Quick Facts

Quick Facts

 General Overview

• Location: Located in the northwestern part of Karnataka, near the Maharashtra and Goa borders, Belgaum is a historical and cultural city in the Belagavi district.
• Significance: Known for its rich history, cultural diversity, and strategic location, Belgaum is often referred to as the “North Karnataka's Gateway”.

 Tourist Attractions

• Belgaum Fort: A historic fort with over 500 years of history, housing temples, mosques, and a Jain temple inside
• Gokak Falls: A beautiful waterfall located around 60 km from Belgaum, known for its picturesque surroundings and serene atmosphere
• Kamala Basti: An ancient temple complex built in the Chalukya architectural style, located near the Belgaum Fort
• Bhimgad Wildlife Sanctuary: A sanctuary located on the border of Karnataka and Goa, home to diverse flora and fauna
• Safa Masjid: A 16th-century mosque built during the Adil Shahi dynasty, known for its distinctive Indo-Saracenic architecture
• Ramakrishna Ashrama: A spiritual center for meditation and community service
• Shree Krishnapur Math: A significant pilgrimage site for the Lingayat community
• Mahalaxmi Temple: A famous temple dedicated to Goddess Mahalaxmi, showcasing intricate architecture

 Economy

• Industries: Belgaum has a diversified industrial base with key industries like textiles, engineering, manufacturing, and machine tools
• Cement: Known for being a significant producer of cement and home to large cement factories
• Agriculture: The region is known for the cultivation of groundnuts, sugarcane, cotton, and soybeans
• Trade & Commerce: Belgaum is a key commercial hub, facilitating trade between Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Goa

 Connectivity

• By Air: Belgaum Airport (IXG) offers domestic flights connecting to cities like Bengaluru and Mumbai
• By Rail: Belgaum Railway Station is a major junction on the South Western Railway, connecting the city to various parts of India
• By Road: Belgaum is well-connected by major highways, including National Highway 4 (NH 4) and National Highway 50 (NH 50), making it accessible from other cities in Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Goa

 Climate

• Type: Tropical wet and dry climate, with moderate temperatures throughout the year
• Summer: The temperature ranges from 25°C to 40°C (March to May), with warm and dry weather
• Monsoon: June to September brings moderate to heavy rainfall, with lush green landscapes
• Winter: December to February is pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 12°C to 28°C
• Best Time to Visit: October to March is the ideal time to visit, when the weather is cooler and more comfortable for sightseeing

 Festivals

• Dussehra: Celebrated with grandeur, especially in the Gokak and Belgaum regions, featuring large processions and cultural events
• Karaga: A traditional festival celebrated with much enthusiasm, especially by the Veerashaiva community in Belgaum
• Ganesh Chaturthi: Observed with devotion, with Ganesha idols installed in homes and public spaces
• Makar Sankranti: Celebrated with kite flying, bonfires, and traditional sweets like tilgul
• Diwali: The festival of lights is celebrated across the city, with fireworks, decorating homes with diyas (oil lamps), and community gatherings
• Christmas: Celebrated by the Christian community with church services, feasts, and festive celebrations

 Culture & Lifestyle

• Cuisine: Belgaum’s cuisine is a blend of North Karnataka and Maharashtrian influences. Popular dishes include Jolada Rotti, Bisi Bele Bath, Kunda (a sweet), Methi Thepla, and Misal Pav
• Language: Kannada is the official language, with significant use of Marathi and Hindi
• Shopping: Local markets such as Shivaji Market and Khasbag are popular for handicrafts, textiles, and local produce
• Sports: Cricket is extremely popular in Belgaum, and Kabaddi is another traditional sport widely followed by locals
• Music & Dance: Folk traditions like Lavani and Dhol-Tasha are prominent, along with classical forms of Carnatic music and Bharatanatyam
• Education: Belgaum is home to reputed educational institutions like KLE Technological University, Rani Channamma University, and numerous engineering and medical colleges