MELTING POT OF DIFFERENT CULTURES

The town of Belgaum is the assimilation point of various cultures. Due to its proximity with the states of Maharashtra and Goa, Belgaum has acquired the cultural flavor of these states and blended it with the local Kannada culture to create a rich heritage, which is unique in its manifestation. Belgaum is not only famous for its history but also for its natural beauty. It is also known as Malendu or Rain Country and the vegetation here is lush green throughout the year.

LOCATION

Belgaum is located in the northwestern part of the state of Karnataka, in the southern region of India. It lies near the borders of the Indian states of Maharashtra and Goa. It is 502 km from Bangalore, 500 km Southeast of Mumbai (Bombay) and 125 km southeast of Goa. The town is at the foothills of the Sayadhri range (Western Ghats) at an altitude of 2,500 feet (779 m) above sea level. The weather of Belgaum is pleasant, owing to its hilly topography. Summers (April-June) are mildly hot and winters are cool (November-February). It experiences heavy southwestern monsoon rains during (July-September). It receives as much as 50 inches of rain annually.

VISITING TIME

Although Belgaum can be visited throughout the year, the rainy season should be avoided.

THE PAST

The past of Belgaum is chequered. It was overrun many times, owing to its strategic location on the Indian peninsula. In the past Belgaum was known as Venugrama (Bamboo village) because of the abundance of bamboo trees in this region. It was a part of the Chalukya Empire (6th-8th century AD), as is evident from the remains of monuments found here. The history of Belgaum town dates back to 12th century AD, when it was built and ruled by local rulers by the name of Rattas. A fort built by the Ratta rulers still stands here and is an important tourist attraction. Belgaum was later ruled by the Yadavas of Devangiri and then became a part of the great Vijaynagar Kingdom. The Bahamani rulers of the Deccan captured it in the 15th century. They not only renovated the Belgaum fort, but also built the Jami Masjid and other important monuments. The Mughals took over Belgaum and renamed it as Azamnagar. Belgaum witnessed a prolonged power struggle between the Mughals and the Marathas. The Marathas took over this town and held it until the British took over.

TOURIST SPOTS

The old stone fort, built in 12th century AD by the local Ratta rulers, is an important spot, though not much of the original structure remains. This fort was renovated and built on by successive rulers who ruled Belgaum from time to time. Belgaum's Watchtower and Sunset Point should not be missed if one wants to savor the scenic beauty surrounding this town.

Belgaum is famous for its temples and the religious-minded traveler could find a number of temples here-the main ones being Kapileshwar temple, Shani temple and the Maruti Temple.

The town of Belgaum is also known for its well-maintained parks. The Nath Pai Park, Shivaji Udyan and Sambhaji Udyan are important parks.

Another important sightseeing place in Belgaum is the Cantonment area, built by the British during their rule in India. The Cantonment area, also known as the Camp, spreads to the south and western part of the town. Apart from military buildings, it houses a number of well-preserved, functional buildings like churches, bungalows, schools, etc., built on the traditional colonial style of architecture. The Cantonment area resembles a world of its own and the traveler is sent back in time, as he walks through tree-lined lanes. A walk along Elphistone Road, Club Road, Commissariat Road, Victoria Barracks, and Chapel Road, in the Cantonment is recommended. A number of religious monuments are located within the cantonment area-the Masjid-Sata mosque, which dates back to the 16th century AD, the Mahadeva temple with its beautiful gardens, the St. Mary's Church of England, St. Xavier's Church, Catholic Cathedral and St. Anthony's Church, all lie within the lush green environs of the Cantonment.

SITES NEARBY

Sixty kilometers from Belgaum is the breathtaking Gokak falls on Ghataprabha River.

FAIRS AND FESTIVALS

Local Marathi people of Bangalore celebrate the Ganesh Chaturthi festival with great pomp every year during August-September. The traveler must make it a point to witness this festival.

SHOPPING

Belgaum became an important commercial and business center way back in the 18th century. There are a number of modern shopping centers within the town, where one can find all kinds of goods. Belgaum is famous for its toys, made out of wood and leather.

HOW TO REACH

Belgaum can be reached by road from important cities of Mumbai, Pune, Bangalore, Hyderabad and Goa. The main bus stand in Belgaum is located near the old town area. The bus service from Belgaum to other nearby towns and cities is good. A number of trains plying on Bangalore-Mumbai section pass through and stop at Belgaum railway station. It takes 15 hours from Belgaum to Bangalore and 14 hours to Mumbai by train. There is a daily express train to Delhi from Belgaum and the journey takes about 37 hours.

The traveler can move within the town on cycle-rickshaws or auto-rickshaws. Tourists can also get private taxis from hotels for sightseeing.

PLACES TO STAY

There are few hotels in Belgaum. Whatever accommodation is available in Belgaum is cheap and suits every pocket. The Karnataka State Tourism Development Council's hotel Mallaprabha is the main hotel of this town and is located on the bypass on the main national highway.

PLACES TO EAT

Belgaum does not offer any unique cuisine to the tourist, but it is well known for its traditional sweets and milk products. Kunda, a traditional sweet, is worth trying. One can get Indian, Chinese and fast food from different eating points and hotels around the city.