Savanur — Travel Guide
Savanur, celebrated across northern Karnataka as the historic capital of the Savanur Nawabs, the exclusive home of the giant 500 year-old African Baobab trees known locally as Dodda Hunase Mara, and the primary cultural gateway to Bankapura Peacock Sanctuary and Kaginele Kanaka Guru Peetha, situated along State Highway 40, is an engaging royal municipality in the Haveri district of Karnataka.
It works as a primary botanical curiosity and medieval Afghan Nawab heritage hub where colossal 18 meter-wide prehistoric tree trunks rise above temple mathas, where Indo Saracenic royal palaces stand, and where fertile Varada river valleys yield world famous aromatic betel leaves.
Located at an elevation of 585 meters in the Malenadu Deccan transition belt, it sits 4 km from Savanur railway station, 12 km east of Bankapura Peacock Sanctuary, 32 km north of Haveri, 35 km northwest of Kaginele, 55 km south of Hubballi Airport, and 340 km northwest of Bengaluru.
Morning breezes drifting over betel vine gardens and jowar fields carry the appetizing aroma of roasted Jolada Rotti with spicy Ennegayi stuffed baby brinjal, freshly pounded Shenga peanut chutney with curd, crispy Savanur Khara mixture, crunchy Girmit with deep fried Mirchi Bhajjis, sweet Shenga Holige drenched in pure desi ghee, and hot South Indian filter coffee in stainless steel tumblers, while temple bells chime at dawn.
Colossal tree canopies, ancient palace gateways, busy betel leaf mandis, and passing South Western Railway trains define the daily rhythm of this northern Karnataka princely town.
Savanur is famous for the giant African Baobab trees at Kalmath, the 17th century Majid Castle Nawab Palace, the thousands of blue peacocks in Bankapura Fort, and its fragrant betel leaf cultivars.
It's a practical base if you want to touch 18 meter-wide ancient tree trunks, watch hundreds of wild peacocks dance in medieval fort ruins, visit the saintly memorial of Kanakadasa at Kaginele, and taste authentic North Karnataka cuisine.
The surrounding Haveri and Savanur territory holds deep antiquity shaped by the Western Chalukyas, the Kadambas of Hangal, the Vijayanagara Empire, the Miyana Afghan Nawabs, and the Marathas. From the soapstone carvings of Haveri Siddheshwara Temple to the stepped lotus ceiling of Hangal, you'll discover rewarding cultural landmarks across the district.
Local life centers around betel leaf cultivation, spice trade, agriculture, cotton ginning, handloom weaving, and heritage tourism. You can view the sunrise over Moti Talab at dawn, explore the ancient Baobab grove by midday, and watch the sunset from the ramparts of Bankapura Fort by evening.
Neighboring destinations like Haveri, Hubballi, and Dharwad offer historic Chalukyan temples, classical music heritage centers, and world famous Dharwad peda sweets. Adding Savanur to your travel plans works well for botanists, heritage travelers, birdwatchers, and road trippers exploring Karnataka.
You can view the glowing golden sunset filtering through the massive branches of the ancient Baobab trees and watch the evening lamps illuminate the historic town streets by dusk. The journey is worth every rupee. Savanur provides an authentic, peaceful, and culturally rich Deccan travel experience.
Planning your trip around the pleasant winter sightseeing season from October to March, the lush post monsoon peacock dancing season at Bankapura from July to October, or the grand Kanakadasa Jayanti festival in November will give you the best experience across Karnataka. Here is the seasonal breakdown:
Best Time to Visit by Season
• Winter Season (October to March): The premier travel window. Pleasant, breezy, and sunny with daytime temperatures between 16°C and 30°C, ideal for photographing ancient Baobab trees, exploring Bankapura Fort, and temple hopping in Haveri.
• Monsoon Season (June to September): Moderate to heavy rains turn the countryside lush green and provide the best opportunity to watch hundreds of peacocks dancing in Bankapura.
• Summer Season (April to May): Warm to hot with daytime temperatures reaching 38°C. Early morning tree visits and evening temple tours are recommended.
Major Annual Cultural & Spiritual Celebrations
• Kanakadasa Jayanti (November): Grand cultural festival celebrated at Kaginele with classical Carnatic music concerts, vachana recitals, and community feasts.
• Savanur Urs Festival: Annual spiritual gathering at the historic Sufi dargahs drawing devotees of all faiths for qawwalis and community langar.
