I used to travel to Belgaum from Vadodara on Indian Railways to meet my maternal family.

Belgaum, also called Belgao by the locals or officially as Belagavi, has always been special to me.

Nestled on the border of Maharashtra and Karnataka, both states claim Belgaum to be their own. Being close to both of these states as well as Goa, Belgaum culture is a mix of Maharashtrian, Kannadiga and Konkani. Marathi and Kannada languages are both fluently spoken by the locals. 

Belgaum weather is something that entices a traveller. Happily settled at the foothills of the Sahyadri range in the Western Ghats, the places to visit in Belgaum and around Belgaum are dense forests, rivers, waterfalls, mountains, ghats that are sure to make anyone fall in love.

Belgaum is famous for its cultural vibrancy. Whether it is Diwali, Rang Panchami or Ambedkar Jayanti, each festival is celebrated with fervour by the locals. But the most special festival that gets the Belgaumites excited is Ganeshutsav.

Ganesh Chaturti in Belgaum sees the grandest celebrations after Mumbai and Pune wherein the entire city colours itself in the hues of Gulal, chants of ‘Ganpati Bappa Morya’ and drowns in the sweet scent of Modak. Every household in Belgaum enthusiastically welcomes the elephant-headed god with rangolis in front of their house, decorations in the house, the rhythmic sounds of Nashik dhol and a heart full of love. 

If anyone ever wants to visit Belgaum they must do it during Ganeshutsav!

Places to visit in Belgaum

There are many Belgaum visiting places – from the historical fort in the heart of the city to the mystical waterfalls near Belgaum, there are many things to do in Belgaum and around. Whether you are a student studying at KLE University or VTU, or a tourist there is something here for everyone.

Belgaum Fort

Once a grand place in itself, not much remains of the Belgaum Fort now.

Built in the 12th century, Belgaum Fort is believed to be one of the oldest forts of Karnataka. Ruled by many Hindu & Muslim Kingdoms it was once ruled by Maratha King Shivaji Maharaj and later on by the Peshwas. In its best days, the fort had high walls and a very wide moat, filled with water, for extra security from enemies. 

While the fort area spans a few acres, there is only a fort wall that remains in the center of the city. It was a shame to go here and not see anything that resembles a fort. But even though there is no fort structure, the Belgaum fort or Belagavi fort is still a place where multi cultures reside.

The fort premises houses a mosque, a Hindu temple, a Jain temple, and an Ashram inside its premises. 

Belgaum Fort is also home to some of the tallest, rarest, and most magnificent trees in Belgaum. Many trees have a girth of more than 7 to 8 feet and reach up to 75 to 100 feet in height. If you like birdwatching then there are many birds of western ghats that reside here. Crane those necks with binoculars to check out the amazing wings of colours.

Kamal Basti

There are two temples also known as Jinalayas in the later Chalukya style – Kamal Basti and Chikki Basti. While Chikki Basti is in ruins, Kamal Basti is one of the best places to visit in Belgaum. The two are said to have been part of a complex of 108 bastis of which only 2 survive today. Not much is known of the remaining bastis and temples inside the fort complex.

Kamla Basti is spread over manicured lawns, and coconut trees, and gives the feeling of being inside a forest.

The temple locally called Kamal Basadi is a Jain temple (Ratta Jinalaya) dedicated to Shri Neminath Tirthankar that was built in 1204 AD by Bichiraja, a minister of Kartavirya IV of the Ratta Dynasty. The temple name literally means Lotus Sculpture. The interior architecture reminded me of another beautiful temple – Ranakpur Jain temple.

The external walls are plain with horizontal bands and exhibit various patterns of geometry. However, the interior of the temple has intricately carved pillars and arches.

The inner temple porch has three entrances and each is joined with stone benches on its periphery.

The ceiling of the porch is in Kadambanagara style (stepped pyramidal type) and has a dome with 72 lotuses, hence the name Kamal Basti. On the ceiling can also be seen the projected idols of Ashtadikpalakas also known as Gods of Eight directions as well as images of Jain Tirthankara in between them. 

