Belgaum, India

Reading Time: 7 minutes

Belgaum, India

Region: Karnataka


Geographic Coordinates: 15.850000, 74.500000
Temperature Range: 15.0°C to 35.0°C (59°F to 95°F)
Climate: Belgaum has a tropical wet and dry climate with hot summers and mild winters. The monsoon season lasts from June to September, bringing heavy rainfall.
Population: 488157
Language: Kannada

Belgaum, Also known as Belagavi, Is a beautiful city situated in the northern part of Karnataka state in India. The city is surrounded by the Western Ghats mountain range and sits at an elevation of 2, 500 feet above sea level. Belgaum has a rich history that dates back to the medieval period and has been ruled by various dynasties such as Chalukyas, Rashtrakutas, Bahamanis, Vijayanagar Empire and Marathas. One of the most notable attractions in Belgaum is its magnificent fort which was built in the 13th century by Ratta dynasty.

The fort now houses government offices and courts after being renovated several times over the centuries. Another popular attraction is Kamal Basadi Jain Temple which was built during 1204 AD. Belgaum also boasts several other historical monuments such as Gokak Falls located about 60 km away from Belgaum. These falls are formed by River Ghataprabha cascading down from a height of about 170 feet into a deep gorge below. Another must-visit place near Belgaum is Amboli Hill Station which offers breathtaking views of lush green valleys and misty hills.

Apart from its historical significance, Belgaum holds great importance for trade and commerce due to its strategic location near Maharashtra state border. It serves as a hub for various industries such as sugar factories, Breweries, Leather tanning units etc. Belgaum’s diverse culture with people belonging to different religions living together harmoniously makes it an ideal destination for tourists who want to experience India’s cultural diversity. People here speak multiple languages including Kannada, Marathi Hindi Urdu etc.

In terms of education too, Belgaum has established itself as a prominent center with several reputed institutions such as KLE University Visvesvaraya Technological University and Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) located here. Belgaum is a city that offers a perfect blend of historical significance, Natural beauty, Cultural diversity and economic growth. It is an ideal destination for tourists who want to explore the rich history and culture of India while also experiencing its modern-day advancements.



Important Landmarks

  1. Belgaum Fort: This historic fort was built by the Ratta dynasty and is a popular tourist attraction.
  2. Gokak Falls: Located on the Ghataprabha River, these waterfalls are a stunning natural wonder.
  3. Kamal Basti: This ancient Jain temple is known for its intricate carvings and architecture.
  4. Military Mahadeva Temple: This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is located within the Belgaum Cantonment area.
  5. Kapileshwara Temple: Another ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, this one boasts beautiful sculptures and carvings.
  6. Jamboti Hills: A popular spot for trekking and hiking, these hills offer breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
  7. Kote Kere Lake: This picturesque lake is a great place to relax and enjoy nature in the heart of the city.
  8. Kittur Fort & Palace: Located just outside Belgaum, this historic fort was once home to Queen Chennamma of Kittur.
  9. Siddeshwar Temple: One of Belgaum’s oldest temples, this shrine is dedicated to Lord Siddeshwara (another form of Lord Shiva).
  10. Sankeshwar Parshwanath Jain Tirtha: A beautiful Jain pilgrimage site located near Belgaum that attracts visitors from all over India.

Primary Industries

  1. Belgaum, located in Karnataka, India, is a major industrial hub with a diverse range of industries and businesses.
  2. Notable industries and businesses in Belgaum include:
    • The automotive industry with companies like Tata Motors, Mahindra & Mahindra, and Kirloskar Electric Company.
    • Agricultural products such as sugarcane, groundnuts, and grapes.
    • A thriving textile industry that produces cotton fabrics and garments.
    • The engineering sector includes companies that manufacture machinery parts, electrical equipment, and precision tools.
    • Several food processing companies that produce packaged foods like biscuits and confectionery items.
    • Several pharmaceutical firms that produce medicines for various ailments.
    • IT firms that have established their offices here providing employment opportunities to local talent due to an increase in demand for IT services globally.
  3. Belgaum’s strategic location at the border of Maharashtra, Goa, and Karnataka states serves as an important trading center for various commodities.
  4. Overall, Belgaum’s economy is quite diversified with no single industry or sector dominating it.

Noteable History

  1. The city was ruled by various dynasties such as the Chalukyas, Rashtrakutas, Yadavas, Bahamanis, Adil Shahis and Marathas.
  2. The British East India Company established a military cantonment in Belgaum in 1824.
  3. Mahatma Gandhi visited Belgaum in 1924 during his nationwide tour to promote the Swadeshi movement.
  4. Dr B.R Ambedkar stayed in Belgaum for some time during his struggle for Dalit rights.
  5. Veer Savarkar was imprisoned at Hindalga Jail in Belgaum for several years during India’s freedom struggle.
  6. The Indian National Congress held its annual session at Belgaum in 1924 and 1926.
  7. Bal Gangadhar Tilak started the first Kannada language newspaper ‘Kesari’ from his residence in Belgaum.
  8. Notable personalities from Belgaum include former Prime Minister of India H.D Deve Gowda, cricketer Rahul Dravid and film actor Sunil Shetty among others.
  9. The city is also known for its unique cuisine which includes dishes like ‘kunda’, ‘mandige’ and ‘jolada rotti’.

