Test 2
- Congress Well: Belgaum was chosen as the venue of the 39th session of Indian National Congress (INC) in December 1924 under the President ship of Mahatma Gandhiji. Notably, this was the only session of the INC that was presided over by the Gandhiji himself and the only session held in Karnataka. The session left another landmark in the city in the form of the “Congress well” which was source of supplying water to the many delegates who turned up to attend the 1924 session.
- Ghataprabha Bird Sanctuary: Located in Gokak taluk, this sanctuary is in an area about 29 sq km and is enclosed by the Ghataprabha River. This sanctuary has many migratory winged visitors; the more famed ones include the Demoiselle Crane and European White Stork. The ideal time for bird enthusiasts would be November to March as it is the nesting season for many of these birds.
- Gokak Falls: Gokak Falls is 6 km away from Gokak town and gets its name from the Goki trees found in abundance in these areas. It resembles the Niagara Falls due to its features like the fall, shape etc. Here, River Ghataprabha takes a leap of 52 metres over the sand-stone cliff amidst a picturesque gorge of the rugged valley, making a beautiful sight. This place has the credit of generating electricity for the first time in the country in about 1887. A prime attraction of the Gokak Falls is the hanging 200-m-long bridge that lies 14 m above the bedrock. Tourists can also visit monuments on both sides of the rocky gorge which include temples of Goddess Durga, Lord Shanmukha and Lord Mahalingeshwara built in the traditional Chalukyan style of architecture.
- Malaprabha Dam: Malaprabha dam, also known as Navilutheertha dam is Karnataka’s shortest dam (only about 40 meters wide and only four gates) and tourist attraction in Belagavi district. Malaprabha dam provides drinking water to nearby towns such as Belagavi and Dharawada.
- Godachinamalki Falls: Located around 15 km away from Gokak is the beautiful Godachinmalki Falls, also known as Markandeya Falls, as it is located in the Markandeya River. The Falls is actually located in a rugged valley, approachable from Godachinmalki village by walking through an irregular forest route for about 2.5 km. The Markandeya takes a first jump from a height of about 25 metres and flows into a rocky valley and after a short distance from here it takes a second jump from a height of about 18 metres. Later, it joins the Ghataprabha River. June to September is the ideal time to visit this Falls in all its glory.
- Navilutirtha: Navilutirtha located in Saundatti is a low valley situated in between the two hills, is an enchanting place. Long ago, it is told that the place was full of peacocks, frequently flocking the Malaprabha basin. And thus, the place was named Navilutirtha. Presently, the place has a dam built across the Malaprabha which was completed in 1975 creating the Renuka Sagar reservoir.
- Dhupdal: Dhupdal is a popular dam in Belagavi district, close to Gokak falls. Dhupdal is 72 kms from Belagavi city and 8 kms from Gokak Falls.
- Barapede Caves: Natural caves known as breeding area for bats, located near Bhimgad.
- Rakaskop: Rakaskop is around 15 km from Belagavi and it literally means a hamlet of a rakkasa (giant), who is stated to have lived on a hillock near this village. A laterite cave on the hillock resembles a huge seated human figure which is believed to be the rakkasa. Here a dam is built across the Markandeya River which supplies drinking water to Belagavi. The reservoir is visible from this hillock, which be reached by climbing steps behind the reservoir. A panoramic view of the reservoir and a stunning view of surrounding village landscape can be had from this hillock.
- Gokak Toys: In Gokak, local artisans create bright and colorful wooden toys mainly in the form of fruits, vegetables, animals and birds. This craft is believed to be at least 200 years old. Here, the toys are made using a specialised soft variety of wood usually hariwala, polki, and hale wood.
