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. (updated Jul 2022)
Jagalurajja temple (Ajjana Gudi). Beside the Ajjana Kere, which is the main water source for surrounding wells and drinking water for challakere. (updated Jul 2022)
Challekeramma temple, km 1 on Bellary Road. Challakeramma Jathre is conducted once every five years in this temple. (updated Jul 2022)
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. (updated Jul 2022)
Sai Baba Temple, Pavgada Road. (updated Jul 2022)
Lakshmipura Temple, Lakshmkipura Village. (updated Jul 2022)

Do

Buy

Eat

Aramana Salkara Cafe, KSRTC Bus Station Building. Good quality vegetarian items like idlis, vadas, dosai and rice preparations are available here. (updated Jul 2022)
Gandharva Hotel, Bangalore Road. Roti and Chicken curry. Rs.200. (updated Jul 2022)
Karavalli Cafe, Chitradurga Road. Mutton Biriyani. Rs.220. (updated Jul 2022)
Udupi Cafe, Opposite Private Bus Station. 6 AM to 8 PM. (updated Jul 2022)
Rose Dhaba, Near the overhead railway track, Bangalore Road. Food is served in outdoor settings near the Bangalore Highway. (updated Aug 2022)
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. (updated Oct 2022)
Friends Cafe, Valmiki Ciracle. Dhathathreya Road (near Vardhan Computers), ☏ +91 8105369838. Burgers, maggi, pizzas, rolls and french fries. (updated Oct 2022)
Chiru's Sree Pizzeria (near Valmiki Circle Church), ☏ +91 8195 222699, +91 90611414910. ₹150 onwards. (updated Oct 2022)
New Evergreen Chicken Hotel (near Valmiki Circle). Most dishes are ₹70-115. (updated Oct 2022)
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. (updated Oct 2022)
Jyothi Prakash Self-service café, Valmiki Circle. Open from 6:30AM onwards; closed Sundays. Known for Mangalore Bajjis or 'Golibajes'. (updated Oct 2022)
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. (updated Nov 2022)
Manjunatha Hotel, Opposite Okkaligara Complex, Near Valmiki Circle. For lunch with raggi mudde or chapathi. A popular and affordable place. (updated Feb 2023)
Sai Akshay Dhaba, Near Karavalli, Chitradurga Road (2 KM). Rs.200 for non-vegetarian lunch. (updated Feb 2023)
Gowtham Chats, Room No 7/8, KCV Complex, Giriyamma College Rd, Chitradurga Main Rd. 05:00-10:00. 50-200. (updated Oct 2023)

Drink

Aramana Café, Bus Station Building. (updated Jul 2022)
Friends Café (near Vardhan Computers, Valmiki Circle.), ☏ +91 8105369838. (updated Oct 2022)

Sleep

Aramana Lodge, Bus Stand. Vegetarian restaurant is attached. ₹800. (updated Jul 2022)

Gandharva Hotel, Bangalore Road, ☏ +91 77604 72569, +91 9845839077. (updated Jul 2022)
Ashraya Residency (behind Bus Stand), ☏ +91 77604 72569, +91 9845839077. ₹600. (updated Jul 2022)
S.R.S.Lodge, Private Bus Station, ☏ +91 8195 223931. Lift facility is available.There is an attached vegetarian cafe. ₹600. (updated Oct 2022)

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