Dharwad is situated on the edge of Western Ghats and hence is a hilly town. Spread over seven small hills at an average altitute of 750 meters above sea level, the city enjoys a salubrious climate amidst thick vegetation. On the western Side Mountains of Saiyhadri a river called Shalmala originated in Dharwad but she flows underground. Western part of Dharwad is called Malenadu full of forestry of red soil. Eastern part of Dharwad is called BelawalNadu Flat land of black soil. Central Part of Dharwad is Gadinadu -Mixture of both.
Years ago, Dhwarwad was known for its 9 lakes but many have dried out now.The ones that still exist are Sadhankere, Kelgeri kere and Nuggikere. Dharwad sits at the cusp of two distinct geographical divisions - malenaadu (hilly, forest land with red soil) and beLavala naadu (deccan plains with black soil). The earstwhile NH 4, runs almost as a dividing line.
The word "Dharwad" means a place of rest in a long travel or a small habitation. For centuries, Dharwad acted as a gateway between the Malenaadu (western mountains) and the Bayalu seeme (plains) and it became a resting place for travellers. The name is derived from the Sanskrit word 'dwarawata', 'dwara' meaning "door" and 'wata' or 'wada'meaning "town".
Another theory is that during the Vijayanagara rule of Dharwad there was a ruler by name "of Dharav" (1403), and Dharwad got its name from him. There are some inscriptions that refer to Dharwad as Kampana Sthana.
HISTORY
Inscriptions found near Durga Devi temple in Narendra (a nearby village) and RLS High School date back to the 12th century and have references to Dharwad. This makes Dharwad at least 900 years old. Also, there is an inscription at Hanuman Temple at Bokyapur lake near Garag (a village about 18 km from Dharwad).
After the final defeat of the Peshwa by the British in 1818, Dharwar was incorporated into the territory of the British East India Company's Bombay Presidency. During the early 19th century, when the British were expanding their domains, they faced a lot of opposition from local rulers, including Baba Saheb of Naragund and Kittur Rani Chennamma.
CULTURE
Dharwad is a district very rich in culture.There is a famous saying in dharwad which goes like this.. "If u throw a stone randomly in dharwad,it will fall on the roof of the house of a poet or a writer." It's the land of wroters,poets,musicians,theatre artists and a huge bunch of educated people.
Dharwad is famous for its natural scenic beauty and has inspired many a poet and writers of national and international renown. The Jnanapeeth award- the highest award in literature, was conferred to two giants of literature , Dr Dara Bendre and Dr V K Gokak. Both the writers lived and wrote some of their finest works in Dharwad.Patil Puttappa also being a renowned writer from Dharwad.
Shri Ranga and Girish Karnad being the most talented arists who hail from Dharwad.
Shri Ranga: A great dramatist whose dramas are repeatedly played even today. Wrote 22 plays and he was also Sanskrit scholar.
Girish Karnad who is a Actor , director , play writer. Recipient of prestigious Jnyanapeeth Award in 1999 for his contribution to Kannada literature and theatre. He has also given an enourmous contribution to Marathi theatre. Acted in many films and TV serials.
To name a few writers Prof. Bhusnurmath,Dr. Shankar Mokashi Punekar and Saali Ramachandra rayaru.
The Dharwad district of northern Karnataka boasts a formidable tradition in Hindustani music and adduces the following list in support of its claim:
The legendary Bhimsen Joshi currently based in pune,Gangubai Hangal,Mallikarjun Mansur,Kumar Gandharva, Basavraj,Rajguru,Madhav Gudi,Vasant Kanakapur,Sangeeta Katti,J
ayateertha Vasanthrao Mevundi,Geeta Javadekar,Ganpati Bhat Hasanagi.
Dharwad produces milk products. Dharwad pedha is made from milk and khoa. 
Mishra's Line Bazar and Babu Singh's Thakur pedhas are among the better known.
A dish typical of Dharwad is Jolada Rotti made of jowar flour. It is made in two forms -- crisp and soft, and is usually eaten with spicy brinjal (eggplant) pallya, kalu pallya (beans), "agasi" or "guryellu" chutney powder and curds. The restaurants in Dharwad include LEA Canteen, Basappa Khanavali, Megha Darshini, Kamat Hotels, Maitri Paradise, Bombay Restaurant, Hoysala, Brindavana, Mandar Regency, Travel Inn, Ozone, etc.Hoysala,Maithri and Kamth Hotels provide you eith a complete family atmosphere. While the ones like Ozone which has shacks on mango tree tops,provides the ultimate fun experience for youngsters.Travel inn and Mandar regency,Red fort,Mayur Paradise are all exclusive experiences in Dharwad. Phadd made of rice flour is also a good dish, eaten with Sambhar and coconut or groundnut chutney. It is available at Paul Canteen near JSS college and Bombay Restaurant in Gandhi chowk.
AGRICULTURE
Dharwad cultivates a variety of food products.
The Dharwad Cotton Hybrid (DCH), a popular variety of cotton a few years back, was basically invented in University of Agricultural Sciences. In addition to this, Dharwad produces varieties of channa, kardi, soya, groundnut seeds,Sunflowers. Also, farmers grow sugarcane, paddy, jowar, wheat, green gram, bengal gram, munge and many other food products. Dharwad Alphonso mangoes and Navalur gauvas are also produced.
EDUCATION Dharwad has been a renowned centre of learning, with many famous high schools, colleges and universities. These include:
- St Joseph's High School, Dharwad
- University College of Law
- Karnatak University
- KPES ENGLISH MEDIUM SCHOOL
- KPES Law College
- Vidyaranya School and College, Dharwad. (One of the old school in Dharwad.)
- Training College for Men (Present DIET Est in 1856)
- JSS Banashankari Arts, Commerce & S.K.Gubbi Science College
- Kendriya Vidyalaya, Dharwad
- University public school , Dharwad
- Karnataka High School, Fort, Dharwad
- K.E.Boards High School, Dharwad, Malamaddi
- International Institute for Advanced Studies, Kalyan Nagar, Dharwad
Karnatak Arts College, Estb 1917
Traditional Saree of DharwadUnkal sarees
are the assets of the women of Dharwad
.The typical Dharwad belle looks ethnic and gorgeous in these sarees.They are available in both silk and cotton.
There probably doesn't exists another district like Dharwad which is as rich in culture and talent.The peacefully life here has won the hearts of many people.The warm hearted people here are never short of a smile and hospitality.Though their language may not seem so polite initially but you will soon realise the genuine care the people of Dharwad are capable of.They create a homely atmosphere instantly.Pretence is not their cup of tea.Cheers to Dharwad a place i call home...
