Happy TravellerWelcome to Belgaum (officially known as Belagavi), a city located in the northern part of the Indian state of Karnataka along the Western Ghats. Belgaum is a city rich in history and culture, with a diverse population and a unique cuisine that blends the flavors of Karnataka, Konkan, and Maharashtra. The city is the administrative headquarters of the Belagavi division and district, and it has been proposed as the second capital of Karnataka alongside Bengaluru. Belgaum has also been selected as one of the hundred Indian cities to be developed as a smart city under PM Narendra Modi’s flagship Smart Cities Mission.
Belgaum has a fascinating history that dates back to the late 12th century AD when it was founded by the Ratta dynasty. The city has been ruled by various dynasties, including the Yadava dynasty, Bahmani Sultanate, Vijayanagara Empire, Adil Shahi dynasty, and the Maratha confederacy. It also played a significant role in India’s struggle for independence and served as a major military installation for the British Raj.
Belgaum is a city of many names – it was originally called Venugram, which means village of bamboo, and later referred to as Kamalabasti after the Kamal Basadi Jain temple that was built in 1204. In 1518, the city became part of the Bijapur Sultanate and was later conquered by the Mughal Empire. It became part of Bombay State after India’s independence and was later transferred to Mysore State, which was renamed Karnataka in 1973.
Belgaum is situated at the border of two states, Maharashtra and Goa, on the Western Ghats. The city’s topography is diverse, with swift and kaleidoscopic changes in vegetation and climate. Belgaum has a tropical savanna climate and is known for its pleasant year-round weather. The city is at its coldest in winter, and it experiences almost continuous monsoon rains from June through September. Belgaum is also known for its rich deposits of bauxite and uranium.
Belgaum is a melting pot of cultures and languages. Kannada and Marathi are the predominant languages spoken in the city, while Urdu, Konkani, Hindi, and Telugu are also spoken. The population of Belgaum city is 490,045, and the city boasts an average literacy rate of 88.92%.
Belgaum is known for its unique cuisine, which is a blend of the food cultures of Karnataka, Konkan, and Maharashtra. Typical breakfast items include poori-bhaji, idli-dosa, upma, sheera, sabudana khichadi, and sabuvada. Non-vegetarian items such as various seafood are cooked in Goan, Maharashtrian, and North Kannadi style.
Belgaum is a city of great importance to the Indian Armed Forces, with an army training centre, cantonment, and air force station of the Indian Air Force located in the city. Belgaum also houses the Maratha Light Infantry Regimental Centre, Junior Leaders Wing, and Military School. The city has a rich history, diverse population, and unique cuisine, making it a must-visit destination for any traveler to India.
