What is Belagavi famous for?
Surrounded by lush forests, tranquil rivers and mountains, Belagavi lies in the northern part of Karnataka in India and was earlier known as Belgaum. Located in the hills of the Western Ghats, the city offers splendid landscapes and enjoys a cool and pleasant climate all year round. Belgaum Castle, a large downtown building, was built in 1519. The fort features some centuries-old mosques and a Jain temple, Kamal Basati, with a statue, Neminantha, made of black stone. If you are an active nature lover then some of the places you should not miss in Belagavi are the Jamboti-evergreen forest, Gokak Falls, Godchinamalaki Falls and Vajrapoha Falls. The Belagavi experience will be much better during November, December, and February.
Here are the best places in Belagavi
- Belgaum Fort: Popular as Belgaum Fort, this is one of the most popular places to visit in Belgaum. With shrines of worship of Goddess Durga and Ganapati at the entrance, the architecture fort includes a combination of Chalukyan, Deccan and Indo-Saracenic fine arts and the incredible lotus design at the Mukhamantaapa leaves everybody awestruck.
- Gokak Falls: Located on the Ghataprabha River, this is one of the most scenic places to visit in Belgaum. After travelling a meandering course,the river plunges down from an elevation of 171 ft, in the midst of sandstone cliffs and lush green mountains to form Gokak Falls.
- Jamboti Hills: Located at the outskirts, Jamboti Hills is the birthplace of Mandovi River- the longest river of Goa and is a scenic and serene place to explore. Perfect for nature lovers, photographers, and trekkers, this place is undeniably one of the most scenic places near Belgaum.
- Military Mahadeva Temple Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this temple is owned and managed by Indian Army of Southern Command. It is known for a beautiful black Shiva Lingam, under the shade of seven hooded snakes.
- Rajhansgad Yellur Fort: Archaeological sources reveal that this fort has been ruled by many royal clans of India; namely Marathas, Peshwas, Hoysalas, and Bahamanis. Moreover, there is a sweet water well and an ancient Shiva temple, located at the hilltop.
- Kamala Basti: Located inside the Belgaum Fort complex, this religious place is built in Chalukyan style architecture and houses a black stone idol of Neminatha. With intricate artwork and sculptures, Kamala Basti is a perfect combination of religious significance and architectural beauty and the Mukha Mandapa which is a lotus curved on the ceiling is surely a stunner..
- Kittur Fort and Palace : It is one of the most interesting places near Belgaum. Apart from temples of Maruti, Kalmeshwara, Dyamavva and Nathapanthi matha, this place also houses a marvellous archaeological museum inside the palace.
- Kote Korea : This is a well-maintained lake in the city, surrounded by luxuriant forests. With speedboats, pedal boats and toy train rides, this place is perfect for day excursions, picnics, fun, and frolic..
- Hidkal Dam : This large dam provides water to the locals and fields in the town. .
- Navilu Tirtha: It is a famous picnic spot with a dam built in 1974. Earlier peacocks were frequently flocking around the water body.
Airport in Belagavi
The Belagavi International Airport was built by the Royal Airforce in the early 1940s. During the Second World War, the RAF used this airport.
- Airport address- Belgaum Airport, Bagalkot-Belgaum Road, Sambra, Karnataka
- IATA code- IXG