Belgaum District

About Belgaum District

Belgaum district is a district in the state of Karnataka, India. The city of Belgaum is the district headquarters. By the 2001 Census of India, it had a population of 4,214,505 of which 24.03% were urban.The district has an area of 12,000 square kilometers, and is bounded on the west and north by Maharashtra state, on the northeast by Bijapur District, on the east by Bagalkot District, on the southeast by Gadag District, on the south by Dharawad District and Uttara Kannada districts, and on the southwest by the state of Goa. The languages spoken in this district include Kannada and Marathi.

The administrative headquarters of this district are located in the city of Belgaum. The Belgaum District has been divided into 10 talukas. The biggest taluka, known as Athani taluka has an area of 1,995.70 sq km and while Raybag taluka, the smallest taluka has an area of 958.8 sq km. The district is made up of three revenue sub-divisions and six police sub-divisions. The district is a part of the Belgaum division which also includes the districts of Bagalkot, Haveri, Gadag, Uttara Kannada, Bijapur and Dharwad.

Endowed with rich historical and religious heritage, Belgaum district offers to the visitors fascinating river valleys, enchanting hill - ranges and deep rugged rocky valleys and some parts covered by evergreen forests. Forests here have animal sanctuaries too. Several ancient places in the district like saundatti, Godachi, Sogal, Konnur, Raibag, Yedur, Shabarikolla etc, have been referred to in several religious and traditional works.

Kittur, a place in the district, is of considerable historical significance. Rani Chennamma of Kittur (1778-1829) is known for her confrontation with the British. Another person from this region, known for her incessant struggle with the British is Sangolli Rayanna. There are many places of tourist attraction in the Belgaum District. Some of these are the evergreen forests of Jamboti, the Varapoha Falls, the Belgaum fort, an ancient Jain temple made up of black stone and an ancient Masjid

There are numerous temples and masjids: Safa masjid, Jamia masjid, the oldest Kapileshwar Temple, Yellamma Temple, Ananthashayana Temple, and Maruthi Temple. Saundatti, the original capital of the Rattas, is a celebrated pilgrim center. Belgaum is home to many well laid-out parks such as the Sambhaji Udyan, the Nath Pai Park, and the Shivaji Udyan.

History

The most prehistoric place in the Belgaum District is Halsi. Inscriptions on copper plates discovered in the vicinity of Halsi provide evidence for the fact that the town was once the capital of a dynasty of nine Kadamba kings. It is probable that from the middle of the 6th century to about 760 the region was under the possession of the Chalukyas, who were followed by the Rashtrakutas. The Rattas, ruling during the period 875 to 1250, made the town of Belgaum their capital. The Rattas were succeeded by the Yadavas of Devagiri, who were in turn succeeded by the the Delhi Sultanate.

After a few years, certain parts of the region came under the rule of the Hindu rajas of Vijayanagar. Then came the Bahmani Sultanate who were followed by the Mughals led Shwetamber-Jain-Mandirby Aurangzeb and then by the Peshwas. In the year 1776 Hyder Ali of Mysore captured the region but the Peshwa restore it with British support. In 1818 the district was totally under the control of the British East India Company. The British had an infantry post in this region and the place is used as a military base till date. The Mahatma Gandhi Railway Station in the district was set up by the British.

Educational Institutions

There are many educational institutions in the Belgaum District providing good quality education. Some notable ones are the Visveswaraiah Technological University, the Airmen Training School, the Karnataka Lingayat (K.L.E.) Education Society, the Indian Institute of Hydrology and Vaccine and a military school.

Medical & Health Science Colleges in Belgaum

• A M Sheikh Homoeopathic Medical College
• Bharatesh Homoeopathic Medical College
• J. N. Medical College (physiotherapy)
• Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College
• K. L. E. Societys J. N. Medical College
• Maratha Mandal Homoeopathic Medical College
• S. B. Shirkali Homoeopathic Medical College
• Shri JG Co-operative Hospital and Research Institute, Belgaum

Engineering Colleges in Belgaum

• Maratha Mandalas Engineering College, Malmaruti Extn,
• KLE Societys College of Engineering
• SJPN Trusts Rural Engineering College
• SNM Rural Engineering College
• Hirasugar Rural Engineering College

Nursing Colleges in Belgaum

• Bharatesh College of Nursing, Belgaum
• HH Bhadrabahu Swamiji Nursing School, Belgaum
• Karnataka Health Institute School of Nursing, Belgaum
• KLE Society’s Hospital College of Nursing
• KLE Nursing School, Belgaum
• School of Nursing Dist Hospital
• School of Nursing Vimochana Devadasi
• Shaikh Institute of Nursing, Belgaum
• Shri JG Co-operative Hospital and Research Institute, Belgaum
• Shri Gomatesh Education Societys Instittute of Nursing, Belgaum
• Tukkar School of Nurisng, Belgaum

Tourist Attraction

SAFA MASJID: Most of monuments that you will see here were built around the beginning of the 13th century. Do not miss a thorough exploration of the Safa Masjid, one of the two mosques inside the fort, and by far the best of the 25-30 mosques in the city. The minars, domes and arches point to a typical fusion of Indo - Saracenic and Deccan styles of architecture.

