Haveri- The Land Of Snakes and Spirituality

Haveri is named for its famous inhabitants, deadly yet revered reptiles, Snakes. Haveri is formed of two kannada words, 'Haavu' and 'Keri', meaning the land of Snakes. The town is famous for its cardamom plantations. Historians believe that Haveri once housed over a thousand 'Mathas' or religious centers in the days of old. 


This little yet scenic town is also famous for its Byadagi red chillies, known all over the country for its quality. Close to this township is a destination called Kaginele, the birthplace of one of the most famous of the South, Sir Kanakadasa. Haveri is an ancient town, dating back to the age of the Rashtrakutas, the Chalukyas and the Nayakas, as depicted by about 1300 inscriptions on caves and stone tablets describing the reign of different dynasties. 

One can reach Haveri by road or rail, via state tourist buses from Bangalore. The closest railway station is in Bangalore, and one can rent a private taxi or hop onto a tourist bus to reach Haveri, located midway between Bangalore and Hubli, a seven hour drive from Bangalore.

Places of interest in Haveri include the following.

Siddhesvara Temple

Attraction: The temples portray Chalukyan art fused with Western architecture

This temple is large, beautiful and ornate and a fine example of Chalukyan skill. The Siddhesvara temple portrays a fine infusion of traditional Chalukyan architecture and Western art forms to create an exquisite and unique structure, exclusive to Haveri. One can view finely carved sculptures and wall carvings in this temple. An interesting fact about the temple is that is breaks Chalukya tradition by facing West, rather than the rising sun, which was a standard followed with every other temple of the dynasty.

Ranebennur Blackbuck Sanctuary

Attraction: Natural Blackbuck habitat

The Ranebennur Blackbuck Sanctuary in the district of Haveri is located about 45 kilometres  from Haveri town. This habitat was declared a wildlife sanctuary on 17th June in the year 1974 to protect the Blackbuck, an endangered species.

Tarakeshwara Temple

Attraction: Ornate Chalukya architecture

A fine example of the skill of the Chalukyan artists, this temple located in Hangal town of the Haveri district houses an ornate shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva, modelled on his Tarakeshwara form. The shrine has intricate wall carvings, finely chiselled pillars and ornamental ceilings in the traditional Chalukya style, designed to honour Lord Shiva.

Bankapura

Attraction: Nagareshwara temple and a peacock sanctuary

This village located in the Haveri district is an idyllic settlement of tremendous historical importance. It is renowned all over India for the Nagarehwara temple, a fine example of Chalukya architecture. Also present is an ancient fort christened the Bankapur fort, a lookout for the Chalukya warriors. 


One can also visit the peacock sanctuary, spread over a vast acreage of 139 acres, housing the remains of the Bankapur fort. The Department of Veterinary Sciences in Karnataka conducts various studies and research in this sanctuary.

Other tourist destinations of interest include the  Kadambeshwar Temple, the Mukteshwara Temple and the Galageshwara temple.

Visit Haveri with your family for an enriching journey to the heart of Karnataka.