Picnic spots and historic attractions in Belgaum

Located 502 km from the capital of Karnataka, Belgaum is not just another exotic location. A host of historical sites and a favorable climate make it a very popular tourist place. Be it visiting some famous temples and churches or natural wonders that this region is blessed with, you will come away with a lot of memories from Belgaum.

Here are some of the tourist attractions that endears Belgaum to the tourist.

1.    Rakaskop, Belgaum: Rakaskop is a destination that attracts all kinds of tourists. Rakaskop is build on the legend that a ‘rakkasa’ or demon lived on the hilltop located 16 km from Belgaum. What makes this tourist spot unique is the fact that there is a cave made of laterite rock right on the hilltop that looks like a human figure. Another popular tourist hotspot is the dam across river Markandeya, which is the life source of the town of Belgaum.

Sunset in Rakaskop, Belgaum (Photo Courtesy: http://webmastermotu.me)

 2.    Belgaum Fort: Though no longer the original structure, Belgaum Fort dates back to the pre-Muslim time. The Fort has gone through the hands of various dynasties and has seen many a power struggles. The structures inside the fort are replete with motifs reminiscent of Deccan and Indo-Sarcenic styles of architecture. The circular pillars, domes, and minars are ample evidence of a glorious past. The Neminatha idol and Mukhamantapa are some of the highlights that add to the Fort’s appeal, and unity of religion make it a one-of-a-kind attraction.

Mukhamantapa, Highlights of Belgaum Fort (Photo Courtesy: http://www.journeymart.com)

3.    Varapoha Falls: Varapoha falls is a must-see place while on a trip to Belgaum. Located in Jamboti, this water fall is a favourite with photographers, botanists, and the tourists alike. The forest scenery will be a breath of fresh air if you are visiting Belgaum from metros or the urban jungle.

Varapoha Falls, Belgaum (Photo Courtesy: http://www.indiacatalog.com)

4.    Naviltirtha: If you are looking at a great picnic spot on your visit to Belgaum, look no further than Naviltirtha. Located in a picturesque valley close to Suandatti, this place was previously known for peacocks which used to flock around the pond. Spectacular is one word to describe this locale.

Varapoha Falls, Belgaum (Photo Courtesy: http://www.panoramio.com)

Belgaum is well-connected by flights from different parts of the country. A spate of low-cost carriers flies to and from Belgaum. With many of them offering price cuts on fares in the January, February, and March quarter, it is now easier on your pocket to plan a trip to this historic location. So go ahead, gift your family a vacation with a difference.

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Kozhikode - Home to Lost Empires

Kozhikode, also known as Calicut, is one of the major cities of Kerala and the capital of the Malabar. It is of great historical importance and has attracted travellers from all corners of the earth for more than 500 years. A few well known travellers whose accounts of the city have been found include - Ibn Battuta from Arabia in the 1300s, and in the 1400s, Ma Huang from China, Abdur Razzak from Persia, Niccolò de' Conti from Italy and Athanasius Nikitin from Russia. The city came into existence under the rule of the Zamorins in the 13th century. The Mananchira Square is where the Zamorin kings had their palace.

Kozhikode was known as the “City of Spices” during the Middle Ages and has been in the spice trade since the 7th century, with Muslim Arab merchants. The famous Portuguese explorer Vasco de Gama landed at Calicut in 1498 and set up a Portuguese factory and fort. Later, the English set up a trading port here, followed by the French and the Dutch. It was captured by Mysore in 1765 as part of its occupation of the Malabar coast. On entering the city, one can see ginger and spice plantations along the way as proof of why this name came about.

However, more recently, Kozhikode has been known as the “City of Sculptures” because of the amazing sculptures and architectural marvels located across the city. The sculptures are proof that this was once home to now lost Empires.

Another place that is a must see is the Kozhikode beach. It is known for its natural beauty and is very charming in a quaint, old fashioned sense. You can see a couple of hundred year old piers, a lighthouse as well as an aquarium. It is definitely a great spot to watch the sunrise or sunset as well.

If for some reason, you have missed on adding Kozhikode to your list of places to visit, it is a good idea to edit your list and add this city! Kozhikode flights are frequent, and the airport itself is twenty two kilometres from the city centre. 

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