• Maha Shivratri at Siddheshwara: Celebrated with all night temple prayers, sacred abhisheks, and colorful Rathotsava car festivals.
• Holi & Deepavali: Celebrated with traditional folk dances (Dollu Kunitha) and festive lighting across town.
What Savanur is Famous For
• Dodda Hunase Mara: 500 year-old giant African Baobab trees.
• Savanur Betel Leaves: World renowned aromatic pan leaves.
• North Karnataka Flavors: Jolada Rotti, Ennegayi, Savanur Khara, and Shenga Holige.
Reaching Savanur in Karnataka is simple because State Highway 40, National Highway 48 (Bengaluru Pune Expressway), Savanur Railway Station (SAX) on the South Western Railway route, and Hubballi Airport provide reliable multi modal transit connectivity. Here is your complete transit guide:
By Air
• Hubballi Airport (HBX): Located 55 km north of Savanur (approx 1 hour drive via NH 48 with direct flights to Bengaluru, Mumbai, Delhi, and Chennai).
• Belagavi Airport (IXG): Located 155 km northwest via Hubballi.
• Goa Dabolim / MOPA Airport (GOI/GOX): Located 210 km west via Ankola Yellapur.
• Airport Transfers: Pre paid taxis, rental cabs from Hubballi or Haveri, and KSRTC express buses operate regular direct services to Savanur.
By Train
• Savanur Railway Station (Station Code: SAX): Situated 4 km from the town center on the Bengaluru Hubballi broad gauge mainline.
• Haveri Railway Junction (Station Code: HVR): Located 32 km south with extensive superfast train halts.
• Hubballi Railway Junction (Station Code: UBL): Located 55 km north, the world's longest railway platform and headquarters of the South Western Railway.
• Connecting Express Trains: Vande Bharat Express, Siddhaganga Intercity, Rani Chennamma Express, and Gol Gumbaz Express connect Haveri and Hubballi directly to Bengaluru, Mysuru, Mumbai, and Pune.
By Road
• National Highway 48 (Bengaluru Tumakuru-Davangere Haveri-Hubballi Pune Expressway): Smooth 6 lane national expressway accessed via Bankapura toll gate just 12 km west.
• State Highway 40 (Kumta Sirsi-Hangal Savanur-Gadag Corridor): Well paved 2 lane state highway connecting coastal Karnataka with northern plains.
• Bus Services: Karnataka State Road Transport (KSRTC) and private sleeper buses run frequent direct services between Bengaluru, Hubballi, Belagavi, Davangere, and Savanur every 15 minutes.
Local Commuting
• Auto Rickshaws & Town Buses: Readily available at Savanur bus stand and railway station for quick local commuting.
• Rental Private Cabs: Hiring a private taxi is the most convenient way to explore the regional circuit covering the Baobab trees, Nawab Palace, Bankapura Peacock Sanctuary, and Kaginele in a single day.
Exploring local artisan markets and tasting authentic North Karnataka, Haveri, and Malenadu culinary specialties is an enjoyable part of visiting Karnataka. Here are the top items to buy and try:
What to Buy (Savanur Betel Leaves, Khara & Byadgi Chilies)
• Authentic Savanur Betel Leaves (Vilyadele): World famous tender, aromatic pan leaves cultivated in nutrient rich local gardens.
• Savanur Special Spicy Khara & Mixture: Crispy, spicy gram flour snacks seasoned with roasted groundnuts, curry leaves, and local spices.
• Authentic Byadgi Dried Red Chilies: Naturally deep red, low pungency premium whole dried chilies packed for kitchen cooking.
• Shenga Chutney Pudi & Gurellu Pudi: Aromatic roasted peanut and niger seed spice powders packed for daily meals.
• Handwoven Ilkal & Cotton Sarees: Traditional handloom sarees woven in nearby regional artisan clusters.
Famous Local Food Specialties
• Authentic Jolada Rotti Oota: Hot, crisp sorghum flatbreads served with spicy Ennegayi stuffed baby brinjal, Jhunka, and fresh butter.
• Spicy Girmit with Mirchi Bhajji: Puffed rice tossed in roasted onion peanut masala gravy, paired with hot deep fried chili fritters.
• Sweet Shenga Holige with Desi Ghee: Delicate flatbreads filled with crushed sweetened peanuts, cardamom, and jaggery.
• Authentic Dharwad Peda: Rich, caramelized milk fudge coated in powdered sugar.
