Hubballi and Dharwad are twin cities known for their vibrant markets, local handicrafts, textiles, and delicious local sweets. Whether you are looking for souvenirs, traditional crafts, or everyday goods, these shopping destinations will offer you a variety of choices. Below is a detailed guide to the best shopping spots in Hubballi-Dharwad, making it easy for any tourist to explore and find the best deals.
1. Hubballi Market (Local Market)
Overview:
The Hubballi Market, also known as Subhash Road Market, is one of the busiest and most popular shopping areas in Hubballi. The market is known for its wide range of items, including textiles, jewelry, electronics, fresh produce, and spices. This market is a great place to experience the local culture and shop for a variety of goods at affordable prices.
What to Buy:
- Clothing: Traditional cotton fabrics, ethnic wear like sarees and kurtas.
- Spices: A variety of fresh, local spices that are perfect as souvenirs.
- Handicrafts: Local handwoven textiles and handcrafted items.
Best For: Traditional textiles, fresh produce, local handicrafts, and souvenirs.
Location: Subhash Road, Hubballi
Tip:
Bargaining is common in Hubballi Market, so be sure to negotiate prices, especially for textiles and handcrafted items.
2. Indira Gandhi Glass House Garden Market
Overview:
Indira Gandhi Glass House Garden is a serene and beautiful location in Hubballi, but it also has a market area nearby that attracts locals and tourists alike. The market is known for its traditional handicrafts, handmade jewelry, and local artifacts.
What to Buy:
- Handmade Jewelry: Silver and metal-based jewelry with traditional designs.
- Wooden Crafts: Local wooden handicrafts like carvings and small sculptures.
- Clothing: Light cotton wear and local prints.
Best For: Handicrafts, wooden items, and handmade jewelry.
Location: Near Indira Gandhi Glass House Garden, Hubballi
Tip:
If you’re interested in handmade jewelry, this market is the best place to find unique, locally crafted pieces. Look for pieces made from silver and brass.
3. Kamat Lokaruchi (Traditional Food and Souvenir Shopping)
Overview:
Kamat Lokaruchi is not only known for its local cuisine but also for its vibrant shopping space. Located near Hubballi, this spot offers visitors a chance to shop for traditional Karnataka-style clothing, accessories, and local snacks while enjoying a traditional meal. The place is a one-stop destination for shopping and experiencing the local culture.
What to Buy:
- Karnataka Handicrafts: Items like Karnataka-style wood carvings and stone artifacts.
- Local Snacks: Buy traditional snacks like Kunda, a local sweet, and Kesar Pedha.
- Traditional Clothing: Handloom sarees, Ragi Mudde attire, and other local wear.
Best For: Handicrafts, traditional snacks, and souvenirs.
Location: Near Hubballi
Tip:
Don’t miss trying the local snacks and sweets at Kamat Lokaruchi. They make excellent gifts to take home, and you can also shop for unique handwoven sarees.
4. Shopping at Dharwad Central Market
Overview:
Dharwad Central Market is a bustling hub in Dharwad that sells a variety of items ranging from fresh produce to handcrafted goods. It is one of the oldest markets in the region and has a long-standing tradition of selling local produce, textiles, and more. It’s a great place to explore the vibrant street life of Dharwad.
What to Buy:
- Fresh Produce: Fruits, vegetables, and traditional spices that are perfect for cooking.
- Textiles: Handloom cotton fabrics and locally designed sarees.
- Handicrafts: Local pottery and wooden articles.
Best For: Fresh produce, local textiles, and traditional handicrafts.
Location: Dharwad
Tip:
Early morning is the best time to visit the market as the produce is fresh and the crowd is minimal. You can also catch the early rush of shoppers during the festival season.
5. Sadar Bazar (Handicrafts and Clothing)
Overview:
Sadar Bazar is one of the oldest shopping areas in Dharwad, offering a mix of traditional handicrafts, clothing, and home décor items. It’s a popular destination for both locals and tourists, where you can find a wide range of affordable goods. This market is known for its unique selection of handicrafts and high-quality textiles.
What to Buy:
- Handicrafts: Hand-painted pottery, brass figurines, and wooden toys.
- Clothing: Traditional wear such as Karnataka-style sarees and cotton kurtas.
- Home Décor: Handwoven rugs, wall hangings, and decorative items.
Best For: Handicrafts, home décor, and traditional clothing.
Location: Sadar Bazar, Dharwad
Tip:
Be sure to explore the small alleys of Sadar Bazar to find hidden gems of unique, handcrafted items. Don’t forget to haggle for a better deal!
Summary Table: Best Places for Shopping in Hubballi-Dharwad
| Place | What to Buy | Best For | Average Time Spent | Fees |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hubballi Market | Textiles, jewelry, handicrafts, spices | Local handicrafts, fresh produce, textiles | 1 – 2 hours | Free |
| Indira Gandhi Glass House Garden Market | Handmade jewelry, wooden crafts, clothing | Handicrafts, traditional jewelry | 1 hour | Free |
| Kamat Lokaruchi | Handicrafts, local snacks, traditional clothing | Handicrafts, traditional snacks | 1 – 2 hours | Free |
| Dharwad Central Market | Fresh produce, textiles, handicrafts | Fresh produce, textiles, local handicrafts | 1 – 1.5 hours | Free |
| Sadar Bazar | Pottery, figurines, sarees, clothing | Handicrafts, home décor, clothing | 1 – 2 hours | Free |
Tips for Shoppers in Hubballi-Dharwad
- Bargain: Most markets like Hubballi Market, Sadar Bazar, and Indira Gandhi Glass House Garden Market offer opportunities to negotiate prices. Don’t hesitate to ask for a discount.
- Look for Local Specialties: Kamat Lokaruchi and Sadar Bazar are ideal spots for buying local snacks and sweets such as Kunda and Kesar Pedha.
- Check the Quality: If purchasing textiles, especially from places like Dharwad Central Market, always check the quality of fabric, as some items may be imitation.
- Explore Off-Peak Hours: Early mornings or late afternoons are often the best times to visit markets when they are less crowded, and you can shop in peace.
Conclusion
Hubballi-Dharwad offers a diverse shopping experience, with everything from local handicrafts and textiles to fresh produce and traditional sweets. Whether you’re looking for souvenirs to take home or unique gifts, these shopping spots will provide you with a variety of options.