North Karnataka, also known as Uttara Karnataka, is a land of splendid heritage and culture. It would not be an exaggeration to call North Karnataka as the "treasure house of historical sites and monuments". Every place has a fabulous tale to narrate and as Ibn Batuta says, "Travelling, it leaves you speechless then turns you into a storyteller", which is certainly true when you traverse around the regions of North Karnataka, where one such prominent place of visit is Belagavi. Here are the top 10 places you must visit when in Belagavi.
The Kapileshwara Temple is one of the ancient temples of Belgaum. This temple is known as ‘Dakshina Kashi’ as it is said that the pilgrimage to India’s 12 Jyotirlingas remains incomplete without paying a visit to this temple. Ideally devotees should visit this temple in the Shravan month, especially on Mahashivratri to participate in the religious celebration during that time. It is said that the Jyotirling in Belgaum has originated in itself. Inside the premises of the temple, there are shrines of Lord Ganesh, Saibaba, Hanuman and Datta and a ‘mandir’ of the Navgraha is also located here. The entry is free and is open from 06:30 am to 07:30 pm.
It is located at Belgaum Fort Area, Belgaum, Karnataka, 590001. Belgaum Fort is believed to have been built by the rulers of Ratt Dynasty in 1204 AD. Popular as Belgavi Fort, this is one of the most popular places to visit in Belgaum. With shrines of Goddess Durga and Ganapati at the entrance, the architecture fort features a fusion of Chalukyan, Deccan and Indo-Saracenic art forms and the incredible lotus design at the Mukhamantaapa leaves everyone awestruck. There are numerous Hindu and Jain temples and mosques, located inside the fort area. The entrance fee is INR 25/person for Indians and INR 150/person for foreigner. The fort is open 08:00 am to 06:30 pm.
It is located at Fort Road, Belgaum Fort Area, Belgaum, Karnataka 590016. Undoubtedly, Shri Ramakrishna Mission Ashram is one of the incredible and must visit places in Belgaum city. It is believed that Swami Vivekananda had resided in this ashrama for quite a few days. The aesthetically decorated prayers hall, Sarada mandap, and Sadhu Niwas look elegant and grand and the serenity of the place makes it an ideal retreat for peace seekers and spiritual travelers. The place organizes bhajans, prayers and meditation classes every day. The Ashram is open from 07:00 am to 07:00 pm.
The name Rakaskop means a village of ‘rakkasa’ or demon who is said to have lived on the hilltop close to the hamlet, which is situated some 16 km from Belgaum. There is a cave made of laterite rocks perched on the hilltop that resembles a big human figure in sitting position. This shows that the rakkasa existed in the past. Tourists can also visit the dam across river Markandeya, which supplies drinking water to the town of Belgaum. The entry is free and one can visit this anytime they want to.
It is situated in Belagavi, Belgaum district, Karnataka, 591306. Located on the Ghataprabha River, this is one of the most scenic places to visit in Belgaum. After traveling a meandering course, the river plunges down from an altitude of 171 ft, amid sandstone cliffs and lush green mountains to form Gokak Falls- one of the most visited places to visit in Belgaum, Karnataka. There is a hanging bridge over the waterfall and one can enjoy stunning views of the cascading stream from there. Other than admiring the beauty of the waterfall and its surrounding, one can also visit age-old Lord Mahalingeshwara temple, located nearby.
In 1204, two Bastis or settlements were built inside the walls of the Belgaum Fort, one of which is named Kamala Basti. It was built in the style of the late Chalukyans and this has an idol of Neminatha in black stone. The main highlight of this place is the ‘Mukhamantapa’ which is a lotus carved on the ceiling. Travellers can also visit the ruined temple of the Jains that stands just outside the Kamala Basti. For the ease of travellers basic bathroom facilities are provided, also the tourists are allowed to take their camera with them.
It is located at Belagavi, Karnataka 590005. Rajhansgad Yellur Fort is one of the most impressive historical places to visit Belgaum, Karnataka. Archaeological sources reveal that this fort has been ruled by many royal clans of India; namely Marathas, Peshwas, Hoysalas, and Bahamanis. Perched high on a hill, one can enjoy trekking up to the fort and admire the spectacular views of the lush green surrounding. Moreover,
They are located near Varapoha Falls, Khanapur, Belgaum. Those who love adventure and trekking must keep Jamboti Hills in your list of places to visit in Belgaum. 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.
It is located at Fort Lake, Shivaji Nagar, Belgaum, Karnataka 590016. If you are holidaying in Belgaum with your family and kids, there is no way you can skip Kote Kore. 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. The opening hours are from 4:30 pm to 8:30 pm and there is no charge for entry. One need to buy tickets for different amusement rides and boating.
On the way to Ramadurga, at a distance of 90 km from Belagum Town, the popular destination of Naviltirtha is situated. This is a valley located between two hills, which is close to Suandatti; about 10 km away. This place was previously full of peacocks which used to flock around the pond, and it is from them that this place got its name Naviltirtha. It is a very popular picnic spot. It is open from 07:00 am to 07:00 pm and there is no entry fee. However, pets are not allowed.
