Gadag-Betageri is a town and district headquarters in the state of Karnataka, India. Gadag and its sister city Betageri (or Betgeri) have a combined city administration. It is 80 km from Dharwad and 60 km from Hubli, and lies on the Gutti-Vasco National Highway. Gadag district has five taluks namely Gadag-Betgeri, Ron (city), Shirhatti, Nargund and Mundargi.
Gadag is famous for the many handlooms and printing press. Gadugina Seeri is a type of saree to be bought here. The sarees are woven in cotton with a sheen, which has contrasting border and seragu / pallu very unique to this place.
Kasuti in Kannada means hand embroidery (“Kai” – hand; “Suti” – thread) is very popular in this region. Remember to buy sarees with this embroidery on them when you visit Gadag.
Lakkundi Bari hannu is a delicious fruit which is known by other names like Topa Kul / Jujube / Ber / Elachihannu is available in plenty from November to February.
Tontadarya Matha and Shivanand Matha belonging to the veerashaiva sect are situated here. They have contributed a lot in the field of education and literature. Gadag District is also known for tapping the wind to generate power. Wind Power Generation is set up at Kappatagudda a, a treasure trove of medicinal plants and Gajendragad which are generating Wind Power in large scale.
The Kalyana Chalukya architecture is prominent in this region. The Trikuteshwara temple complex, temples and Jain basadis at Dambal, Annigeri and Lakkundi stands testimony to this.
Another important place of visit is to the Veeranarayana temple of Chalukya era. This temple is where the greatest of all Kannada poets Kumaravyasa wrote Karnataka Bharatha Kathamanjari. Kumaravyasa was born in the village Koliwad very near to Gadag. The Palmyra leaves on which Kumaravyasa has written the Mahabharatha are stored by his family in the village.
The historic Jumma Masjid was built during Adilshahi era is also situated in Gadag where 600 people at a time can congregate and offer prayers.
Other Places of interest near Gadag:
Magadi bird sanctuary – 26 kms, Lakshmeshwar – Someshwara temple, Sudi – Twin Towered Temple at Sudi, Kotumachagi – 22 km from Gadag is famous for Someswar temple and Hazarat-Zindashav-Ali darga and Durgadevi temple, Naregal – Biggest Jain temple ever built by Rastrakutas, now called as Narayana temple, Hombal – 12 kms from Gadag, Venkatapura – 15 kms, Beladhadi – 10 Km, Ron (city) – Ron has Many historical monuments, those include Anantsayee Gudi, Isvara Gudi Near Anantsayee Gudi, Isvara Temple, Kala Gudi, Lokanatha Temple, Mallikarjuna Gudi, Parsvanath Jain Temple, and Somlingesvara Temple Near Tank.
Kurtakoti – It is situated 16 Kms from Gadag and is famous for Rama Lakshmana Sita and Mailar temples.
Famous Personalities of Gadag
Poets Kumaravyasa, Chamarasa, Ganayogi Panchakshari Gavayi, Bhimsen Joshi (Hindustani singer), Sunil Joshi (Cricketer), Anant Koppar (founder of Kshema Technologies), K.H.Patil (Politician and father of co-operative movement and person responsible for starting textile mills, Farmers Co-operative oil seeds and Rural Technical and Engineering colleges in Hulkoti)
Place Statistics:
Type of Place: City
Situated: Karnataka, South India
Distance: 80 Km from Dharwad, 60 Km from Hubli
Transport: Well connected by road and rail, nearest airport is Hubli
Facilities: Hotel with boarding and lodging, Restaurants, Hospitals, Shops, Medical Shops available