• Steaming South Indian Filter Coffee: Strong, freshly brewed chicory coffee frothed with hot boiled milk.
Must-Visit Places in Savanur
Savanur and the surrounding Haveri Malenadu belt offer giant 500 year-old African Baobab trees, historic Nawab palaces, peacock wildlife sanctuaries, and 12th century Chalukyan stone temples. Here are the top attractions to visit during your stay.
1. Savanur Ancient Baobab Trees (Dodda Hunase Mara)
Colossal African Baobab trees (*Adansonia digitata*) situated at Doddahunase Kalmath, featuring enormous 18 meter trunk circumferences and unique tamarind like fruits.
Timings: 6:00 AM to 6:30 PM daily
Fee: Free access
Route: Located 1.5 km from Savanur town center.
2. Savanur Nawab Palace (Majid Castle) & Darbar Hall
The 17th century Indo Saracenic royal palace of the Savanur Nawabs featuring ornamental stone arches, courtyards, and fortified town gateways.
Timings: 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM (Working days)
Fee: Free viewing
Route: Located in central Savanur.
3. Bankapura Peacock Sanctuary & 60 Pillar Temple (12 km)
A 139 acre wildlife reserve inside the ruins of 14th century Bankapura Fort, home to over 1,000 blue peafowl and the 9th century Nagareshwara temple.
Timings: 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily
Fee: Nominal sanctuary entry fee
Route: Located 12 km west of Savanur.
4. Kaginele Kanaka Guru Peetha & Memorial (Day Trip)
The sacred spiritual seat of 16th century saint philosopher Kanakadasa featuring the historic Adikeshava temple, memorial fort, and cultural museum.
Timings: 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM daily
Fee: Free access
Route: Located 35 km southeast near Byadgi.
5. Haveri Siddheshwara 12th Century Chalukyan Temple (Day Trip)
A masterpiece of Western Chalukyan architecture carved from fine grained soapstone, featuring lathe turned polished pillars and intricate deity sculptures.
Timings: 6:00 AM to 7:30 PM daily
Fee: Free entry
Route: Located 32 km south in Haveri.
6. Hangal Tarakeshwara Temple & Stepped Lotus Dome (Day Trip)
A colossal 12th century Chalukyan temple holding a 30 foot diameter octagonal carved stone lotus ceiling supported by massive pillars.
Timings: 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM daily
Fee: Free access
Route: Located 35 km southwest in Hangal.
7. Savanur Moti Talab & Royal Reservoir
A historic royal lake built by the Miyana Nawabs for irrigation and water harvesting, offering peaceful evening walking paths.
Timings: Open all hours
Fee: Free access
Route: Located 2 km north of town.
8. Sathambidi Sufi Dargah & Historic Jama Masjid
Centuries old Islamic spiritual shrines established during the early reign of the Nawabs, revered by local devotees of all faiths.
Timings: 6:00 AM to 8:30 PM daily
Fee: Free access
Route: Located in old town quarters.
9. Ranebennur Blackbuck Sanctuary (Day Trip)
A vast grassland sanctuary sheltering thousands of endangered Indian blackbucks, Indian wolves, and rich birdlife amidst scrub forests.
Timings: 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily
Fee: Forest safari tickets apply
Route: Located 65 km south via NH 48.
10. Varada River Countryside & Rural Trails
scenic riverbanks offering peaceful walking trails through green paddy, sugarcane, and betel leaf plantation groves.
Timings: Daylight hours
Fee: Free access
Route: Located 8 km south of Savanur.
11. Byadgi Red Chili Market & Spice Yard (Day Trip)
One of India's largest red chili trading mandis, world famous for mild, deep red, wrinkled Byadgi chilies used globally in culinary arts.
Timings: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM (Auction days)
Fee: Free entry
Route: Located 45 km south via Haveri.
12. Savanur Betel Leaf Mandis & Sweet Bazaars
A lively shopping lane where visitors can buy authentic Savanur betel leaves, spicy Savanur mixture, roasted peanut powders, and fresh sweets.
Timings: 8:30 AM to 8:30 PM daily
Fee: Free access
Route: Located along Main Market Street.
Savanur Photo Gallery & Attractions
Explore high-resolution photographs of iconic temples, historical monuments, and scenic landmarks in Savanur.
Plan Your Savanur Trip Now
Get the best verified hotel deals and customized tour packages. Book directly on EarthTrip and save up to 45%!
