BELGAUM

Location: 502 kms from Bangalore, Karnataka
Attractions: The Kapileshwara Temple, Safa Masjid, and St Mary's Church
Languages: Kannada, Hindi, and English
Best Season: Throughout The Year
The District Headquarters, Belgaum is a charming blend of the old and the new. Belgaum, ancient 'Venugrama' ('Bamboo village') is the district and divisional headquarters. It was the capital of the 'Rattas' who shifted to this place from Saundatti during the close of 12th century.
This city lies in the border of the states of Maharashtra and Karnataka and the unique amalgam of the cultures of the two states is reflected in the lifestyles of the people living here. The city is famous for its sweets and milk products.

PRIME ATTRACTIONS

Fort: In the heart of Belgaum, is the Fort. At the entrance are two shrines, one devoted to Shri Ganapathi and another to goddess Durga.
Inside the Fort is two 'bastis' built in the Late Chalukyan style. Of these, the more famous is the Kamala Basti, built in 1204 AD. To its right is a ruined Jain Temple.

Jamia Masjid: Co-existing harmoniously are two ancient mosques - the Safa Masjid and the Jamia Masjid.Near the 16th century Jamia Masjid is a Dargah of Khanjar Wali.

Kapileshwar Temple: Considered to be the oldest temple in Belgaum, The Kapileshwara Temple is worth a visit. Other temples worth visiting are the Anathashayana Temple, the Maruti Temple and the temples of Shiva, Vithoba, Dyamavva and Military Mahadeva.

St Mary's Church: The imposing gothic stone structure was built in 1869 AD. Light filters through the gorgeous stained glass windows and doors to enhance the fine biblical drawings on the wall.
Belgaum has quite a few very impressive churches such as St. Xaviers Church, St. Anthony's Church, the Cathedral of Our Lady and the Methodist Church.

Gokak Falls: Gokak Falls is 60 kms from Belgaum & 5 kms from Gokak town. The Ghataprabha River takes a leap over a rocky bed 170 feet down. The best season for visiting these falls is between June & September.

HOW TO GET THERE

Air: Belgaum has an airport.
Rail: Belgaum is connected by rail to Bangalore (via Londa), Bombay (via Miraj) Vasco da Gama.
Road: Belgaum is connected by road to Bangalore (502 kms.), Saudatti (70 kms.), Bombay (550 kms.) Halshi (36 kms.) Panaji, Goa (125 kms.) Kittur (44 kms.) Hubli (82 kms) Bijapur (205 kms.) Gokak (60 kms.) Badami (160 kms.) Karwar (167 kms.).
Local Transport: Auto Rickshaws, Taxis, and City Bus Service.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Climate: Pleasant throughout the year. Winters are very cold.
Population: 453,000.