Belgaum’s most famous holy, picnic and childrens play park Military Mahadev is being renovated.
And AAB gets you the FIRST look of the Mahadev Temple after its temple domb from the outside has been newly made and renovated with a lot of carving very similar to that of temples in south India. The same will also be painted later.
The new Look sort of Dravidian Architecture
Old simple Look now has been changed.
Some more changes are also planned to done to the present garden areas and the same will beautified.
Rajhunsgad is surrounded by greenery of farms and fields with rice as a major crop. Yellurgad (Yellur Fort) located within the vicinity of Belgaum Taluka, on hillock with a breathtaking view.It is situated nearly 2,500 ft (762 m) above sea level. According to sources, this Fort dates back to history many centuries ago among different kingdom and its rulers including the Yadavas, Hoysalas, Bahamani, Adilshahi, Peshwas-Marathas.
The fort on top of hill is visible from almost all areas of Belgaum. It is also believed that there existed a secret tunnel from the Belgaum fort upto Rajhunsgad during the ancient period. In this fort, a beautiful Temple of ‘Lord Shiva’ is situated where most of the people staying in and around the villages of this fort visit and pray every Monday. There is Well of sweet water on top of this hill. It is infact an admirable archeology of the past architects and rulers. An awesome view of Belgaum City can be had from this fort.
How to reach:
One can reach Rajhunsgad village on the foot of this hill via- Desur village or from Yellur & Sulga and then climb the fort on kutcha road. Experienced riders can reach upto the entrance of the fort on top on Motorcycles but this path (kutcha road) is too steep for motorcycles. However, this is an excellent place for Trekking.
On an interaction with Sri.Siddharth Hiremath (Poojari) of this Shiva temple in the fort told us that, This Fort in spite of having a rich historic relevance is always neglected by administration. The temple’s maintenance cost is mainly borne by the people of surrounding villages of Rajhunsgad, Sulga, and Yellur etc.
Though MPs, MLAs and a couple of Ministers along with the administration authorities have visited this ancient fort and have assured for its development as a tourist place, the assurance tends to remain on paper as usual. Moreover, miscreants try to damage the sanctity of the fort including the temple’s premises by dirtying the surroundings etc. People of Belgaum should take note of this fact and come forward to help in preserving the structure of our Belgaum having rich historic relevance.
Photos: Mr.Sujay, Mr. Ravi Vakkund & Mr. Ashok Sankannavar
Not all cities have the pleasure of having a fort in their city. Belgaumites have been very lucky to be the capital of a kingdom in the past.
The Belgaum fort built in 13 century (Originally built by the Ratta dynasty, later fortified by Yakub Ali Khan of the Bijapur Sultanate) was well known for its unique building structure and its huge moat surrounding the fort, which made it inaccessible to the enemies. The Belgaum fort served as a bulwark against the attacks of invading armies. It steadfastly held fort as Belgaum played host to a multitude of dynasties, from the Rattas, the Vijayanagar emperors, Bijapur Sultans, Marathas and finally the British. During the freedom movement of India, Mahatma Gandhi was imprisoned here. The Belgaum fort is also an embodiment of the legacy of religious tolerance in Belgaum.
The inside of the Fort area now does not much resemble to how it was then but is clean and the MLIRC has taken great care of a major part. Ram Krishna mission Ashrama and the Kamal Basti are places one should visit. There are a few govt. offices as well; the inner parts are avid but who will take care of the outer walls.
See the photos they are self-explanatory, the weeds grown from top to bottom on all sides and the moat filled with mud over the years in some areas never looks like a moat any more.
The archaeological survey of India is looking after the Kamal Basti but no one is caring about the fort walls. If this condition continues in no time, the whole wall will collapse and fort will have no walls to protect itself.
The worst part no one in the city is raising this issue of protection of historic monuments. The city at this moment is only speaking about the Rs.100 crore special grant and its implementation for development works, but we should also learn to preserve our history for our next generation, or a time will come when our children will ask where is the Fort dad,” I saw on Wikipedia or AAB, Belgaum had a fort?” Then we will tell them, once there were huge walls surrounding the fort, there was moat and so on.
We need to preserve history for the next generation.
Children & old ones as well in Belgaum always used to envy people in the metros and other cities that Belgaum has nothing where one can go and relax in the evening. When guests come to Belgaum and they ask, “What’s there to see in Belgaum” the host is in a fix.
Now you need to be, Kote Kere, the Belgaum Lake, which is now being managed by Darshan Udyog Samuha for over sometime, has renovated the entire lake and installed many games and amusement rides for children apart from the famous Boating in the lake.
