Belagavi (Belgaum), in northern Karnataka, blends a strong military and colonial history with striking Jain and Hindu heritage sites.
Top Attractions
- Belgaum Fort: A historic fort dating back centuries, having passed through Chalukya, Ratta, Vijayanagara, and Adil Shahi rule, now housing several temples and a mosque within its walls.
- Kamal Basti: An exquisitely carved 13th-century Jain temple within the fort complex, notable for its lotus-shaped ceiling carving.
- Gokak Falls (nearby): A dramatic waterfall on the Ghataprabha River, often compared to Niagara Falls for its horseshoe shape, a short drive from Belagavi.
- Military Mahadev Temple: A well-known Shiva temple within the Belagavi cantonment area.
Best Time to Visit
October to March for comfortable weather; the waterfalls are most dramatic just after the monsoon.
How to Reach
Belagavi has its own airport and railway station, well connected across Karnataka and to Goa.
