Belgaum Fort or Belagavi Fort is a beautiful structure built during 1204 AD, situated in the beautiful city of Belagavi, previously known as Belgaum, Karnataka, is now a state heritage monument. The fort had 108 Jain Temples and 101 Shiva Temples when it was built, but unfortunately got demolished by a Mughal ruler Yakub Ali Khan who came from Bengal.
Belgaum Fort is one of the prominent and famous places in the city and if you are visiting Belagavi by any chance, my advice would be to take some time to visit this beautiful fort left by our ancestors.
Hey everyone, I’m Yashraj, living in Belagavi for the last 26 years, today I’m going to tell you all about Belgaum Fort, if you still have any queries, ask in the comments below.
Belgaum Fort History
Now let me tell you the history of this beautiful fort. The Belgaum Fort was built by Jaya Raja, also called Bichi Raja, who was an ally of the Ratta Dynasty. Ratta Dynasty was a minor ruler and they ruled the Belgaum region of modern Karnataka from the 9th century to the 13th century. The religion followed was Jainiism and that is why when you enter the Belgaum Fort, you’ll see a number of Jain Temples and Shiva Temples.
Earlier the capital of the Ratta Dynasty was Sugandavarti during 875-1250 CE, later they shifted their capital to Venugrama, the name of which changed to Belgaum, and now Belagavi.
Jaya Raja, who was also known as Bichi Raja, was an ally of the Ratta Dynasty, built the Belgaum Fort in 1204, but later it was taken over by the Yadavas of Devagiri after the defeat. Then it was taken over by Mughal ruler Yakub Ali Khan of Bijapur Sultanate.
If I tell you the chronological order of the possession of the fort, it was built by the Ratta Dynasty, then taken over by the Yadavas, then the Mughals, then the Marathas, then finally the British.
It is quite interesting to know that during the Movement for Freedom of India, the British captured Gandhi Ji and imprisoned here inside the Belgaum Fort.
Who Built Belgaum Fort
It was built by the Jaya Raja (Bichi Raja), of the Ratta Dynasty in 1204. The Belgaum Fort has been ruled by many dynasties including the Kadambas, Rashtra Kutas, Kalyan Chalukyas, Rattas, Brahmins, Marathas, and then Tipu Sultan Kingdom. Lastly, it was taken over by Gen. Munro in the British Government in 1818, and built houses inside the fort for army men.
Belgaum Fort Architecture
Belgaum Fort has beautiful architecture, I have been to this place a number of times and I can describe the architecture, how beautiful it is, and how big the fort is. If I talk about the inside of the Belgaum Fort, it is almost stretched 668901 sq mt. The fort is almost 915 meters in length and 732 meters wide from inside which means it is 1000 yards long and 800 yards broad.
The Belagavi Fort is in oval shape and built with soft red stone. The fort structure is such to repel any attacks from enemies. The external area of the fort is plain and widely stretched. The outside structure is a bastion structure that is almost 32 feet (9.8 meters) long.
There was a big gate between two bastions which was used as an entry gate but is now blocked. The gate was made of iron which was designed to act as a defence, there was a bridge connecting the entrance of the fort.
As the fort was under many rulers and dynasties, it ahs different cultural influences as well. Hindu, Jain, and Muslim cultural influences can be seen and easily visible in the architecture of the fort.
Belgaum Fort Lake
If you are planning to visit the Belgaum Fort, make sure to visit the Belgaum Fort Lake as well. It is situated right next to the Belgaum Fort in front of the Durga Temple Entrance of the Belgaum Fort. The lake is also known as Kote Kore or Kote Keri.
It is a beautiful picnic spot for families and tourists. You can visit here any time between 4:30 pm and 8:30 pm, there are no entry fees, however, there are some activities, which will require you to pay a fee.
This is a must-visit place if you are near the Belgaum Fort, especially during the evening when the place becomes lively.
Belgaum Fort Timings and Entry Fees
The Belgaum Fort is open from 8:30 am to 6 pm. You can visit any time when the fort is open. However, you need to pay a small fee to enter the fort. For the locals and people of the country, the fee is 25 rs and for the tourists, the fee is 150 rs per person. You also need to pay an additional 50 rs if you are bringing your own camera.
I visit this fort regularly, and I think the best time to visit the fort is in the morning and evening, however, the fort looks beautiful all day long. It will take you around 1-2 hours to see the fort fully.
Belgaum Fort Location
Belgaum Fort is located near the Belagavi bus stand. If you are visiting the place, just go near the Belagavi bus stand and it is just a few walks away. The latitude is 15.857676 and the longitude is 74.524625 of the fort.
I really don’t think you’ll find it difficult to find the fort as the city is not so big, even if you ask anyone in the city they’ll tell you the easiest way to reach the fort. Still, I’m attaching a map of the fort for easy access.
Belgaum Fort Images
Belgaum Fort Reviews
If I tell you about my experience, the fort is just amazing. The temples are ancient and carved with details. I would say, visit the fort in the evening and then move towards the lake to experience its mesmerizing beauty.
Many tourists come to see the fort, I even asked some of them about how much they like the place, and according to them,
Very nice place for children’s and parents too
I am saying that one who visits here will definitely get peace and knowledge.
Your children’s will grow up with good sanskar and knowledge.
It has a peaceful nature, energetic Ramakrishna Ashrama and heritage Kamala Basadi. Just visit once, you will find a great place in Namma Belagavi.
A place of multi cultural Visit. There is a Dargah, Durgadevi Temple, Jain Basadi, Ramakrishna Ashrama inside the fort
This temple is awesome…the ambience is great ..
Architectural design and stone carvings are really intriguing.
On a glance it seems like a the temple was constructed of single rock
These are just a few reviews from the people who visited the fort. I would say to visit the fort yourself to experience its beauty, you won’t regret.
What is the name of the Belgaum Fort
Belgaum Fort is known as Belgaum Fort or Belagavi Fort.
Belgaum Fort Built was By Which Dynasty
The Belgaum Fort was built by the Ratta Dynasty in 1204.
What is the Nearest Railway Station Belgaum Fort
The nearest railway station to Belgaum Fort is the Belagavi Railway Station which is about 2.5 km.
To Wrap Up
Belgaum Fort is one of the major attractions in Belgaum City, and you should not miss it if this is your first time here. It’s a beautiful gift given by our ancestors and it’s our responsibility to take care of it.
I live in Belgaum, and if you are visiting here, do let me know if you need any help.