Belgaum
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)
Belgaum Tourism Reservation Form
