Davangere district came into being in the year 1997, it was carved out of Chitradurga district. It is surrounded by Haveri, Bellary, Chitradurga, Chikmagalur, and Shimoga districts. River Tungabhadra flows along Davangere-Haveri border. This district has six taluqas namely Channagiri, Davangere, Harihar, Honnali, and Jagalur with Davangere city as district headquarter. Davangere city is situated on Bangalore-Pune highway i.e. NH48.
The name Davangere has derived from the name of a lake called 'Danivina Kere' during Chalukyan times, travelers stopped here to for water. With passage of time, the name became Davan Giri and then Davangere. Davangere city is terrain is flat, like a huge playground. Davangere was a major commercial center with its cotton, grains and oil markets. Also, the town was known for its cotton mills. During 1990s cotton mills shut down, but it gained importance as an educational center. Farmers of this district cultivate paddy and sugarcane. There are not many historical monuments remaining within Davangere city but the district does have some interesting places. And, talking about this city, the conversation is complete only by mentioning 'Davangere Benne Dose' and 'Khara Mandakki'.
Here's the list of places of interest-
The name Davangere has derived from the name of a lake called 'Danivina Kere' during Chalukyan times, travelers stopped here to for water. With passage of time, the name became Davan Giri and then Davangere. Davangere city is terrain is flat, like a huge playground. Davangere was a major commercial center with its cotton, grains and oil markets. Also, the town was known for its cotton mills. During 1990s cotton mills shut down, but it gained importance as an educational center. Farmers of this district cultivate paddy and sugarcane. There are not many historical monuments remaining within Davangere city but the district does have some interesting places. And, talking about this city, the conversation is complete only by mentioning 'Davangere Benne Dose' and 'Khara Mandakki'.
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| Bathi Hill seen from Kundwada Kere | Shamnur Anjaneya Harihareshwara Devathana | Kunduwada Lake |
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| Stone Balls at Uchangidurge | Channagiri fort Kanakuppe fort | Davangere Benne Dose |
Here's the list of places of interest-
- Channagiri Rangappa Clock Tower - This clock tower situated in the old town is considered as a landmark. It is said to be built in 1930s, apart from that no additional information is available.
- Durgambika Devasthana - This is a popular temple situated in the old town area was built in the year 1932. Its is siad that the stone deity was brought from Duggatti village. The annual fair of this temple attracts huge crowds.
- Basaveshwara temple, Anekonda - This is an ancient temple, probably Chalukyan. Though the temple is heavily modified the original pillars are still an attraction. Anekonda was an important place historically, it is said that elephants were stationed here. Anekonda is situated on Davangere-Jagalur road.
- Vishwanatha Devasthana and well, Anekonda - This is an ancient temple with an interesting well situated on eastern outskirts of Anekonda.
- Kalleshwara Gudi, Yelebethur - This is an ancient temple with its history going back to Chalukyan times. It is situated just outside the village which is about 6 kms from Davangere.
- Vishveshwaraya Park - This children's park is situated in the heart of the new town. During 70s and 80s, the park had a miniature township with streets, houses, police station and other amenities.
- St. Thomas Church - This is probably the most beautiful church of Davangere. Its facade is impressive with its twin towers, one with a bell tower. Right besides the church is Lourdes Boys School.
- Kunduvada Kere - Kunduvada lake is a great place to relax, walk or for a picnic. Trees planted along the foot path around this 250+ acres lake provides green cover and creates a peaceful ambiance. Also the lake water is supplied to Davangere city during summer months.
- Glass House - This is a unique building was constructed recently. It is situated close to Kunduvada Kere with a beautiful garden around it.
- Anjaneya Swamy Devasthana, Shamnur - Shamnur is a village off Davangere-Harihar Bypass road (NH48). The temple's huge statue of Hanuman attracts crowds. Also the temple has its own Kalyana Mantapa for public use.
- Jain temple, Shamnur - A small temple with a beautiful idol can be seen if you venture into the narrow streets of Shamnur. The village houses and lanes are well kept, people are friendly.
- Revana Siddeshwara Devasthana, Bathi Gudda - This temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is situated on the slopes of Bathi hill. At the base of the hill is Bathi village. The temple is ancient, the old stone structure was removed and replaced with a new structure during 2000s. The hill temple has a peaceful ambiance and great view of paddy fields below. At the peak of this hill is the Dargah of Chaman Shah Wali. Close to the village is a pond named after the village. Bathi is about 5 kms from Davangere city. Also close by is Davanagere Dairy and a Nature cure hospital.
- Kondajji Kere - Kondajji lake is a popular picnic spot. The lake is situated besides hillocks covered with woods. Close by a Scouts and Guides camping area. Kondajji is about 15 kms northwest of Davangere.
- Harihareshwara Devasthana, Harihar - Harihareshwara temple gives the name to Harihar town which is situated on Tungabhadra right bank. The temple was built in XIII Century by a Hoysala commander and minister serving under Vira Narasimha II. The deity of this temple is Harihara- a god which is half Shiva and half Vishnu. The temple is a architectural marvel and some of the largest inscription slabs can be seen here.
