Happy TravellerWelcome to Challakere, a city municipality located in the Chitradurga district of Karnataka, India. Known as the Oil City, Challakere is home to numerous edible oil mills and is the second largest producer/supplier of edible oil in India after Mumbai. But that’s not all – Challakere is also known as the Science City, with several prestigious research organizations such as IISc, DRDO, BARC, and ISRO having set up their establishments here.
Geographically, Challakere is located at an average elevation of 585 metres (1919 ft) and has a population of 55,194 as per the 2011 India census. It is the largest taluk of Chitradurga District.
Science and research organizations are a major draw for Challakere. The city is located just 200 km from Bangalore, where an integrated township spread over 8,000 acres (32 km2) has been set up by Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO), Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO), Indian Institute of Science (IISc), and Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC).
Apart from the science and research organizations, Challakere is also home to several spiritual places. Datta Mandira, located in Tyagaraja Nagar, is a temple where traditional practices of Datta Sampradaya can be seen. Jagalurajja temple (Ajjana Gudi) is located beside the Ajjana Kere, which is the main water source for surrounding wells and drinking water for Challakere. Challekeramma temple is another important spiritual place, where the Challakeramma Jathre is conducted once every five years. Bhavani Shankara temple, situated at Lakshmipura, was bought from Varanasi more than 200 years back without being kept on the floor to maintain the sanctity of the idol.
Transportation in Challakere is well-connected by road. The city is well connected to Bangalore, Bellary, Pavagada, and Chitradurga by road. NH 150A, which connects Chamarajanagara and Jevargi, passes through the city. Chitradurga, which is the district headquarters, is 30 km from this city.
Education is also an important aspect of Challakere. The city is home to several government colleges such as Government Engineering College, Government First Grade College, Government P. U. College, and Government Tool Room And Training Centre (GTTC). Warriors English School and Warriors P. U. College are also located in Challakere.
Notable people from Challakere include Ta Ra Subba Rao, a renowned Kannada novelist, and the Challakere Brothers, known for their chanting of Vedas.
Come and explore the unique blend of science, spirituality, and industry that Challakere has to offer. Book your trip today and experience the wonders of this hidden gem in Karnataka, India!
