Dharwad situated on a relatively stable geological terrain and spread across seven hills is a gateway between the plains in east and Western Ghats. Bearing a rich heritage of history dating back to 12th century, Dharwad along with its twin city Hubballi is the second largest urban agglomeration in Karnataka. Serene and salubrious climate has fostered a very conducive environment for creative endeavors in music and literature. A cradle of Hindustani music, Dharwad has nurtured great artists like Gangubhai Hangal, Pt. Bheemsen Joshi, Sawai Gandharav, Basavaraj Rajaguru, Kumar Gandharva, and Mallikarjun Mansur. On the literary front, it was the home to Jnanapitha awardee D. R. Bendre and nurtured Jnanpitha awardees like Vinayaka Krishna Gokak and Girish Karnad. Owing to its association with music and literature, city and its inhabitants imbibe great reverence for education in their ethos resulting in it being the education hub of North Karnataka. This hub is further bolstered by establishment of institutes of national importance like IIT and IIIT.
Located strategically between Silicon Valley of India-Bangalore- and financial capital of India-Mumbai, Dharwad is known as Pedha nagari, owing due to its world famous pedhas, and Vidya kashi, for its educational institutions.
Climate
Dharwad is at an elevation of about 750 m (~2500 ft). Average annual rainfall (predominantly during June-Sep) is about 700 mm. March-May is summer season with peak temperatures approaching 35°C. Winter lows are about 15°C.
Industries
Hubballi-Dharwad is a developing industrial hub in Karnataka after Bangalore, with more than 1000 allied small and medium industries. There are machine tools industries, electrical, steel furniture, food products etc. Some of the major industries include A.D.M. Agro Industries Pvt. Ltd; Infosys Ltd; Kirloskar Electric Company; M.M. Industrial Controls Pvt. Ltd; Sankalp Semiconductors Ltd; Spicer India Ltd; Tata Hitachi Ltd; Tata Marcopolo Motors Ltd; Tata Motors Ltd; Wehr Valves Ltd.
Other Attractions
Dharwad is famous for its milk based sweet-Pedha; ILkal saris; Hindustani classical music and Kannada literature. Kittur fort (20 km); Jog falls (190 km); Dandeli national park (60 km); Hampi (190 km); and Belur & Halebidu (350 km) are major nearby attractions.