Taluka Education Society
• H. S Pu College Ranebennur
• Kle Cb Polytechnic
• Stj Institute Of Technology
• Jess Sri Kumareshwar Edn College
• P V S Institute Of Paramedical Sciences

Tourist Attraction

Chaudadanapura:The ancient village of Chaudadanapura is located in Ranebennur taluk of Haveri District. The ancient name of the village was Shivapura and the name Chaudadanapura was given to it in subsequent centuries.

Ranibennur:This place is famous for the Siddheshwara temple found here. The tomb of a Muslim Saint, Hazrat jamal Shah (1785) is also famous here. Annual Prayers are held in his honour.

Byadagi located 15 km from Haveri District, is the taluk headquarters of Byadagi taluk. This place is famed for the Byadagi chillies. The Tungabhadra River 38 km away from Byadagi, is the main source of water supply.

Siddhesvara Temple: The Siddhesvara Temple is located in the town of Haveri in Haveri district and is considered as an ornate example of 12th century Western Chalukyan art. This is one of the rare temples of Haveri District that is well known for the loose sculptures of Hindu deities that exist. However, inscriptional evidence suggests that the initial sanctification of the temple was in late 11th century.This temple features delicately carved marvelous pillars and the ceiling is ornate with floral designs. The exterior walls are beautifully carved.

Byadgi:Inscriptions about the Rashtrakuta King Krishna ll (901 AD) were found here. This place is well known for the special varity of chillies found here known as Byadgi chillies.

Kaginelli is a small sleepy village which lures the visitors by its panoramic landscape and lush greenery. This serene village lies nine miles west of Haveri on the way to Hirekerur.

Ramalingeshwar Temple is located at Yalavatti Village, which is 16 km from Hangal, in Haveri District.A 72-feet long and 54-feet broad temple, built in 9th century, it has a five feet tall Shivling, an idol of Basavanna and Shakti.

**Rattihalli:**Groves of trees, hillocks and rivers make this place attractive. Rattihalli, adjacent to the Western Ghats, has a population of more than a thirteen thousand people. This serene village is popular from the epoch of Banvasi Kadambas and Rashtrakoota emperors.

Mylara Lingeshwara Temple at Mylara:Mylara (Mailara) Lingeshwara Temple at Mylara in in the extreme south-western corner of Hadagali taluk, Bellary District, North Karnataka, India. Situated 2 km from Tungabhadra river and 40 km from Hadagali. Mylara Lingeshwara is one of the forms of Shiva. The temple is dedicated to Shiva in his form as Mailari.

**Savanur:**This town was developed by Abdul Raufkhan. The Nawab’s palace, ruins of the fort and mosque are well worth a visit. The annual fair of Sathyabodhasvami Mutt attracts a huge crowd.

Galaganatha is a small village located in Haveri District of Karnataka. It is renowned as the birthplace of the first Kannada novelist, Galaganatha. It is recorded in numerous inscriptions that Galaganatha was formerly known as Palluni.

Aratala is a small village situated at Shiggon Taluk in Haveri District of Karnataka. This village is renowned for an ancient Jain temple called the Aratala Jain Temple

Someshwar at Haralahalli and Jain Basadi at Yalavatti are some of the reputed temples of Haveri District. The temples of Haveri District are located all across the district, thus making it a destination for the tourists in the state.

Ranebennur Blackbuck Sanctuary:Located 8 km from Ranebennur in Haveri District, the Ranebennur Blackbuck Sanctuary was created with view to protect the black buck.The area is covered mainly by scrub forest and is also inhabited by the endangered Great Indian bustard and the wolf. Other mammals include wild pig, fox, jackal, langur, porcupine, common mongoose, hare, pangolin and hyenas. Avifauna population in the sanctuary includes peafowl, sirkeer cuckoo, large grey babbler, bay backed shrike and black drongo.

Hallur is located in Haveri District of Karnataka. It is about 50 km south of Haveri and is 37 km from Davangere.

Gangibavi:This picturesque village attracts a lot of devotees from most parts of north Karnataka during Makara Sankranthi. The devotees take bath in the small pond near the Rameshwara temple. It is believed that the River Ganges flows into this pond during Sankranthi and taking bath in the waters will rid them of all sins.

Haveri District had the potential to become a Tourism Hub

• Hukkeri Math Haveri
• Tarakeshwar at Hanagal
• Nagareshwar at Bankapura
• Mukteshwara temple at Chaudayyadanapura
• Galageshwara Temple at Galaganatha
• Kadambeshwar temple at Rattihalli
• Someshwar at Haralahalli
• Jain Basadi at Yalavatti
• Temples at Kaginele (Kanakadasa)
• Hole-Anveri Temple
• Kadaramandalagi Anjaneyaswami Temple
• Mylara Lingeshwara Temple at Mylara near Guttala
• Mallari Temple at Gudda Guddaapura near Ranebennur

Temples at Kaginele

• Kaginele Mahasamsthana Kanaka Gurupeetha
• Adikeshava Temple
• Virabhadra Temple
• Someshwara Temple
• Sangameshwara Temple
• Kalahasteshwara Temple
• Narasimha Temple
• Lakshmi Temple
• Handiganuor

Location info

Strategically located 335 km from the capital city of Bangalore, Haveri is enclosed between Dharwad district on the north, Gadag district on the northeast, Bellary district on the east, Davangere district on the south, Shimoga district on the southwest and by Uttar Kannada on the west and northwest, respectively.