The pillars leading to the inner sanctum or garbhagriha have intricate carvings on them. The deity inside is carved in black stone and that of Neminath Tirthankara in black stone, the 22nd Tirthankara.

The frame behind the idol is extremely artistic with floral designs and Makara Torana meaning guardians of gateways and thresholds, protecting throne rooms as well as entryways to temples. Idols of a few Tirthankara can be seen inside and in the wall niches.

This temple is currently being taken care of by the Archeological Survey of India (ASI) and is one of the best places to visit in Belgaum.

Entry fees to Kamal Basti is free.

Ramkrishna Mission Ashram Belgaum

Just a couple of meters away from Kamal Basti is the Ramkrishna Mission Ashram, another peaceful place in the Belgaum Fort premises. The Ashram holds importance as the visionary Shri Swami Vivekananda stayed here for nine days when he visited Belgaum in 1892. A cottage which houses the information about his visit and his idol is present.

Beside the cottage is a big meditation hall on the first floor. It has positive vibes and an extremely calm atmosphere. And anyone can go and sit here, without any questions asked.

Other places on the premises include a dining hall and a residence for the Monks. There is a small library that sells publications written by Swamiji and his ideologies. Ramakrishna Mission Ashram Belgaum also organizes numerous welfare activities, lectures, yoga, bhajan chanting, and meditation classes for visitors.

Watch India’s Tallest Flag Installation at Kote Kere

Kote Kere is also known as Fort Lake is the favorite picnic spot in Belgaum. This is a well-maintained lake in the city, situated exactly in front of Belgaum Fort. Kote kere has lush greenery surrounding it with walkways along its boundary for joggers.

Other options around the lake include pedal boats and ferry boats. There are floating restaurants on the lake water as well as many food stalls around the lake periphery. There is a small amusement park for the kids as well as a fountain show that is held every Saturday and Sunday from 6 pm to 8 pm.

However, the latest attraction in Belgaum includes the installation of India’s tallest flag. After Pune and Attari, Belgaum hosts the highest flag. Overlooking the lake waters, the tricolor paints a pretty picture against the sunset sky filling the visitor with pride and honor. 

Chhatrapati Shivaji Statue Park

Near the Military Mahadev temple premises, near the parking area is an area that has miniature forts that were ruled by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the erstwhile Maratha Empire ruler. The forts are made in a similar shape to the original and have historical information. The park has miniatures of 11 important forts including Sindhudurg, Vijaydurg, Vishal Gad, Panahala, Pratap Gad, Raigarh, Torna, Raj Gad, Sinha Gad, Shivneri, and Purandar. 

A bronze statue of Shivaji Maharaj is installed in the middle of the park.

Military Mahadeva Temple

I remember spending a lot of time in the Military Mahadev Temple gardens when I visited as a kid. A fountain near the entrance and the swings and slides in the temple premises is what I loved the most. The trip was complete after having a fill of Alipak and Sugarcane juice from the vendors outside the garden.

Military Mahadeva Temple is one of the most popular tourist places to visit in Belgaum. It is one of the oldest temples in the region and gets its name as it is managed by the Indian Army of Southern Command. The presiding deity is an image of Lord Shiva and a Shivlinga. Two Nandi idols can also be seen in front of the Shivling.

As one enters the temple there is an artificial water fountain with an idol of Lord Krishna around a well-kept and maintained garden. Straight ahead is the Shiva temple. This is one of the most peaceful places in Belgaum 

The premises also has a children’s park and a mini zoo.

Places to visit near Belgaum

Being at such an amazing location, Belgaum enjoys the attention of a prime location with lovely weather.

