Belgaum Fort

Belgaum Fort in the city of Belagavi dates from the 13th century, when the Ratta dynasty ruled the area. Stone from many earlier Jain and Shiva temples was reused in its construction, and fragments can still be spotted in the walls. The Vijayanagara rulers, the Adil Shahis of Bijapur, the Marathas and the British all added to it, and Yakub Ali Khan of the Bijapur Sultanate strengthened it with a deep moat, bastions, heavy walls and battlements. Mahatma Gandhi is said to have stayed here during the freedom struggle, and the state now protects it as a heritage monument.

The oval fort is ringed by a wide moat. The original gate is no longer used; the present entrance carries carvings of birds and animals, with shrines to Ganapati and Durga nearby. Inside, Hindu and Jain temples stand alongside the Jamia Masjid and the Safa Masjid. Fort Lake next door offers pedal and motor boats and a floating cafeteria, and heritage walks and an annual kite festival are held in the area.