Hubli Through a Shutter: A Photographer's Messy Guide
so i landed in hubli with my camera bag feeling like a packhorse. the airport is small, but that’s kind of charming, right? no fancy escalators, just a few steps and you’re out. the taxi ride into the city was an eye-opener. hubli is not what i expected. it’s a mix of old and new, with crumbling buildings next to shiny new malls. the light here is incredible for photography - harsh at noon, but golden during sunrise and sunset. i spent the first day just wandering, getting lost, and taking shots of everything.
i just checked the weather, it's 21.65°C and feels like 20.78, so if you're into that mild, slightly dry air, then you're in luck. it’s not too hot, not too cold. perfect for being outside all day. if you're done with hubli, dharwad is just a short drive away and totally worth the trip for some old-school vibes. i heard from a local at a cafe that the best chaat in town is at a place called 'Shivaji Snacks', but don't go on weekends because the lines are insane. you can check out what others are saying about the food scene on Yelp or Zomato. also, Hubli Explorer has some great food tours if you want a guided experience.
the photography spots here are endless. the unkal lake is a must-go. it’s huge and there’s a garden and a park. the sunset over the lake is breathtaking. i set up my tripod and just clicked away. the light reflecting off the water was something else. also, the architecture in the old city is amazing. the temples and the mosques have these intricate details that you could spend hours shooting. i was told by a rickshaw driver that the best time to shoot the temples is early in the morning, before the crowds arrive. he also mentioned that there’s a hidden alley near the market that has the most colorful walls. i found it, and it was a jackpot of colors.
if you’re into street photography, hubli is a goldmine. the market areas are chaotic in the best way possible. people selling everything from spices to textiles. the colors, the textures, the expressions. i spent a whole day in the market and my camera’s memory card was full. the energy here is contagious. i also went to the glass house, which is a modern structure in the middle of a garden. it’s super photogenic, especially at night when it’s lit up. for more ideas on what to see, check out TripAdvisor. they have a list of the top attractions.
one thing i have to mention is the coffee. hubli is in the coffee belt, so the coffee here is strong and delicious. i found this tiny cafe called ‘Coffee Corner’ that serves the best filter coffee. the owner is a character, always telling stories about the city. he told me that the city has a rich history, and that it was once a major trading hub. he also mentioned that there are some ancient caves nearby that are worth exploring, but i didn’t have time. if you’re into history, you might want to check out the Archaeological Survey of India for more on that. overall, hubli is a hidden gem for photographers. the light, the colors, the people - it’s all here. i’m already planning my next trip.
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