Mobile network coverage

Airtel, Jio, BSNL, and Vi all provide coverage across Karnataka. 4G is reliable in Bangalore, Mysore, Mangalore, Hubli, and along highways. Coverage may be weaker in deep forest areas of Bandipur, Nagarhole, and certain Western Ghats sections. Most hotels, resorts, and cafes in tourist areas offer free Wi-Fi.

Food & restaurants nearby

Food options are available in the nearest town. Karnataka cuisine ranges from coastal seafood to Udupi vegetarian to Coorg’s pandi curry. Dosa, idli, bisi bele bath, and filter coffee are iconic.

Hotels & accommodation nearby

Accommodation is available in the nearest town or city. Options range from budget lodges to luxury resorts. Booking ahead during Dasara (Mysore) and peak winter season is recommended.

Climate & weather

Karnataka has a varied climate from the humid coast to the dry Deccan plateau and cool Western Ghats. The best time to visit is October to March, with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 30°C depending on region. April–May is hot across most of the state (up to 38°C). The southwest monsoon (June–September) brings heavy rain to the coast and ghats but transforms the landscape — this is the best time for Jog Falls and Coorg’s lush greenery. Hill stations (Coorg, Chikmagalur) remain pleasant year-round. Bangalore has a moderate climate throughout.

Helpline & emergency contacts

Tourist Helpline: 1364 (toll-free, 24×7). Police: 112 (all-India emergency). Ambulance: 108. Women’s Helpline: 1091. Karnataka Police Tourist Helpline: 112.

Nearest petrol pump

Petrol pumps are available in the nearest town or on the approach road — check locally for the closest option.

Best time to visit Haveri District

October to March is the best time to explore cities in Karnataka — pleasant weather for sightseeing. November to February offers comfortable temperatures perfect for outdoor exploration. Summer (April-June) can be hot — plan outdoor activities for early morning or evening.

Timings & opening hours

City attractions have varying hours. Most shops and markets operate from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM. Temples and heritage sites typically open 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Malls and restaurants stay open until late.

Entry fee & tickets

Entry fees vary by attraction within the city. Most parks and public spaces are free. Museums: ₹20-₹100 for Indian nationals, ₹100-₹500 for foreign nationals. Heritage sites: nominal entry fee.

Duration needed

2-3 days is ideal to explore the main attractions of the city. A day trip can cover the highlights. Week-long stays allow for in-depth exploration including day trips to nearby attractions.

Safety tips

Karnataka’s cities are generally safe for tourists. Take standard precautions: keep valuables secure, avoid isolated areas after dark, use registered taxis or app-based cabs at night, and be aware of your surroundings in crowded areas.

Things to carry

Comfortable walking shoes, camera, water bottle, sunscreen, hat, city map or smartphone with navigation, power bank, light jacket for air-conditioned venues, and identification documents.

Nearby visiting places

Nearby attractions include other cities in the region, historical sites, temples, nature spots, and recreational areas within a day-trip distance.

Nearest airport, railway & bus

The city has its own railway station and bus stand. The nearest domestic/international airport connects to major cities. City buses, auto-rickshaws, app-based taxis, and rental cars are available for local transport.

Things to do at Haveri District

Explore the city’s heritage sites, museums, and markets. Visit temples, churches, or mosques. Enjoy local cuisine at restaurants and street food stalls. Shop for local handicrafts and specialities. Experience the city’s nightlife and cultural events. Take day trips to nearby attractions.

Things to visit & highlights

Historical landmarks and heritage buildings, museums and art galleries, shopping areas and markets, parks and gardens, religious sites, and cultural centres showcasing local art and performances.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best way to get around the city? Auto-rickshaws, app-based cabs (Uber/Ola), and city buses are available in most Karnataka cities. Walking is ideal for exploring compact city centres.

What local dishes should I try? Karnataka cities offer diverse cuisine — try dosa, idli, bisi bele bath, ragi mudde, and local seafood (in coastal cities). Don’t miss the famous filter coffee.

Is the city safe for solo travellers? Karnataka’s cities are generally safe. Take standard precautions: avoid isolated areas at night, use registered transport, and keep valuables secure.

Quick facts

• Type: Destination
• State: Karnataka
• Category: District Of

Photo gallery of Haveri District

Photos coming soon. In the meantime, you can find images of Haveri District on popular travel photography sites and social media.