KAMALA BASTI: Within the walls of the fort is the late Chalukya style, of which the Kamala Basti with Neminatha idol in black stone should not be missed. The masterpiece here is the “ Mukhamantapa“ with a well executed lotus on its ceiling. Coming out after your sojourn at the fort, you have a wide choice of temples and churches to visit.

MILITARY MAHADEVA TEMPLE: It is said to be the oldest, is well worth a visit. The other temples you could visit are those of Kapileshwara Temple, Maruti etc.

ST. MARY’S CHURCH: Of the churches, the st. Mary’s church awes one with its imposing gothic stone structure built in 1869. Light filters through the gorgeous stained glass windows and doors to enhance the fine Biblical drawings on the walls. You could take time to visit the St. Xavier’s church st. Anthony’s church, the cathedral of Our Lady and Methodist church.

GOKAK FALLS: 6 kms from Gokak town. And once you are finished with the city and all it has to offer, set tracks for the sights close by. To explore or relax, the natural springs, rivers and hills give the maximum pleasure like only nature can. Let her take over at the Gokak Falls.

**Hooli:**Panchalingeshwara temple Hooli 9 km from Savadatti, one of the oldest village in the district, it is famous for ’Panchaligeswara temple. Other ruined Chalukya temples waiting for conservation and restoration.

**Saundatti:**Famous for Savadatti Fort.

Kamala Narayana Temple, Degaon ( Degamve / Devgram ):Degaon Kamala Narayana temple 5 km from Kittur.

Kasamalgi Parshwanatha:Kasamalgi Parshwanatha, 10 km from Kittur and 5 km from Kamala Narayana Temple, Degaon ( Degamve / Devgram ).

Halasi:There is a famous Kadamba temple of Bhuvaraha Narasimha.

SAUNDATTI: the original capital of Rattas and a celebrated pilgrim centre. The fort here was built in 1734 by Jayagauda Desai. The eight mighty bastions are worth a look. The Yellamma Temple is famous goddess for Joguthi tribal people.

RAJAHANSAGAD: About 10kms south of Belgaum and 4 kms east of Desur Railway station, this place is situated. It is a good place for bauxite mine.

DHUPADAL: 70 kms from Belgaum. And if you are still in the picnic mood, move further down the Ghataprabha River to Dhupadal. A beautiful park and the dam site will enthrall you and your children. especially the colourful, illuminated fountains.

YELLUR: Situated at the foot of a small hillock locally called Yellurgad. The place has temples dedicated to kamaleshwar, Lakshmi, Dattatreya, Parameshwara and Chaugaleshwari. The jatra in honour of the goddess is held during Chaitra when about 10,000 people participate

HIDKAL DAM: Hidkal dam was constructed in the year 1977 with an estimated cost of Rs. 9.47 crores. Area irrigated under this is 13400 hectors.

PARASGAD FORT: Lies in thevillage area of Saundatti, about two km to the south. This rugged rocky fort, stands on the south - west edge of a range of hills immediately overlooking the black soil plain down below.

Belgaum Fort which is in the heart of the city. The Kote lake is also a beautiful lake to visit. Inside the fort we can find an ancient Kamala Basadi and Chikka Basadi Jain temples. Just few metres walk to this temple you can find Ramkrishna Ashrama where you can relax. There is an ancient Masjid also in the fort.

Belgaum Cantonment with both Portuguese and British stylebuildings,churches and schools.

Jamboti, 20 km south-west of Belgaum, is a popular tourist spot with its evergreen hilltop forests.

Varapoha Falls, where the Mandovi River plunges 60 meters, is a beautiful waterfall in Belgaum district.

GODACHINAMALKI FALLS: You could carry on your encounter with nature at the Godachinamalki falls. Be prepared for a brisk trek through a picturesque forest before you see the river Markendeya jump 25 mts. Follow it to see the second fall of 18 mts, 20 kms from Gokak.

HALASI: Make your way to Halasi, which was the capital of the Kadambas. Dotted with temples and bastis all around the popular Bhuvaratha Narasimha Temple is a huge complex built in the later Chalukyan style

VAJRAPOHA FALLS: situated amidst enchanting hilly surroundings of the Jamboti forest is a fine spot. To reach it one has to travel from Jamboti upto a point four km beyond Chapoli and then cross the river Mahadayi twice finally leading to an elevated flat hillock.

SOGAL: The bold wall- like quartz cliffs of Sogal abound with waterfalls and thick forests allow the space and peace to take over and feel you unwind. A quite hill, the antique temples big and small here, can be gleaned for interesting information of the past.

KITTUR: 45kms from Belgaum is Kittur. Kittur is best known for the heroic resistance the Rani Channamma put up against the British here in 1824. Enraged by the high handiness of Thakeray, the collector of Dharawad, when he refused to let the adopted son of Mallasarja rule his death. When all negotiations failed, the brave Rani fought until the Kittur army defeated and she was taken prisoner.

