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), Mumbai
(via Miraj), Vasco da Gama. Road: Belgaum is connected
by road to most places in south and west India. These are : *
Bangalore (502 kms)
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