Hubli is an agglomerating city in the state of Karnataka, India, where it is the fastest growing city after the capital, Bangalore. It's often called the second capital of Karnataka. Also known as "Chota Mumbai", it is the largest city in North Karnataka and a commercial hub. The name Hubballi literally means "Flowering creeper" in Kannada. Hubli is called "Gandu Mettida Naadu". The twin cities of Hubli and Dharwad, collectively referred to as "Hubli-Dharwad", is the second-largest conurbation in Karnataka after Bangalore and is second most populous city in Karnataka. While Dharwad is the administrative headquarters, the city of Hubli, situated about 20 km south-east of Dharwad, is the commercial centre and business hub of North Karnataka region. Crops like cotton and peanuts are grown aplenty in the surrounding rural agricultural areas, and Hubli is a major trading center for both commodities. It is also an important city for the Indian Railways, as it is the headquarters for South Western Railway Zone and the Hubli Railway Division. Hubli is a major railway junction in North Karnataka. It is also the headquarters of NWKRTC North West Karnataka Road Transport Corporation. Hubli also houses the largest number of government offices outside Bangalore.
