Kamal Basati

Located within the Belgaum Fort complex, Kamal Basati is a Jain temple that was constructed by Bichi Raja, a clergyman of Kartavirya IV of the Ratta dynasty in 1204 AD. Built in the late Chalukyan style, the temple is noted for its tower, which is adorned with a huge lotus flower with 72 petals. The roof of the temple is decorated with images of 24 Jain tirthankaras (saints). The sanctum sanctorum houses a black stone idol of Neminatha, the 22nd tirthankar. It also houses images of Lord Parshvanath, Lord Adinath and Lord Sumatinath along with images of the navgrahas or the nine planets. Tourists can also visit the remains of another Jain temple that was called Chikki Basati.

Kamal Basati

Military Mahadeva Temple

Situated in the middle of a beautiful and well-kept garden, Military Mahadeva Temple is a prime attraction in Belgaum and also one of the city's oldest temples. The sanctum sanctorum of the temple houses a large image of Lord Shiva along with a shivling. Two Nandi (bull god) idols can also be seen in front of the shivling. The foundation stone of the temple was laid in 1954 and it was made open to public in 1955 by Lieutenant General SM Shrinagesh of the Indian Army. The temple has undergone several renovations and a new dome was built keeping the original style intact. The temple boasts intricate carvings that are similar to the carvings found in prominent temples across South India. It has for long been used as a place of worship by Army personnel, which is why it is called the Military Mahadeva Temple. Devotees can also visit a mini zoo nearby that houses deer and emus. The temple can be visited on all days of the week from 6 am to 8 pm.

Military Mahadeva Temple

Sogal

Located on the outskirts of the city, Sogal invites people from all parts of Karnataka with its temples, waterfalls and scenic beauty. The most popular attraction in Sogal is the Someshwar Temple, which was built by the Rashtrakutas (6th -10th centuries) and has been an important centre for religious teachings. There is a popular folklore among the locals that suggests that even tigers used to visit Sogal to listen to religious preachings. After visiting the temple, tourists can head to Sogal Falls, which plunges down a height of 60 ft and makes for a spectacular sight. Set amidst picturesque surroundings, the picturesque falls plummets down a hill and offer opportunities to indulge in various adventure activities like trekking and camping.

Sogal

Halasi

The erstwhile capital of the Kadamba dynasty, which ruled the region for more than 500 years, Halasi is a prime tourist attraction in Karnataka that invites a large number of tourists for its ancient temples. The Bhuvaraha Laxmi Narasimha Temple is the most popular attraction in Halasi. Built during the 5th century AD, the temple stands as a fine specimen of the Kadamba style of architecture. The temple complex is surrounded by a stone wall and has arched doors on all its four sides. The main temple's pyramidical shikhara has been built in the Kadamba style of architecture and its top is adorned with a kalash. There are two sanctum sanctorum in the temple. The first one houses a four-foot-tall idol of Lord Vishnu in a sitting posture. Just behind the main idol are the idols of Lord Suryanarayana and Goddess Mahalaxmi. The second sanctorum houses an idol of Bhuvaraha Swamy. Other important attractions in Halasi include temples dedicated to Lord Gokarneshwara, Lord Kapileshwara, Lord Swarneshwara and Lord Hatakeshwara. Halasi lies at a distance of 42 km from Belgaum and makes for a great exploration.

Halasi

Yellur

Located at the foothills of Yellurgad, on the outskirts of Belgaum, Yellur is a prime tourist attraction that attracts visitors with its ancient temples, verdant forests and pristine beaches. The most popular attraction in Yellur is a Shiva temple, which is said to be more than a thousand years old. The temple is known as Yellur Shri Vishweshwara Temple and is known for its tender coconut abhishekam through which devotees visiting the temple pay obeisance to Lord Shiva or Vishweshwara. Devotees from all parts of the country can be seen here offering gold coins and lighting earthen lamps as a ritual to please the presiding deity.

Built in the Devaayathana style of architecture, the imposing structure of the temple attracts not only ardent devotees of Lord Shiva but also archaeology and history lovers from all corners of the world. Devotees can also visit the separate shrines of Goddess Annapoorneshwari and Lord Vinayaka, located in the same temple complex. There's a beautiful lake on the temple's northern side, along with a temple dedicated to Goddess Bhagirathi. It is a popular belief that River Ganga once used to flow from the spot where the lake can be seen today. Yellur is not just about its temple trails. Tourists can also head to the Kundremukh National Park for their share of thrill and adventure. Home to a variety of animal species like tigers and lion-tailed macaque, the national park is blessed with a rich biodiversity and is nothing less than a paradise for nature and wildlife lovers. If you wish to witness the rich cultural heritage of Yellur, head to the Yellur Fort, perched on a picturesque hillock. Visible from almost all parts of Belgaum, the historical fort will surely impress you with its grand architecture and the splendid views of Belgaum city that one can get from here.

Yellur