Challakere
Challakere is a town in Chitradurga (district) of Karnataka province, in India. Challakere is a city municipality (taluk).
Understand
Challakere is called Oil City with numerous edible oil mills around the city and Science City. Several sciences and research organizations such as IISc, DRDO, BARC, and ISRO have set up their establishments here. Challakere is the largest taluk in Chitradurga District. In 2011, Challakere had a population of about 55,000.
Challakere is also known as the 'oil city' or "second Mumbai" of India because it is the second largest producer/supplier of edible oil after Mumbai. There are about 60 oil industries in Challakere. Besides oil, several other sectors like dal, fried gram, rice, etc. are also present.
The commercial activity in the town is comparable to that of a standard district and the district enjoys a huge business turnover out of town. Challkere is known for the kambali (woven blankets) made by the local Kuruba people. Challakere kambali are sent to various markets across India. Challakere weekly market Sunday market has the good turnover in the state.
Get in
By bus
Challakere is 200 km from Bangalore. Challakere is also connected to Bellary, Pavagada, and Chitradurga by road. NH 150.A which connects Chamarajanagara and Jevargi passes through the city. Chitradurga, which is the district headquarters, is 30 km from this city.
By train
There are two trains to Bangalore at 3:20pm and at 12:45PM daily. There is a train to Shimoga at 3AM to Shimoga.
Get around
Auto-rickshaws charge ₹40 for short trips.
See
- Datta Mandira (in Tyagaraja Nagar). Traditional practices of Datta Sampradaya, can be seen at this temple.
- Jagalurajja temple (Ajjana Gudi). Beside the Ajjana Kere, which is the main water source for surrounding wells and drinking water for challakere.
- Challekeramma temple, km 1 on Bellary Road. Challakeramma Jathre is conducted once every five years in this temple.
- Bhavani Shankara temple (at Lakshmipura). This idol was bought from Varanasi more than 200 years back without being kept on the floor to maintain its sanctity.
- Sai Baba Temple, Pavgada Road.
- Lakshmipura Temple, Lakshmkipura Village.
Eat
- Aramana Salkara Cafe, KSRTC Bus Station Building. Good quality vegetarian items like idlis, vadas, dosai and rice preparations are available here.
- Gandharva Hotel, Bangalore Road. Roti and Chicken curry. Rs.200.
- Karavalli Cafe, Chitradurga Road. Mutton Biriyani. Rs.220.
- Udupi Cafe, Opposite Private Bus Station. 6 AM to 8 PM.
- Rose Dhaba, Near the overhead railway track, Bangalore Road. Food is served in outdoor settings near the Bangalore Highway.
- Ravi's Cafe, Near Canara Bank, Valmiki Circle. Lunch from 11:30AM; Dinner between 7:30PM and 9.00 pm.. Very tasty roti, rice and vegetarian stews.
- Friends Cafe, Valmiki Ciracle. Dhathathreya Road (near Vardhan Computers), ☏ +91 8105369838. Burgers, maggi, pizzas, rolls and french fries.
- Chiru's Sree Pizzeria (near Valmiki Circle Church), ☏ +91 8195 222699, +91 90611414910. ₹150 onwards.
- New Evergreen Chicken Hotel (near Valmiki Circle). Most dishes are ₹70-115.
- Sree Sharada Grant Cafe, Near SBI, Valmiki Circle, ☏ +91 8073271576. 6:30AM to 10:30PM including Sundays. Pure vegetarian. Good ambiance. Meals ₹60, Rice and Sambar ₹40.
- Jyothi Prakash Self-service café, Valmiki Circle. Open from 6:30AM onwards; closed Sundays. Known for Mangalore Bajjis or 'Golibajes'.
- Udupi Garden (opposite Taluk office). Serves veg and nonveg and has a hut-like ambiance. Vegetable Biriyani ₹120, Dal Fry ₹80, Egg Masala ₹90, Chicken Masala ₹ 160, Masala Parotta ₹ 40.
- Manjunatha Hotel, Opposite Okkaligara Complex, Near Valmiki Circle. For lunch with raggi mudde or chapathi. A popular and affordable place.
- Sai Akshay Dhaba, Near Karavalli, Chitradurga Road (2 KM). Rs.200 for non-vegetarian lunch.
- Gowtham Chats, Room No 7/8, KCV Complex, Giriyamma College Rd, Chitradurga Main Rd. 05:00-10:00. 50-200.
Drink
- Aramana Café, Bus Station Building.
- Friends Café (near Vardhan Computers, Valmiki Circle.), ☏ +91 8105369838.
Sleep
- Aramana Lodge, Bus Stand. Vegetarian restaurant is attached. ₹800.
- Gandharva Hotel, Bangalore Road, ☏ +91 77604 72569, +91 9845839077.
- Ashraya Residency (behind Bus Stand), ☏ +91 77604 72569, +91 9845839077. ₹600.
- S.R.S.Lodge, Private Bus Station, ☏ +91 8195 223931. Lift facility is available.There is an attached vegetarian cafe. ₹600.