- Shri Raghavendra Swamy Devasthana and Matha, Harihar - This Madhwa temple and monastery is situated on the banks of river Tungabhadra. Within the premises is a beautiful idol of Lof Hanuman.
- Shrine of Our Lady of Health Church, Harihar - This church's history goes back to 1830s. Sources say that a Brahmin while taking bath in Tungabhadra fell into the swelling waters. As he was on the verge of drowning, happened to see a floating statue of Our Lady of Health which he caught hold of and reached the shore. After his miraclous escape, he dedicated himself to the service of Our Lady of Health. On his death, he was buried in his house, the house was converted into a church. The present day church looks magnificient with its Pagoda like spire.
- Uchangidurga - This fort is built over a rocky hillock surrounded by plains. At the peak is a temple dedicated to Uttangi Durga hence the name. Uchangidurga is about 30 kms northeast of Davangere.
- Kardidurga - is a smaller hill fort in the vicinity of Uchangidurga. Within the fort walls is a small temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman. Kardidurga is about 29 kms northeast of Davangere and from Uchangidurga it is 5 kms.
- Hosadurga fort - Also known as Uchangipura fort is about 14 kms east of Uchangidurga.
- Kanakuppa fort - is a sprawling fort covering three rocky hillocks and the plain land between them. Close to the hills, on the plains is a Lingayath monastery named Kanakuppe Gavimatha. This fort is about 36 kms east of Uchangidurga via Pillagatte village.
- Ranganatha Swamy Devastana, Neerthadi - A small but highly ornate temple built in the XVII Century. According to inscriptions found at the temple, the original temple was destroyed by Aurangzeb's army. The temple was rebuilt by Baramappa Nayaka in 1698 CE.
- Kalleshwara Gudi, Halavagalu - Halavagalu was one of the important villages during the reign of the Kalyani Chalukyas. This temple dedicated to Kalinatha, a form of Shiva, was built by Chalukyan rulers. The temple is listed on Archeaological Survey of India website. Halavagalu is about 31 kms north of Harihar.
- Garbhagudi fort - this hill fort is situated on the right bank of Tungabhadra. The small fort with many bastions and walls has a good view of the river and surrounding plains. Garbhagudi is about 32 kms north of Harihar.
- Bheemeshvara temple, Neelagunda - This Trikutachala temple was constructed during the last quarter of XI Century CE by Western Chalukyan rulers. Neelagunda (also spelt Nilagunda) was an important village during Chalukyan times and known for its soapstone quarries. Neelagunda village is about 36 kms north of Davangere.
- Kalleshvara Gudi, Bagali - Bagali also known as Balgali, was an important agrahara from the times of Western Chalukyas upto Hoysalas and Vijayanagara. The temple was constructed during the rule of the Chalukyan King Ahavamalla in 987 CE. The temple's pillars are truly complex sculptures, something to be seen with own eyes. Bagali village is about 50 kms north of Davangere.
- Rangayyanadurga Kondukuri Wild Life Sanctury - This sanctuary was established in 2011 to protect the four horned deer. This sanctuary is about 48 kms northeast of Davangere.
- Hanumantha Devasthana, Kogganur - The deity of this temple is beautiful. Kogganuru is about 14 kms east of Davangere.
- Shanti Sagar - Shanti Sagar, also called Soole Kere is the second largest irrigation tank in Asia. It was originally built in XII Century CE, some modifications were carried out in recent times. The tank covers an area of 6550 acres and has a circumference of 30 kms. This popular tourist destination is 54 kms south of Davangere.
- Ramthirth Pushkarni and Musafirkhana, Santhebennur - Karanji Mantapa is a historic monument of XVI Century CE built by a Palegara named Kenga Hanumantappa Nayaka. This is a large stepped tank with a tower at the center of the tank. The tower is built in such a way that it appears to be floating on the water. This red colored magnificent monument is considered one of the best in Karnataka.
- Channagiri Fort - This fort was built in 1770 CE by Keladi Chennamma. At the fort summit is a XVIII temple, the deity is Vishnu holding Chakra, Shankha, bow and arrow. The idol is like a hunter hence the name Bete-Ranganatha Swamy. Within the fort walls are two large pits to harvest rain water.
- Honnali - Honnali is known for two monasteries- 1. Raghavendra Swami Matha and 2. Hirekal Matha. The former is a Madhwa monastery established by Sri Raghvendra Swamy and the latter is a Lingayath monastery Sri Jadeshankara Shivacharya. The ancient monastery stone building is still in good condition. Honnali town is situated on Tungabhadra, its is about 43 kms from Harihar.
- Thirtha Rameshwara - This place is important because of its connection with Ramayana. As per legend, during Vanavasa (exile), a fresh water sprang from the ground where Rama shot an arrow. Sita performed a ritual by offering the water to Lord Shiva hence the name. It is said that water has been flowing every since. Thirtha Rameshwara is about 22 kms from Honnali.
- Sri Amruthalingamanikateshwara Swamy Gudi, Nandi Tavare - This is an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Nandi Tavare is situated on Harihar-Honnali road, about 17 kms south of Harihar.
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