Located in the Western Ghats, there are many waterfalls

Waterfalls near Belgaum

There are many falls near Belgaum that are at a distance of 30-60 km from Belgaum and are accessible after a short hike through the surrounding forest area. This combines the enjoyment of nature with adventurous activity, especially in the rains making Belgaum a perfect monsoon destination. Some falls are

Gokak waterfalls, Vajrapoha waterfalls, Sundi waterfalls, Shimbola waterfalls, Godchinamalaki waterfalls, Kalasa waterfalls, Chikhale waterfalls, and Tilari waterfalls.

Hill Station near Belgaum

With the Sahyadri range around, it is quite possible to romance the mountains along with the waterfalls.

There are ample hill stations near Belgaum for ultimate relaxation, adventure, or nature experience, whichever you want.

Nersa hill station is a lesser-known hill station, in the forest range of Londa in the Western Ghats in the Belgaum district.

Yana hill station is famous for its thick forest, streams, Durga Devi temple, Swayambhu shiva lingam, and Vibhuti waterfalls.

Jamboti hills are popular for camping and wildlife. Bhimgad Wildlife Sanctuary near Jamboti offers wildlife sightings.

Another gem near Belgaum in the monsoon is the Amboli ghat. Amboli is a haven for waterfalls locally called Dhabdhaba. To name a few – Shirgaonkar waterfalls, Mahadev waterfalls, Nagatta waterfalls, Hiranyakeshi waterfalls are some of the numerous waterfalls that can be found here. 

Beaches near Belgaum

Beaches near Belgaum include Sawantwadi, Gokarna, Tarkali, Malvan, Murudeshwar, Kasaragod, Kumta, to name a few.

Heritage sites and Forts near Belgaum

If heritage sites are of interest then Kittur fort, Parasgad fort, Bhimgad fort, Halasi, and Kakati fort near Belgaum are must-visit. Some UNESCO heritage sites also include Badami Caves, Pattadakalu temple, and Aihole Temple.

Mahakuta Temples are known as the Dakshin Kashi since it lies in the southern state of India. Unlike the river in the north, the water tank in the Mahakuta temple is fed by a natural spring and is known to have healing properties as well as washing away sins.

Food in Belgaum

Being a border town, Belgaum food is influenced by all 3 cuisines – South Maharashtra, Konkani and North Karnataka.

Uttara Karnataka Oota (North Karnataka meals) are thali meals generally served on a banana leaf in restaurants. The food items include Jowar Roti, Enngai palya means Brinjal curry, Soppina palya means green leafy vegetable curry, diced cucumber, Kosambari means salad, Papad, Groundnut chutney, Sambar, Dahi, Sambar, Rasam and Buttermilk.

Mandige also known as Mande or Chowde is the most important sweet dish of Belgaum. Traditionally served in weddings, it is also offered to god during festival puja. Mandige uses ingredients such as wheat flour, sugar powder, ghee, cardamom, and sesame seeds. The dough is laced with a mix of powdered sugar, sesame seeds, and ghee, rolled very thin and carefully transferred to be cooked over a spherical pot. They are then folded into neat bundles as it cooks. Mandige is perfect gifts as they have a shelf life of 2 weeks.

Like every Indian city, you may wonder what is Belgaum famous for especially when it comes to food.

Kunda, Kardantu and Mandige are Belgaum famous foods. Kunda is the famous Belgaum sweet and it would be unfair to leave the city without a box. After all kunda is a must buy souvenir from Belgaum. Belgaum kunda or Belagavi kunda is prepared using sugar, milk and curd that is cooked for long hours till the milk thickens into a solid form. The remainder is called a kunda.

Khau Katta Belgaum

Other cuisines like Punjabi, Gujarati, and Rajasthani are available in many restaurants. The recently opened Khau Katta in Belgaum is the perfect place to try different cuisines, get the feel of eating on street, yet have a safe, delicious, and hygienic experience.

Khau Katta is basically a small shop offering takeaway all in one place. There are currently about 40 eateries offering Indian street food as well as Indian Chinese options, continental, and others. The local variety Belagavi Alipak is a must-try!

