Tourism in Davanagere district is a leisurely ride as there are a number of places located here where one can go to relax, sightsee and have a good time.
It is 6km from the district headquarters on Davanagere-Jaglur Road, about 2 km from Anekonda, Betur is a place of great historic significance. It was the capital of Tribhuvana Malla Pandya. When Betur was the capital, Davanagere was a part of Betur. It is believed that the king used to keep his cattle here. Ancient and artistic Kalleshwara temples sculpted in Chalukya style, artistic epigraphs and victory pillars record and depict history. In this district, there are several artistic sculptures found. There is a beautiful idol of Nataraja and Lord Shiva-Parvati atop Nandi in Muchagi as well as a monolithic sculpture of Saptamatrukas.
About 4 km from the headquarters on the Davanagere-Jaglur road, lies Anekonda - the place where elephants were tied up. According to legend, when Betur was the capital, the King`s elephants were tied here and hence the name. Aneknoda was a big city during 11th and 12th Century AD. The place has many epigraphs of Gandas, Uchangi, and rulers of the Pandya dynasty, Chalukya dynasty and the Hoysala Empire.
About 30 Kms from Davanagere is a very popular picnic spot, Sulekere. The pond is one of the largest in India. A large number of tourists visit this place regularly. There is also a temple called Sri Siddeshwara near the pond.
Kundwada Tank is situated on the left side of Pune-Bengaluru NH4 bypass road near Kundwada village of the Davanagere city. The catchments area of Kundwada tank is nearly 253 Acres. Recently, it was renovated and treated as Summer Water Storage Tank. Water supply facility provided by the tank covers more than 50% of the city area from past 2 years. Kundwada tank adds to the beauty of the city. Now, Davanagere City Municipal Council has made a resolution to rename Kundwada Tank as "Kundwada tank- renovated S. S. Mallikarjuna Sagara"
Santhebennur located at about 36 Kms form the district headquarters is famed as the most beautiful tank in South India. The wonderful sculpture resembling a stone chariot in the middle of the tank looks similar from all the four directions. The pushkarni is built in red stone in Kushmanda style in the 16th Century AD by Kenga Hanumanthappa Nayaka of Santhebennur. The "pushkarni" originally had eight mantapas of which only six exist now. The pushkarni has 52 big steps from its main entrance in the west. Other three sides have 44 steps each. Renowned for its architecture and sculpture, this great mantapa has four tires. Locals call this `Karnaji Mantapa` The water stored below the mantap had a system of springing out from the top.
About 8 km from Harpanahalli, Bagali has a 9th Century Kalleshwara temple of Chalukya period. There are Panchalinga temples on the premises of Kalleshwara temple and also beautifully sculpted Ugranarasimha idol. The Outer walls of the temple have erotic sculpting. Pillars inside the temple have intricate carvings. Thus, mentioned are the various places of tourist interest in Davanagere district.
