Places of Interest in
Karnataka
Belgaum Travel Guide
The
District Headquarters, Belgaum is a picture of contrasts. On one side is the
old town area where the cotton and silk weavers still create magic with their
fingers. And on the other the modern, bustling, tree lined Cantonment built
by the British.
In the heart of Belgaum, near the bus terminus is the Fort. At the Entrance
are two shrines, one devoted to Ganapathi and another to Durga. Inside the Fort
are two bastis in the Late Chalukyan style. Of these, the more famous is the
Kamala basti, built in 1204.
Come out of the Kamala basti and you will find another ruined Jain Temple to
its right. Co-existing harmoniously with these temples are two ancient mosques
the Safa Masjid and the Jamia Masjid. Near the 16th century Jamia Masjid is
a Dargah of Khanjar Wali. Step out of the Fort and you have a wide choice of
temples and churches to visit. The Kapileshwara temple said to be the oldest,
the Ananthashyana Temple, the Maruti Temple and the temples of Shiva, Vithoba,
Dyamavva and Military Mahadeva. Belgaum also has some very impressive churches.
St. Mary's Church, St. Xavier's Church (the oldest), St. Anthony's Church, the
Cathedral of Our Lady and the Methodist Church.
No story of Belgaum is complete without a mention of Kittur Rani Chennamma.
One of India's first freedom fighters, the queen's heroic resistance is stll
commemorated locally in song and story. Her stature stands sentinel over Belgaum
at a prominent square.
Another
historical site is the Pampa Sarovara, built specially for the 1924 All India
Congress Session which was presided by Mahatma Gandhi. Belgaum also has some
well laid out parks.
The Sambhaji Udyan , the Nath Pai Park and the Shivaji Udyan. Perfect place
to relax in. To put your feet up and let your imagination soar free.
Languages Spoken : Kannada, Hindi, English, Marathi.
Local Food Speciality: "Kunda" a delicious sweet.
When to go there: Belgaum enjoys a pleasant and agreeable climate almost
all through the year. If you're visiting Belgaum between November and February,
carry some light woolens.
How to get there:.
Air:
Belgaum has air airport.
Rail:
Belgaum is connected by rail to Bangalore (via Londa), Bombay (via Miraj), Vasco
da Gama.
Road:
Belgaum is connected by road to most places in south and west India.
These are : * Bangalore (502 kms)
