What to see in Haveri district?

Haveri district came into being on 24.08.1997, it was carved out of Dharwad district. Situated centrally within Karnataka state, it is surrounded by Dharwad, Gadag, Bellary, Davangere, Shimoga and Uttara Kannada districts. Haveri-Davangere district border is marked by Tungabhadra river. The district's terrain is mostly flat, black soil fields for miles on. Haveri district economy is mostly agriculture based. The only large industry is Harihar Polyfibers on Tungabhadra river bank at Kumarapatnam.

History of this area dates back to pre-historic period, evidences have been found along Tungabhadra and Varada rivers. The largest known ashmound in Karnataka is found on Tungabhadra left bank. The district home to some of most beautiful temples built by ancient dynasties like Chalukyas and Rastrakutas. To name a few temples and their places.. Tarakeshwara at Hangal, Kadambeshwara at Rattihalli, Someshwara at Haralahalli, Nagareshwara at Bankapur, Mukteshwara at Choudayanapura, Siddheshwara at Haveri, Eeshwara at Galaganath, Jain Basadi at Yalavatti, Sarveshvara at Naregal, Santeshvar at Tilavalli, and Siddarameshvara at Niralgi. Haveri district was under Nawabs as well, who have left their own marks, the note worthy being the Baobab trees at Savanur. Haveri district is the birth place of several well known people like Shishunala Sharif, Kanakadasa, Sarvagnya, Hanagal Kumara Shivayogi, Wagish Panditaru, writer Galaganatha, Ganayogi Panchakshari Gawai, Dr. V K Gokak to name a few.

Eshwara Gudi, Galaganatha | Siddeshwara temple, Haveri
Someswara Gudi, Haralahalli | Nagareshwara Gudi, Bankapur

Ash Mound of Hallur | Baobab trees of Savanur
Tarakeshwara Gudi, Hangal | Temple at Kaaradgi

