15 Top Things to do in Belgaum

15 Top Things to do in Belgaum

1. The Fort
At the entrance of the fort are two temples dedicated to Ganapati and Durga. The Belgaum fort is in the eastern part of the town, built by Yusuf Adil Shah, the Sultan of Bijapur in 1481.The fort has fine ramparts and is surrounded by a wide moat. The fort stands as a silent witness of grandeur of the kings and the neglect at the hands of modern rulers. The ramparts of the fort lead to several bastions and one can easily walk all around the fort and experience the history.

2. Masjid-I-Satya
Built in the year 1519, Masjid-I-Satya, is one of the oldest mosques and certainly the most beautiful. A captain of the Bijapur army, Azad Khan, erected it. Belgaum is also noted for its Jain architecture and sculpture.

3. Kamala Basti
The late Chalukyan Kamala Basti is the affirmation of the existence of Jainism. The beautiful lathe-turned pillars and a black stone Neminatha sculpture stands within the fort walls. There is also a beautiful sculpted Jain temple built by Malikarjuna to the south of the fort. The Kapileshwara Temple, which is one of the oldest temples in this region, is worth visiting.

4. Barajanancha Vazar (Kalsa Waterfall)
In the dense jungles of Kankumbi region, the Kalsa to Sural Trek runs on the rocky bed of Kalsa stream. Beginning at a point known as Kalsa in Karnataka, after a couple steep ascends & descends the trek crosses the Kalsa stream for the second time which marks the border between Karnataka and Goa.
Soon there is the Kalsa waterfall, where you can spend some time watching the obvious beauty of nature. Further, there is rocky river, one reaches the head of the Sural Waterfall (Ladki Cha Vazar) which is about 275 feet deep.

5. Hari Mandir
Hari Mandir is the temple of Matashree Kalavati Devi commonly known as "Aai". Her Samadhi is in the Temple. She is popular in Karnataka and Maharashtra. Now Shri Hari Mandir Shakhas can be found even in the far west.

6. Bhimgad
The Government has given wildlife sanctuary status to the Bhimgad forest area in Khanapur taluk of Belgaum district especially for the Western Ghats rainforests of Bhimgad which shelters some of the most unique plant, animal and bird species. The Bhimgad forests also houses Barapede caves, the only habitat of the Wroughton’s free-tailed bat Otomops wroughtoni, an endangered species on the verge of extinction.

7. The Gokak falls
Gokak falls is at a distance of 60 Kms from Belgaum and 10kms from Gokak town, having a height of about 170 feet. The river Ghataprabha after winding a course of a long route takes a leap of 52 meters, over a rocky bed 170 feet down. The falls is famous for its spread and shape. The general features of the fall, its height, shape and rapidity above are much like those of " Niagara".
During rainy season the thick reddish brown water sweeps far over the brink of the cliff with a dull roar that can be heard from some distance. Gokak gets its name due to the Goki trees found in abundance in these areas. Electricity was generated here for the first time in the country in 1887.

8. Jamboti
Jamboti, is located 20 km south-west of Belgaum, and is a popular tourist spot with its evergreen hilltop forests. Mandovi River, the longest river in Goa, with the beautiful Varapoha Falls has its origin in the Jamboti hills. Airport of Belgaum is about 28kms from Jamboti.

9. Godchanmalki falls
At a distance of about 60 km, Godchanmalki falls is a popular destination from Belgaum. The waterfalls exclusive features are stepwise falls which are approximately 100 metres in length, with a step at every 30 metres.

10. Amboli hill station
Amboli hill station is a little known coastal highland area, around 70 km from Belgaum, is fabulous during the monsoons. Thick forests, curving misty ghats and shades of vibrant greens. The hilltop Amboli gives a fine bird's-eye view of the Konkan coast.

11. Hindalga Ganapati Mandir
Also known as Nagtya Ganpati, this temple is maintained by Maratha Light Infantry Regiment Centre (MLIRC) people. It is said that wishes made to this Lord Ganesh in this temple usually comes true so a large number of people visit Hindalga every Tuesday to worship Ganpati. There is presence of a very beautiful Garden and a play park besides the temple.

12. The St. Mary's Church
Located in the camp area, the St. Mary's Church, was built in 1869.The church was designed and executed by Rev. Francis Gell. It has imposing stone church has fine piers in the prayer hall and gorgeous stained glasses at its doors and windows. In front of the west porch almost at the meeting of the four chief Cantonment roads, stands a lofty memorial cross raised in memory of the 64th Regiment soldiers who fell in the 1857 mutiny.

13. Butter up
One place to check while you are looking to have a tasty dish is Shetty's in Bogarves. Pav Bhaji is the famous dish of this diner and once you eat it, you will want more.

14. Deshmukh Road
Looking for a happening crowd and counterpart of Bangalores MG road, then hit the Deshmukh Street. You will find alot of young people mingling here for daily activities. And yes ! Have Vada pav at Nath hotel. They are spicy and delicious.

15. Shop
If you are looking for variety of clothes and accessories, lots of bargain and some time to chill out then, shop at Kirloskar & Maruti galli.

- By Sunil R Yadav

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