Hubballi is a city in the state of Karnataka in India. It is the second-largest conurbation in Karnataka, after Bangalore. Dharwad is the administrative headquarters of Dharwad District. city is situated about 20 km south-east of Dharwad, is the commercial centre and business hub of North Karnataka. Cotton and peanuts are grown aplenty in the surrounding rural areas, and Hubballi is a major trading center for both commodities. Sea food from Karwar, a coastal town 165 km away, is packed and shipped from Hubli. It is also an important city for the Indian Railways, being the headquarters for South Western Railway Zone and the Hubballi Division. On the occasion of celebration of golden jubilee of formation of Karnataka state called Suvarna Karnataka, the Hubli city was named as Hubballi. The name Hubballi literally means "Hu" - flower and "Balli" - creeper in Kannada.