Honnāli

Honnali is located at 14.25°N 75.67°E / 14.25; 75.67[1] and has an average elevation of 540m (1771ft). The Tungabhadra River flows through the area. It is 40km north of Shimoga, 46km south of Ranebennur, 35km southwest of Harihar and east of Shikaripur (37km), Shirallakoppa (57km) and Munchikoppa (61km).

As of the 2001 census,[2] Honnali had a population of 15,574. Males constitute 51% of the population and females 49%. Honnali has an average literacy rate of 68%, higher than the national average of 59.5%; male literacy is 73%, and female literacy is 62%. In Honnali, 12% of the population is under 6 years of age. The principal occupation is agriculture.

Thirtha Rameshwara, known for a temple to Lord Shiva temple, is nearby, and Shree Madhava Ranganatha Swamy Temple is also in the vicinity, located on the banks of the River Tungabhadra in the neighbouring village of Gollarahalli. Every Saturday, a special pooja is held. There is also a yearly religious gathering in January called Durgamma Festival, wherein hundreds of sheep and goats are sacrificed.

Sri Raghavendra Swami Mutt, also known as the Second Mantralaya, is known for its local mythology. When it was constructed, a procession carried mruttika from Moola Brindavan, Mantralaya to Honnali. An old man dressed in khavi arrived with the procession, entered the mutt and never came out. It is believed that he was Rayaru or Raghavendra Swamy and that he is still present, hence the name Dwiteeya Mantralaya.