Recently amusement rides and equipments worth Rs.60 lakhs have been put in place for Belgaumites.
There is a family train, Jumping Ballon, Cortex, Disco Coaster, Happy ride, Dragon ride, Boating, Cricket Zone and gaming console. It also has various food stalls from Chinese, Bhel puri, ice cream to Pav bhaji.
There are benches on the side where one can sit and relax seeing the beautiful lake. If someone special is besides you, then ‘Sone pe Suhaga’. The Kids can have a wonderful time taking all the rides and enjoying themselves. Elders can have a boat ride in a family boat or the peddle couple boats.
Still improvements are begin done with lights etc. the play area open in the evening and the boating in the latter half of the morning.
There are no entry fees as of now and you will have to shell out Rs.10 to Rs.15 per ride or game.
People getting cars, will need to park it opposite the old Vandana Palace road next to the road and there are no parking facilities as such. There are two entrances one next to Kasbekar Metgud Clinic and the other is from the road leading to MalMaruti on the opposite side. Two whellers can be parked at the Kasbekar Metgud Clinic side and a couple of cars can be parked if the others have parked well.
A note while taking kids out there, please apply anti mosquito cream as there are many mosquitoes around and they are huge in numbers and size.
In short, Kote Kere is a perfect place for a relaxed evening with the kids happily playing.
Degaon is 5 kms from Kittur, 10 km from Halasi and 24 km from Bailhongal.
It is famous for Kadamba style Kamala Narayana temple, place with rich archeological find. Name of the place might have originated from its temple complex Devagrama meaning a village of God.
Kamala Narayana Temple was built by the Kadamba queen, Kamaladevi in the 12th century. The sculptures are breathtakingly beautiful. Lions and floral motifs vie with dancing girls for attention.
The temple is rectangular in shape and consists of three cells with the pillared hall running from North to South in front of the shrines on the west side. Each of these shrines is divided into two parts, Garbhagriha and Sukhanasi. The frames of the doorways of the Sukhanasi are carved with creepers. The pieced stone windows which surround the doorways are ‘more ornamental than in any other Kadamba temple. The Garbhagihas have, as in other Kadamba temples, the dedicatory block with the image of Gaja-Lakshmi.
The first cell contains the image of Narayana.
The second cell has the icon of Lakshmi-Narayana with Lakshmi seated on the lap of Vishnu. Garuda and Maruti are standing on either side of this image.
The third cell bears the image of Kamala with two attendants on either side.
The walls of the temple are adorned with niche having plasters surmounted by terraced pyramidal towers in the Kadamba style crowned with a Kalasha. The ceiling has pendant lotuses, all of them artistic pieces of workmanship remarkable for richness of ornamentation and elaboration of details.
Big B Amitabh Bachchanon his 67th birthday shared legendary stories and trivia about his trips to various locations in India for his shoots over the years.
A village named Asoga on the banks of river Malaprabha’s very attractive tourist place famous for its temple. This temple was built during the Kadamba kings in the mediveal period. Important sequences from the 70s hit movie ‘Abhimaan’ (featuring Amithabh Bacchan and Jaya bhaduri) were shot near the river Malprabha at Asoga. The entire song ‘Nadiya kinare’ has been shot there.
Nadiya kinaare, Abhimaan – BelgaumThis film was very special for Jaya and me because we had produced it. Hrishida was our godfather. SD Burmansaab gave the music and the time we spent with him during the music sittings was unforgettable. The way he’d sing, we failed to bring the essence into our recordings. I always felt that there was some kami somewhere, he would sing so beautifully. The song was shot in a village near Belgaum. Hrishida wanted a village environment with a small temple, a river, a sacred pond with its water capable of uniting two people in love. We found such a pond. Back then, Jaya and I weren’t married. It was a very special time for both of us. Jaya had long, ankle-length hair then.
Hooli has so many temples; every temple has its own well. Even at remotest location on the hills has couple of temples.
Hooli is about 9 kms from Saundatti.
One of the oldest village in the Belgaum District, it is famous for Panchaligeswara temple. Some of the other ruined temples waiting for conservation and restoration. On the outskirts of Hooli is the Trikuteshwara Temple.
Various temples at Hooli:
Hooli Panchalingeshwara temple:
Architecture of the Hooli Panchalingeshwar Temple is to be adored. It is a protected monument comes under Archeological Survey of India. Earlier people during summer afternoon they used to resting in the shade of this temple. Because the temple is made of stone, it is unbelievably cool even in the scorching summer.