KAMALA NARAYANA TEMPLE: Degaon 24 km from Bailhongal and five km from Kittur is a place with rich antiquity. The place name might have originated from its temple complex Devagrama meaning a village of God. The striking monument here is the magnificient Kamala Narayana Temple, built by the Goa Kadamba queen, Kamaladevi in the 12th century.

NANDAGAD: It has a Trikulachala temple of later Chalukyan style. The pillars of the Navaranga the engravings and the geometrical designs are attractive.

Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation

• Hotel Menino,Belgaum
• Hotel Kunal,Belgaum
• Hotel Amigos,Belgaum
• Hotel Mayura Malaprabha

How to reach Belgaum District

• **Nearest Railway Station:**Rail route from Hubli - Dharwad on Bangalore - Miraj line, Belgaum - Goa train.

**Nearest Airport:**Belgaum has an airport and daily flights are plying between Mumbai and Belgaum. It is also linking up with Bangalore, Chennai and Hyderabad.

• **Road Transport:**Good fleet of buses are available from Bangalore, Mumbai, Goa, Dharwad etc.

Location info

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Mobile network coverage

Airtel, Jio, BSNL, and Vi all provide coverage across Karnataka. 4G is reliable in Bangalore, Mysore, Mangalore, Hubli, and along highways. Coverage may be weaker in deep forest areas of Bandipur, Nagarhole, and certain Western Ghats sections. Most hotels, resorts, and cafes in tourist areas offer free Wi-Fi.

Food & restaurants nearby

Food options are available in the nearest town. Karnataka cuisine ranges from coastal seafood to Udupi vegetarian to Coorg’s pandi curry. Dosa, idli, bisi bele bath, and filter coffee are iconic.

Climate & weather

Karnataka has a varied climate from the humid coast to the dry Deccan plateau and cool Western Ghats. The best time to visit is October to March, with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 30°C depending on region. April–May is hot across most of the state (up to 38°C). The southwest monsoon (June–September) brings heavy rain to the coast and ghats but transforms the landscape — this is the best time for Jog Falls and Coorg’s lush greenery. Hill stations (Coorg, Chikmagalur) remain pleasant year-round. Bangalore has a moderate climate throughout.

Helpline & emergency contacts

Tourist Helpline: 1364 (toll-free, 24×7). Police: 112 (all-India emergency). Ambulance: 108. Women’s Helpline: 1091. Karnataka Police Tourist Helpline: 112.

Nearest petrol pump

Petrol pumps are available in the nearest town or on the approach road — check locally for the closest option.

Best time to visit Belgaum District

October to March is the best time to explore cities in Karnataka — pleasant weather for sightseeing. November to February offers comfortable temperatures perfect for outdoor exploration. Summer (April-June) can be hot — plan outdoor activities for early morning or evening.

Timings & opening hours

City attractions have varying hours. Most shops and markets operate from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM. Temples and heritage sites typically open 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Malls and restaurants stay open until late.

Entry fee & tickets

Entry fees vary by attraction within the city. Most parks and public spaces are free. Museums: ₹20-₹100 for Indian nationals, ₹100-₹500 for foreign nationals. Heritage sites: nominal entry fee.

Duration needed

2-3 days is ideal to explore the main attractions of the city. A day trip can cover the highlights. Week-long stays allow for in-depth exploration including day trips to nearby attractions.

Safety tips

Karnataka’s cities are generally safe for tourists. Take standard precautions: keep valuables secure, avoid isolated areas after dark, use registered taxis or app-based cabs at night, and be aware of your surroundings in crowded areas.

Things to carry

Comfortable walking shoes, camera, water bottle, sunscreen, hat, city map or smartphone with navigation, power bank, light jacket for air-conditioned venues, and identification documents.

Nearby visiting places

Nearby attractions include other cities in the region, historical sites, temples, nature spots, and recreational areas within a day-trip distance.

Nearest airport, railway & bus

The city has its own railway station and bus stand. The nearest domestic/international airport connects to major cities. City buses, auto-rickshaws, app-based taxis, and rental cars are available for local transport.

Things to do at Belgaum District

Explore the city’s heritage sites, museums, and markets. Visit temples, churches, or mosques. Enjoy local cuisine at restaurants and street food stalls. Shop for local handicrafts and specialities. Experience the city’s nightlife and cultural events. Take day trips to nearby attractions.

Things to visit & highlights

Historical landmarks and heritage buildings, museums and art galleries, shopping areas and markets, parks and gardens, religious sites, and cultural centres showcasing local art and performances.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best way to get around the city? Auto-rickshaws, app-based cabs (Uber/Ola), and city buses are available in most Karnataka cities. Walking is ideal for exploring compact city centres.

What local dishes should I try? Karnataka cities offer diverse cuisine — try dosa, idli, bisi bele bath, ragi mudde, and local seafood (in coastal cities). Don’t miss the famous filter coffee.

Is the city safe for solo travellers? Karnataka’s cities are generally safe. Take standard precautions: avoid isolated areas at night, use registered transport, and keep valuables secure.

Quick facts

• Type: Destination
• State: Karnataka
• Category: District Of

Photo gallery of Belgaum District

Photos coming soon. In the meantime, you can find images of Belgaum District on popular travel photography sites and social media.