Museums and Things To See

  1. Belgaum Fort is a historical fort built in the 13th century, boasting beautiful architecture and scenic views.
  2. The Kittur Rani Chennamma Memorial pays tribute to the brave queen of Kittur who fought against British rule.
  3. Gokak Falls is a stunning waterfall located near Belgaum, surrounded by lush greenery.
  4. The Military Mahadeva Temple is an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, featuring unique military-style architecture.
  5. Jamboti Hills is a picturesque hill station located near Belgaum, known for its natural beauty and trekking trails.
  6. The Kamal Basti Jain Temple is an ancient Jain temple with intricate carvings and sculptures.
  7. Kapileshwara Temple is another ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, known for its beautiful architecture and peaceful atmosphere.
  8. The Belgaum Railway Museum showcases the history of railways in India through vintage locomotives and other artifacts on display.
  9. The Shri Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama serves as a spiritual center offering meditation classes along with other programs that promote spiritual growth.
  10. Vajrapoha Falls is a beautiful waterfall located around 25 km from Belgaum city which makes it an ideal spot for nature lovers due to its lush greenery surroundings.


Sports Teams

  1. Belgaum, a city in Karnataka, India, has a rich history of sports and is home to several sports teams across different disciplines.
  2. Cricket is one of the most popular sports in Belgaum, with the Belagavi Panthers representing the city in the Karnataka Premier League (KPL), a T20 cricket league in India.
  3. Football is also popular with local clubs such as ADE FC (Air Force), Jolly Brothers FC, SAI RC (Sports Authority of India) and Young Muslim SC participating in various regional leagues.
  4. Other notable sports teams from Belgaum include:
    • The Belagavi Super Kings representing the city in Indian Cue Masters League (ICML)
    • KLE Society’s Institute Of Technology Basketball Team participating in inter-college tournaments across Karnataka
    • Military School Hockey Team that has won several national championships over the years
    • The Ironman Triathlon Club – a group of triathletes who train together and participate in various endurance events across India
  5. Although there may not be any major professional sports teams based out of Belgaum currently playing at national level competitions like IPL or ISL but there are many local clubs for various sporting activities.


Cultural Events

  1. Ganesh Chaturthi is a 10-day festival that celebrates the birthday of Lord Ganesha, the elephant-headed god of wisdom and prosperity. It usually takes place in August or September.
  2. Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights, is one of the most important Hindu festivals that celebrates the victory of light over darkness. It usually takes place in October or November.
  3. Ugadi is a New Year’s Day celebration for people from Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana that usually takes place in March or April.
  4. Dussehra commemorates the victory of Lord Rama over the demon king Ravana and is celebrated with great fervor across India every October.
  5. Basavanna Jayanti celebrates Basavanna, a 12th-century philosopher and social reformer who founded Lingayatism – a Shaivite sect that emphasizes equality among all human beings regardless of caste or gender.
  6. Navaratri is a nine-day festival that honors various goddesses such as Durga, Lakshmi, and Saraswati – embodying divine feminine energy.
  7. Karaga Festival is a unique cultural event celebrated annually at Dharmaraya Swamy Temple during March/April where women dressed up as Veerakumaras carry Karaga on their head to reach designated spots around city before returning back to temple after completing rituals at each spot.
  8. Rathotsava is celebrated annually at Shri Ram Mandir in Tilakwadi during January/February every year where devotees pull chariot carrying idols through streets around temple while chanting hymns & bhajans.

Cuisine

  • Kunda: A sweet made from milk and sugar, which is a specialty of Belgaum.
  • Biryani: A spicy rice dish with meat or vegetables, served at many restaurants in Belgaum.
  • Mandige: A crispy dessert made from rice flour and jaggery.
  • Ghee Roast Dosa: A crispy dosa filled with ghee (clarified butter) and served with chutney and sambar.
  • Hotel Ramdev: Famous for its vegetarian thali meals, which include a variety of dishes served on a banana leaf.
  • Niyaz Restaurant: Known for its Mughlai cuisine, including biryanis and kebabs.
  • Pai Restaurant: Offers a range of Indian and Chinese dishes, including seafood specialties like fish fry and prawn curry.
  • Kamat Upachar: A chain of vegetarian restaurants that serve South Indian delicacies like idli, dosa, vada etc
  • Madhura Delights : Known for North Karnataka specialities like Jolada roti (sorghum flatbread), ennegai (stuffed brinjal), badanekayi palya(stir-fried eggplant) etc

  • Parks and Recreation

    1. Rajhansgad Yellur Fort: This historical fort is situated on a hilltop and offers beautiful scenic views and hiking trails.
    2. Gokak Falls: A natural waterfall located on the Ghataprabha River, it is a popular spot for picnics and water sports.
    3. Military Mahadeva Temple: An ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, it is located in the heart of Belgaum city.
    4. Jamboti Hills: This scenic hill station is situated about 20 km from Belgaum and offers trekking and camping opportunities.
    5. Belgaum Golf Course: An 18-hole golf course located in the Cantonment area of Belgaum.
    6. Kamal Basti Jain Temple: A beautiful Jain temple built in the 12th century, known for its intricate carvings and architecture.
    7. Kittur Rani Chennamma Memorial Sanctuary: This wildlife sanctuary is located about 50 km from Belgaum and home to a variety of flora and fauna including tigers, leopards, elephants, deer etc.
    8. Tilari Dam Reservoir: A popular spot for boating and fishing activities near Belgaum city.
    9. Sural Waterfall: Another beautiful waterfall located about 30 km from Belgaum city known for its picturesque surroundings.
    10. Kote Kere Lake Park: Located in the heart of the city near Fort Lake Road, it’s a perfect place to relax with family or friends with several recreational activities like boating available here.

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