Belgaum (ಬೆಳಗಾವಿ), Karnataka

Inside Safa Masjid in Belagavi Fort, Belgaum, Karnataka, India


Belgaum (Kannada: ಬೆಳಗಾವಿ, Marathi: बेळगांव) is a city on the northwestern part of the state of Karnataka, India. It covers 96 sq km (37 sq mi) and has a population of 610,000 people (2012 estimate). This makes it the fifth largest city in Karnataka behind Bengaluru, Mysore, Hubli and Gulbarga.

The Belgaum area has been inhabited since ancient times, as far back as 400 BC. The city as we know today was established in the 12th century during the Ratta dynasty. It was initially a fortress but later served as capital of the Ratta dynasty, from 1210 to 1250. It later came under the rule of the Bahmani Sultanate in the 15th century.

In more recent times, Belgaum hosted the 39th session of the Indian National Congress in 1924, under then president Mahatma Gandhi. It was also from Belgaum that Indian forces were dispatched to end Portuguese rule of Goa.

The people of Belgaum mainly speak Marathi, due to cultural affinity with nearby Maharashtra and Goa. Kannada, the main language of Karnataka state, is also spoken, though not as popular, and bear influence from the Marathi language here.

Popular dishes of Belgaum include the Kunda and the Kalakand as well as confectioneries such as Mandige.

Planning your trip to Belgaum

There are buses to Belgaum from Mumbai, Bengaluru and Hyderabad. Belgaum Airport also receives flights from Mumbai.

Places of Interest in Belgaum

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