Shopping in Belgaum

When writing a blog on all about Belgaum how can I avoid shopping in Belgaum? Belgaum is famous for its brass utensils, jewelry, wood products, showpieces, and Silk sarees. Belgaum silk sarees are a brand in themselves and extremely popular in Maharashtra and Karnataka for their peculiar golden borders.

Belgaum is a hub for silk saree manufacturing and the sarees from here are supplied to most famous saree malls in Mumbai and Pune. So much so that it is on par with Yeola Paithani. All the traditional weaves and sarees are manufactured here like the Paithani Saree, Narayan Peth, Khun, and many more.

The Belgaum saree is a 100-year-old industry and has takers in South Asian countries. Food souvenirs from Belagavi that can be picked (other than Kunda and Mande) are pickles and chutneys. Local shops sell fresh groundnut and garlic chutney in dry forms so it has a higher shelf life. Red chili thecha and ranzak (types of chutneys) and amazing to pick up. Pickles such as raw mango, lemon, mainmula (coleus root) are also freshly prepared and have an amazing taste.

Where to stay in Belgaum

Belgaum has many businessmen and students coming in so there are a fair number of comfortable and affordable hotel options in Belagavi.

Fairfield by Marriott and UK 27, The Fern Belagavi are luxurious options to choose in Belgaum. Economic options include Hotel Eefa and Hotel Sankam Residency.

Best time to visit Belgaum

Belgaum has pleasant weather all year round. However, for the best experience, winter November to February is the best time to visit Belgaum. The monsoon is also preferred by visitors due to the waterfalls and greenery in and around the city. July is apparently the coldest month in Belgaum. However, monsoons are pretty harsh with incessant rains which may sometimes hamper moving around in the city.

Ganesh Chaturthi falls in September is around the end of the monsoon. According to me, Belgaum is dressed as a bride during this time and is perfect to visit.

Summer months are bearable and not as harsh as in western and northern India. Summer in Belgaum is full of the bounty with Ratnagiri Hafoos (Alphonso mangoes) and fresh Cashew Nuts that can be savored in so many different ways.

How to reach Belgaum

By Flight

Belgaum Airport is located 10km away from the city in Sambra and it is connected only by domestic flights. Connections are improving every month with many cities directly getting connected thanks to low-cost small airlines. There are direct flights from Bangalore, Mumbai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, and Chennai.

By Rail

Belgaum is located on the mainline of the Western Railways network which is why it is well linked by rail to other major destinations such as Bangalore, Mysore, Mangalore, Pune, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Goa, New Delhi, and Chennai. 

By Road

Belgaum is well connected by road through the NH4 which basically connects Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu. NH4A connects Karnataka and Goa. Belgaum to Bangalore distance is 510 km and takes about 12 hours by road.

Thanks to good road conditions, it is possible to self-drive or take a bus to Belgaum from Mumbai, Chennai, Pune, Hyderabad, and Bangalore. The Government of Maharashtra and the Government of Karnataka operate MSRTC and KSRTC buses respectively from various locations to Belgaum city.

Sustainable tips for Places to visit in Belgaum

• This is a unique city that has cultural importance with an ample number of temples, mosques and churches so respect the sanctity of each of them during the festivals and during visits.
• Respect the ancient structures of temples by not sitting on them or by carving or writing on them.
• Observe peace and silence in temples and ashrams. Do not use mobile phones in temples.
• Do not litter any of the tourist areas especially while hiking or near waterfalls.

I hope this blog covers all the places to visit in Belgaum and is easy for visitors to plan a trip here. Have any extra questions that are not answered here? Write to me in the comments below. 

Read More posts from Karnataka

• Aihole – The ancient temple town
• Mahakuta temples of Karnataka
• Rock-cut Badami cave temples
• Things to do in Nirvana Beach, Kumta
• Coracle ride at Talakadu Beach
• Shivanasamudra Falls

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