Located in the heart of
Belgaum, Belgaum Fort is one of the oldest monuments of
Karnataka. This stone and mud structure was constructed in 13th century by Jai Raya, an ally of the Ratta dynasty. The
Bijapur Sultan, Yakub Ali Khan, built huge walls, bastions, battlements and the parapets and rebuilt this fort surrounded by a deep moat.
The fort was possessed by Rattas, Vijayanagar emperors, Bijapur Sultans, Marathas, and finally by the British. During the British rule, Mahatma Gandhi was imprisoned here.
Belgaum Fort is a remarkable monument, where mosques and temples co-exist. At the entrance, there are two shrines - one devoted to Shri Ganapathi and another to goddess Durga. Two basadis built in the Chalukyan style is located inside the fort. Kamal Basadi is the famous one. A Jain temple is on the right side of the fort. Safa Masjid and Jamia Masjid are within the fort.
Belgaum Fort is near the Belgaum Central Bus Station. Belgaum Railway Station is the nearest railhead. Belgaum Airport is around 10 km.