Other than Panchalingeshwara Temple, Hooli has many other old temples; most of them are now in ruins due to negligence. One is amazed by the sculptures and carvings on stone. Most of the temples have their floor dug up for the hunt for treasure.
Other temples at Hooli are Andhakeshwara Temple, Bhavnisankara Temple, Kalmeshwara Temple, Kashi Vishwanatha Temple, Madaneshwara Temple, Suryanarayan Temple, Tarkeshwara Temple, Hooli sangameshwar ajjanavaru, Beerdevar temple Hooli.
Shivakashi Valley seems to be a place which was once densely covered by trees. At this location you can find the marks left by monsoon springs and waterfalls. Based on stories heard from village elders there used to be tigers once upon a time. Stories were told where some village folks hunted them off decades ago. The location otherwise is dotted with few temples and well. Tigers may have disappeared, but you will still be lucky to find monkeys eating the figs from few remaining trees.
How to Reach:Catch a NWKRTC bus from Belgaum to Nargund via Yargatti & Manoli.
Belgaum is not only surrounded by nature but also by ancient monuments. One such place is Halshi.
Halasi also called as Halsi or Halshi, is a town in Khanapur Taluk, Belgaum District. It is 14 km from Khanapur and about 25 km from Kittur. It is famous for having been the capital of a branch of Kadamba Dynasty. The town is rich in historical monuments and temples and is near Khanapur.
Halshi, 14 km from Khanapur town, which was the second capital of the early Kadambas and a minor capital under the Kadambas of Goa (980 AD – 1250 AD), is one of the ancient towns in Belgaum district with rich antiquity and many monuments.
Halshi derived its name from “palasha” in Sanskrit. During the period of the early Kadambas, it was a centre of confluence of Jainism, Vaishnavism and Shaivism, and served as headquarters of Halasige-12,000 province constituting parts of Belgaum and the undivided Dharwad districts. Ancient temples dedicated to Bhoo Varaha Narasimha, Kapileshwar, Suvarneshwara, Kalmeshwara, Hatakeshwara (Gramadevata), Gokarneshwara and a Jaina basti built by the Kadamba rulers are found here.
The Kadambas were known for their own style of temple building. The dynasty was founded by Mayurasharma in about 4th century AD. It was believed that Mayura was the first king of the dynasty and was the ruler during the time of Pallava King Vishnugopa of Kachipuram. After losing to North Indian Emperor Samudragupta, Vishnugopa’s army had weakened. Mayura seized the opportunity, formed his own army and drove away the Pallavas from Kannada territory.
The Jaina temple now standing at Halasi cannot go back to a period earlier than11th century A.D.
The temple of Bhoo Varaha Narasimha with two garbhagrihas (inner shrines) facing each other is a large complex built in the later Chalukyan style stands on a star-shaped platform. Originally, the temple had one shrine, housing a two-handed crude image of Narasimha, which was replaced by four-foot long idol of Narayana (sitting). The temple archak, Vishnu Venkatesh Parpattedar, says the idol of Narasimha is “swayambhu” or “udbhava” (natural creation), now seated on the left side of Narayana. There is also an idol of Goddess Lakshmi on His right side. The temple has two entrances from the north and south, whiles the garbhagriha facing the east, has an ardhamantapa doorway with fine pierced windows on either side. The navaranga has octagonal granite pillars and a circular dancing dais in the centre and the ceiling has an inverted lotus motif. Only the main shrine of Narayana has shikhara built in the Kadambanagar style, which was later renovated. Facing Narayana is the other garbhagriha with five-feet standing idol of Varaha installed in 1186-87 by Vijayaditya III. It also has a beautiful idol of Suryanarayana (Sun God) sculpted by the legendary Jakanachari. A stone inscription in Nagari script is also found. As per government records, the temple were built by Shivachitta, and Matayogi installed the idol of Ananta-Viravikrama Narasimha at the instance of the king’s mother in 1169 AD. However, the devotees believe in the legend that it was built by the Pandavas [of the Mahabharata] overnight who worshiped Lord Vishnu here while in exile. However, the archak says it was built some time during the 3rd or the 4th centuries but the exact date is not known. A few more temples are found within the premises of the main temple, but they area in a state of neglect. There are also cracks in the front wall of the main temple which needs immediate repair. Vishnu Venkatesh Parpattedar, who belongs to the ninth generation of the family which has been maintaining temple mainly by its own resources.
Belgaum is surrounded by nature’s beauty and one can find beautiful places to relax and one such place is Tillari.
