SPICE APRIL 2017 IPAD LR

SPICEJET ||||| INSIDER
MY TOWN
Our ongoing series where we look at various Indian cities
through the eyes of SpiceJet staffers. This month, Ashish Prabhu,
Customer Service Executive in the Airport Services Department,
holds forth on Belagavi (formerly Belgaum)
Connection to the city: I was
born in Belagavi and have also
spent my school and college days
here.
Clockwise from above: The Ramkrishna
Mission Ashram; Gokak waterfall; and the
Safa Masjid located within the Belagavi Fort
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Best thing about Belagavi:
It’s a cosmopolitan town with a
mix of many languages forming
a confluence of Marathi and
Kannada cultures. Its weather,
which is moderate and cool
throughout the year, is a major
attraction. It is strategically
located, connecting the three states of
Goa, Maharastra and Karnataka.
Favourite eating places: Belagavi is
famous for its sweets and chaats. The
many branches of sweetmeat shops
Purohit and Kalyani are famous for their
kunda (made from milk) and kardant
(a mixture of dry fruits and coconut).
Belagavi is also known for its biryani
which I would recommend at hotels like
Charminaar and Niyaz.
Best place to hang out: The area around
Belagavi Fort has many places where
locals hang out. There is a beautiful
lake as well as a park. You can also walk
or cycle around the fort. Those with a
religious or spiritual bend of mind can be
found at one of the many temples within
the forts complex, the Safa Masjid or at
the Ramkrishna Mission Ashram nearby.
Local attractions: The Kittur Fort was
once held by the brave Rani Chennamma
who had revolted against the British.
The two famous waterfalls Gokak and
Godchinmalki are 60 km away from city.
Bhimghad Wildlife Sanctuary is on the
way to Goa. At Yellurghad is the tallest
fort from the Maratha empire era - it
attracts many trekkers.
Recommended places nearby:
Kolhapur, known for its forts, temples
and caves; and Bijapur, famous for its
Gol Gumbaz mausoleum; are on the
itinerary of many visitors who come
to Belagavi. Goa, Karwar and the Tilari
Backwaters are also popular tourist
haunts.
Belagavi when compared to other
cities: Belagavi is not just a city but it is
a feeling. It is cosmopolitan, a shopper’s
paradise, cool and green. I have been to
many cities but I still prefer Belagavi.
ALAMY
128 ||||| APRIL 2017