This was once the capital of Rattas, chieftains of Soundatti in the 12th and 13th centuries. Today it is a modern cantonment town. The ancient fort, oval shaped stone structure encloses an area about 40 hactare and has two gates. Mahatama Gandhi was once imprisoned here. Outside the fort gate, to the left, is the colorful and aromatic local cattle market. The Masjid-Sata mosque dates from 1519. There are also two interesting Jain Temples, one with an extremely intricate roof, while the other has some fine carvings of musicians. Belgaum's watchtower, on Ganapath Galli in the town center, provides a panorama of the flat countryside and distance hills. Sunset Point, on the old racetrack road, also offers fine views.

Population : 453,000
Telephone Code : 0831

EXCURSIONS

Gokak Falls
(80 km) The river Ghatprabha plunges into a rocky bed 170 feet below in the picturesque Gokak Valley. Traces of runied temples can be found on the banks of the river.

Soundatti-Yellamma Temple
(80 km) from Belgaum, Yellamma (Renuka) was Lord Parshurama's mother and wife of Rishi Jamadagni.

Kittur
(44 km) A place of historic importance. The queen of Kittur bravely resisted the imposition of British rule in 1824. The Bassva temple here, contains inscriptions on stone, belonging to the 12th century.

TRAVEL INFO

AIR: Nearest Airport - Belgaum.
RAIL: Belgaum is connected by rail to New Delhi, Hyderabad, Bangalore and My sore.
ROAD: Balgaum is connected by road to major cities, towns of Karnataka, Maharastra and Goa.