It’s a paradise; spot the beauty in the ghats and the water falls at Swapnavel point. There 3 waterfalls which will dampen your eyes with the beauty of heaven. Fog, the lush green trees and in this season the fresh scent of green grass is worth it. But as this area is not developed as a tourist destination be prepared for hardships. No sign boards or mile stones, no food and even for that matter petrol pumps so be prepared for all this before you leave. It is advisable to take food & water along.
Tillari is about 65 kms from Belgaum.
How to go there and what to see:
To see Tilari dam and waterfalls one has to take Belgaum-Ganeshpur-Belgaundi-Tilari Road. Since bridge after Rakaskop is under construction one has to take diversion from Yalebail and take alternate route to join Belgaum-Tilari route which connects toTilari dam.It is very hard to tell exactly locations of waterfalls as there are no information boards or milestones. Sound of waterfall #1 can be heard from the road itself as it is very near. A small pass takes you there. From there waterfall #2 and 3 and Swapnavel point can be reached. [Points marked on images]
Entrance to Tilari dam without permission is prohibited, so one has to take permission from official personnel.
Entire red circled area is so picturesque that it looks extremely beautiful. If the view is covered with dense misty fog one can wait till it disperses.
Ghat section after Kadoli is awesome, but extremely dangerous because of deadly serpentine curves.
If you are planning to go there on bikes you must keep waterproof rain wears ready. As it can rain anytime even before you realize it’s raining you will be drenched.
Do not expect any shops, restaurants, petrol pumps. You may not find a single person throughout the route till you reach Tilari nagar.
To return to Belgaum it is advisable to take Tilari Nagar-Patane Phata road which connects to Amboli-Belgaum road.
So go and enjoy the heavenly paradise, many holidays ahead.
Dudh Sagar Falls attracts everyone who travels by train to Goa lies amidst the Briganza Ghat (as locally known) in the belt of Western Ghats in the state of Goa bordering Karnataka.
Thanks to the wonderful rainfall in this area that the Water falls is again ready with its mesmerizing beauty to attract a large number of tourists from North-Karnataka, Goa & Maharashtra as well.
Dudh Sagar Falls is located adjacent to the Railway Track laid by Indian Railways on Goa-Londa route as soon as one enters the State of Goa after crossing Castle Rock, the last railway Station in Karnataka. Dudh Sagar (Sea of Milk) as it is known is believed to have derived its name from an incident where a princess who covered herself by throwing milk in order to hide herself.
As per sources; Dudh Sagar fall boosts of an awesome height of 310 Meters, is the 5th highest waterfall in India and Ranks 227th in the world. The waterfall forms couple of pools which adds to the scenic beauty amidst the Green Jungles of Western Ghats. But Swimming is highly risky in these ponds.
How to reach there :
(As interacted with tourists on Belgaum Railway Station & Londa Junction)
The Best time to visit Dudh Sagar Falls is during Rainy season & if one if adventurous of Trekking and a nature lover Dudh Sagar is a place one can never Miss. But carrying own Lunch and Snacks is highly recommendable as there is not even a Tea stall to cater the needs of tourists.
Express trains ply to & fro everyday from Londa Junction everyday but at odd hours & only on Sundays there runs a convenient train from Belgaum in the morning and in return there is only a single convenient Express Train in the Evening. For more details one may approach the Railway Enquiry Counter at Railway Stations of Hubli, Londa, Belgaum, or even Castle Rock.
A week ago you had seen some magnificent photos of the Gokak Falls and here is some bad news for all those planning to go there.
Tarunbharat in a report has mentioned that the suspension bridge will be closed for public use on Sundays. The reason given is more astonishing. The authorities there are not capable of handling huge crowds and there have been many incidents of pick pocketing and loot and security. And to stop all this said bridge will be shut on Sundays, the day which sees the maximum inflow of tourists.
Sunday is the day when all have time and a holiday to go there for a picnic and the authorities say don’t come on Sunday. This is stupidity to its highest level, how can one think of this and the brain behind this must be a master piece.
If such master brains are there every where we could get many more picnic and tourists spot closed on Sunday’s. Amboli closed on Sundays and only open in summer, when there would be no water. Places like Ooty will be open for public only in December when it’s cold and not in summer. You can visit Gulmarg only in December when the place is snowing and it’s very difficult to reach there.
I pity the authorities and pray to the lord that let they get some good knowledge and common sense.
If we cannot see a picnic spot on a holiday when do we see it? Let’s all pray to God “Lord give those authorities at Gokak Falls the sense and knowledge to keep open the bridge on Sundays. Also give them the strength to fight back all evil.”
Belgaum’s most famous holy, picnic and childrens play park Military Mahadev is being renovated.
Old simple Look now has been changed.
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