The District Headquarters, Belgaum is a picture of contrasts. On one side is the old town area where the cotton and silk weavers still create magic with their fingers. And on the other the modern, bustling, tree lined Cantonment built by the British.

In the heart of Belgaum, near the bus terminus is the Fort. At the Entrance are two shrines, one devoted to Ganapathi and another to Durga. Inside the Fort are two bastis in the Late Chalukyan style. Of these, the more famous is the Kamala basti, built in 1204.

Come out of the Kamala basti and you will find another ruined Jain Temple to its right. Co-existing harmoniously with these temples are two ancient mosques the Safa Masjid and the Jamia Masjid. Near the 16th century Jamia Masjid is a Dargah of Khanjar Wali. Step out of the Fort and you have a wide choice of temples and churches to visit. The Kapileshwara temple said to be the oldest, the Ananthashyana Temple, the Maruti Temple and the temples of Shiva, Vithoba, Dyamavva and Military Mahadeva. Belgaum also has some very impressive churches. St. Mary's Church, St. Xavier's Church (the oldest), St. Anthony's Church, the Cathedral of Our Lady and the Methodist Church.

No story of Belgaum is complete without a mention of Kittur Rani Chennamma. One of India's first freedom fighters, the queen's heroic resistance is stll commemorated locally in song and story. Her stature stands sentinel over Belgaum at a prominent square.

Another historical site is the Pampa Sarovara, built specially for the 1924 All India Congress Session which was presided by Mahatma Gandhi. Belgaum also has some well laid out parks.

The Sambhaji Udyan , the Nath Pai Park and the Shivaji Udyan. Perfect place to relax in. To put your feet up and let your imagination soar free.

Languages Spoken : Kannada, Hindi, English, Marathi.

Local Food Speciality: "Kunda" a delicious sweet.

When to go there: Belgaum enjoys a pleasant and agreeable climate almost all through the year. If you're visiting Belgaum between November and February, carry some light woolens.

How to get there:.
Air:
Belgaum has air airport.
Rail:
Belgaum is connected by rail to Bangalore (via Londa), Bombay (via Miraj), Vasco da Gama.
Road:
Belgaum is connected by road to most places in south and west India.
These are : * Bangalore (502 kms)