Here's a list of places of historic and tourist interest-

1. Siddeshwara Devasthana, Haveri - This XI Century CE Chalukyan temple is situated in Haveri city itself. The temple is well maintained, with a well cared for garden, people come here to get some peaceful time.
2. Kaginelle - Kaginelle is the birth place of the great Kannada poet Kanaka Dasa. Kanaka Guru Peeta has been established here in the poet's honor. Also, there are few ancient temples here. Kaginele is about 13 kms south of Haveri.
3. Abalur - Abalur is the birth place of Sarvajna, the Kannada poet and philosopher of the XVI Century CE. A memorial has been created in honor of this great person. Also in this village are two ancient temples- Someshwara Gudi and Basaveshwara Gudi -both seems to be built during Chlukyan time. Abalur is about 40 kms from Haveri via Kaginelli and 32 kms from Ranebennur.
4. Santeshvar temple, Tilavalli - This temple, similar to Tarakeshwara temple of Hangal, was constructed in 1237 CE. Tilavalli village about 21 kms from Haveri via Kaginelle.
5. Byadgi Chilly Market - Byadgi is a small town known throughout India for its chilly. Byadgi chilly is on par with Gunter chilly. The chilly market is not a tourist attraction as such but the scenes are worth seeing.. heaps of chilly, large patches spread out for drying, women sorting chilly, men filling sacks, weighing  them and finally loading them to trucks. The air is thick with chilly aroma. Something to experience once. Byadgi is equidistant from Ranebennur and Haveri, about 25 kms.
6. Tarakeshwara Devasthana, Hangal - Tarakeshwara temple was constructed by Kadambas in the IX century, later Kalyani Chalukyas made changes to it. Tarakeshwara is a form of Lord Shiva. Though a small temple, you might have to spend several hours to really take in its beautiful sculptures. Besides, Tarakeshwara temple, there are three other ancient monuments- Veerabhadra, Billeshwara and a Jain temple. The Jain temple is situated within the walls of Hangal fort. Hangal is about 40 kms west of Haveri.
7. Jain temple abd Billeshwara temple, Hangal - these two temples are much smaller compared to Tarakeshwara temple, worth seeing them while you are at Hangal. You can find them easily, both are within a kilometer.
8. Nagareshwara Devasthana, Bankapura - Nagareshvara temple, also called Aravattaru Kambada Gudi (temple of sixty six pillars) was built by Western Chalaukya rulers in the XII Century CE. The temple situated within Bankapur fort was pillaged during Bahamani invasion. Thanks to Archeaological department for restoring this marevelous temple. Bankapura is about 24 kms northwest of Haveri, just off NH48. Bankapur fort is also a sanctuary for Indian peacock.
9. Savanur fort ruins and Baobab trees - Savanur was one of the Muslim kingdoms who's head was known as Nawab. Savanur lost in to the powers of Marathas, Tipu Sultan and finally the British. Savanur was a fortified city, the fort gates and parts of the fort wall can still be seen. Savanur is also known for its three Baobab treesht aged 300 to 400 years. Baobabs were brought to India by the Sufi ascetics from Africa and planted them wherever they settled. The Baobabs are situated within a Lingayath monastery named Doddahunase Matha which runs a boarding school and college. Savanur is about 32 kms north of Haveri.
10. Santa Shishunala Sharief Saheb memorial - Sharief Saheb (1819 - 1889 CE) was a poet, philosopher and social reformer born and lived at at Shishunala (Shishvinahala) village. His Guru was a Brahmin named Govinda Bhatta. Sharief Saheb was an enlightened being and his poetic compositions were in spoken Kannada, hence popular among common people. His grave on the village outskirts has been converted into a pilgrimage place visited by thousands every year. Shishunala is about 50 kms north of Haveri and about 18 kms from Savanur.
11. Kaaradgi Eranna Gudi - Kaaradgi is a small village known for its Veerabhadra temple. The original temple has been replaced with a steel and cement structure. However, stone's throw from the temple are ruins of an ancient temple and also a collection of sculptures. The going by the Trikutachala temple's architecture, it seems Chalukyan. Kaaradgi is about 10 kms from Savanur.
12. Dyamavva Gudi and Havanur fort - Havanur is better known for Dyamavva temple. During the annual fair thousands of goats and chicken are offered to the goddess by the visitors. Havanur is situated in Tungabhadra left bank and a fort existed here with a port for docking boats.
13. Galageshwara Temple, Galaganatha - Galageshwara Devasthana has a unique design, its pyramidal Shikhara rises from the ground level. It was built by Chalukyan builders. The temple is situated on Tungabhadra left bank. An idol of Mahishasuramardhini in this temple is mind blowing.
14. Somesvara Devasthana, Haralahalli - Someshwara Gudi was built by Chalukyam builders. This ancient temple is surrounded by agricultural plots and remains hidden. The temple can be easily missed even though it is quite close to the state highway connecting Guttal and Harapanahalli. Haralahalli the left bank of Tungabhadra, about 33 kms east of Haveri.
15. Mukteshwara temple, Chaudayyadanapura -  Mukteshwara Gudi is another architectural wonder created by Chalukyan builders. The temple is situated on the left bank of Tungabhadra, next to Chaudayyadanapura village. The temple has several large slabs with Kannada inscription.
16. Sri Chandramauleshwara Temple, Chadapur - Chandramauleshwar Devasthana is another Chalukyan creation. Chadapur is situated on Tungabhadra left bank, close to Chaudayyadanapura. Chadapur is about 38 kms east of Haveri.
17. Siddharameshvara temple, Niralgi - Siddha Rameshvara Devasthana was built by Kadamba / Kalyani Chalukyan rulers in the XII Century CE. Niralagi is about 46 kms northeast of Haveri and 35 kms from Hubballi.
18. Sarveshwara temple, Naregal - Sarveshwara temple is a temple with Rastrakuta connection. The temple's sloping roof is something to be seen. Naregal is about 15 kms west of Haveri via Sangur.
19. Kalmeshwar temple and Rameshwara temple, Balambeed - Balambeed is a small village 25 kms west of Haveri via Sangur and Adur.
20. Shree Dundibasaveshwara Temple, Akki Alur - Akki Alur is about 30 kms west of Haveri.
21. Anjaneyaswami temple, Kadaramandalagi - Kadaramandalagi  village is known for its Hanuman temple with a tall Gopura. Kadaramandalagi is about 29 kms south of Haveri and 7.5 kms from Byadgi.
22. Sangameshwara temple Hole-Anveri - An ancient temple with beautiful sculptures. The temple seems to be built by Chalukyan rulers. Hole-Anveri is situated at the confluence of Tungabhadra-Kumudwati rivers, near Mudenur village. Mudenur is about 16 kms from Harihar and 18 kms from Ranebennur.
23. Ranebennur Wildlife Sanctuary - An area of 110+ km² has been declared as a sanctuary to protect the endangered animals such as blackbuck, great Indian bustard and Indian wolf. The sanctuary is also home for fox, hare, hyena, jackal, langur, mongoose, pangolin, porcupine, and wild pig. Ranebennur Wildlife Sanctuary is situated 7 kms east of Ranebennur town.
24. Devaragudda - Devaragudda is a shrine dedicated to Lord Malatesha also known as Mallanna, Jyotiba and Khandoba. The shrine is situated on a hillock near Ranebennur. 
25. Hallur Ashmound and ruins of fort - Hallur is a small village situated on the left bank of river Tungabhadra. The village is known for its ash-mound which covers an area of almost 30 acres. The ash mound is an treasure trove of prehistoric artifacts- bones, hair, pottery, grinding stones, etc. Sadly the monument has been vandalized badly, village people have hauled away trailer loads and dumped the ash in their fields. A fort existed here which had a port to dock boats. Hallur is about 70 kms south of Haveri and 23 kms from Rattihalli.
26. Kadambeshwar temple, Rattihalli - Kadambeshwar temple was built in the XII Century by Chalukyan rulers. However Rattihalli was a capital during Kadamba rule. Rattihalli is about 55 kms south of Haveri and 28 kms from Ranebennur.
27. Aerani fort ruins - Aerani is a small village on the left bank of Tungabhadra. The fort is situated on a hillock ith a good view of the river and the opposite bank. The fort is completely ruined and the hillock is covered with thorny bushes.
28. Utsav Rock Garden - an open air museum showcasing scenes from North Karnataka's rural life. This garden has 2000+ life size statues. The place is educative, interesting, entertaining and relaxing. It is situated on NH48 between Shiggaon and Tadas cross, about 10 kms.
29. Gangebhavi - the story behind the name is that Jhanavi Rushi brought Gange (Gange) to this place for his rituals while doing penance. At this place are three shrines, dedicated to Jhanavi Rushi, Ramalingeshwara and Gavi Gangadhareshwara; and two Kalyanis. It is beleived that the source of water in these Kalyanis is Kashi. Also, Sri Gangadhar Swamiji of Balehonur Panchapeeta did penance here for many years. Gange Bhavi is situated 7 km west of Shiggoan town.

These are what I've seen and heard of. There will be many more places or events related to Haveri district. Please share them in the comments section.

You may also want to learn about other districts of Karnataka-

1. Bagalkot district
2. Ballari distruct
3. Belagavi district
4. Bidar district
5. Bijapur district
6. Chitradurga district
7. Dharwad district
8. Davangere district
9. Gadag district
10. Gulbarga district
11. Kolar district
12. Koppal district
13. Raichur district
14. Tumkur district
15. Vijayanagara district
16. Yadgiri district

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