Belgaum to Tuticorin Flights

  About Belgaum

Belgaum is a small city located in the borders of the state of Karnataka. The city, also known by the name Belgavi, rests comfortably in the northern regions of the Western Ghats. A proposal to make Belgaum the second capital of Karnataka after Bangalore is in the works. A replica of the state administrative structure Suvarna Vidhana Soudha has also been constructed in the city's outskirts. The city of Belgaum has been selected to be developed into a smart city under the flagship project of PM Narendra Modi, also called Smart Cities Mission.

Best time to visit Belgaum

Winter is considered to be the ideal season to visit Belgaum. As mountains and vast expanses of greenery surround the city, the weather is charming and cool between November to February. The city's cool ambience and serene atmosphere would make you feel calm and relaxed.

The monsoons are also not all that bad as Belgaum turns into a nature-lover's paradise, come monsoon. The clouds enveloping the city while the rains add more life to the green panorama is an image that would stay with you forever. The roads might not be all that friendly to your vehicle or back, but the air and atmosphere would certainly be lovely. You can book a hotel in Belgaum and check out the bliss that the monsoon brings.

Summers are not the best time to visit the city as the temperatures take a hike. The scorching heat would put a damper on your travel plans as the weather is known to see a spike during summers.

Places to visit in Belgaum

Belgaum specifically doesn't have exemplary tourist attractions, but the areas around the city have some fun highlights that you can explore. From sitting under the Gokak Falls to taking a stroll through the Belgaum Fort, here are some places that you can visit when in Belgaum.

Gokak Falls

The Gokak Falls is close to 60 km away from the city centre and worth a visit. The blissful scenery of the falls located on the green Ghataprabha river forms quite a visual spectacle. Not to mention how the white waters cascading through the mountains offers a beautiful feel. There is an old temple of Lord Mahalingeshwara close to the falls so you can also visit the shrine.

Shri Ramakrishna Mission Ashram

Located in the city, Shri Ramkrishna Mission Ashram has spiritual significance and hence, is a tourist attraction. It has been stated that Swami Vivekananda took solace in the ashram and resided there for a few days. The ashram's look is quite interesting as there are decked up prayer halls, a Sarada mandap and elegant appeal to the structure. It is the best spot for people who wish to seek a retreat and break from their busy lives.

Navila TirthaNavila Tirtha is originally a village nestled in the Savadatti taluk of Belgaum district. While it is away from the central city, what makes this rocky village so special is the fact that it has a majestic dam. With several names such as Renuka Sagar, Navilteerth Dam and even Malaprabha Dam, the structure has been built across the Malaprabha river. Another highlight of the dam is the size and the fact that it is the shortest dam to be found in Karnataka.

Kittur Fort

The Kittur Fort and Palace is believed to be the works of Rani Chennamma. The complex now holds not just an aesthetically pleasing architecture but also has an archaeological museum within the palace. The collection is also quite exciting as the weapons, jewellery, historical sculptures, armour, costumes and more are displayed. The site would be a good place for you to learn a little more of Belgaum's history.

Belgaum Fort

It is said that the Belgaum Fort is the architecture of the rulers from the Ratt Dynasty and was constructed back in 1204 AD. While it is popularly known as Belgavi Fort, this is easily one of the tourist attractions that you can find when in Belgaum. The structure boasts some impeccable architecture with Indo-Saracenic features and an intriguing amalgamation of Deccan and Chalukyan designs. Within the fort, you will find a handful of temples including shrines of Ganpati and Goddess Durga. As you further explore the fort, you will see some beautiful mosques as well as Jain and Hindu temples.

Vajrapoha Falls

A little away from the small town of Belgaum is this pristine Vajrapoha Falls that overlooks the towering Sahayadri mountains. The scenic beauty of the place has often brought several travellers to its lap. The beauty of the falls is further amplified during monsoon. To be close to nature, one couldn't ask for a better getaway.

Things to do in Belgaum

The city has some beautiful forts and structures that can be explored. However, for outdoor activities, the best way to go about is to step out of the main city. Belgaum has several fun adventure activities that you can indulge in. From trekking at the Jamboti and Amboli ghats to picking white water rafting at the Kali river, these are some noteworthy activities that one can select when in Belgaum. As you go to the Jamboti ghat, you can also sit under the Vajrapoha falls and soak in the marvellous scenery at your perusal.

Similarly, you can also pick more trekking and hiking options and head to the Gokak and Godchinmalki waterfalls. Although the locations are a little away from the city centre, it would be an excellent way to unwind. Here's another exciting activity that you can take up when in Belgaum. The city actually has paragliding activities that you can pick up. Although the Himalayan terrains are known to offer the best of views and landscapes for paragliding, the one in Belgaum will give you a bird's eye view of the gorgeous Sahayadri mountains.

Food and Restaurants in Belgaum

The quaint city of Belgaum has an interesting melange of taste when it comes to food. Their history with Maharashtra has further led them to incorporate the same in their cuisine as well. You will find hear people speak Marathi and Kannada with a twang as they are at the border of the state. Even the cuisine is heavily inspired by Marathi culture as well as some flavours of North Indian delicacies. Not to mention how South Indian food such as the classic idli, vada, dosa and more are part of their staple food.

Over the years, thanks to impeccable development, Belgaum is seen quite a cultural twist with several big city joints such as Domino's, McDonald's, KFC and more making their way to the city. You can enjoy delicious Puri bhaji at Ajanta cafe and probably head to Belgo for some dessert. For all the tea lovers, Appolo tea bar is the place to be at to get the best tea in the city. As for those who wish to delve into scrumptious seafood, Hotel Aadinarayan is famous for their dishes.

How to reach Belgaum (Transportation)

By Air

Belgaum has decent flight connectivity from Bangalore as two dedicated airlines fly to and from Belgaum. SpiceJet and Star Air Airlines are the two services providers who have flights reserved for the city. The Belgaum airport is located in Sambra is touted to be the oldest airport in North Karnataka. Stretching across 10 kilometres, the airport is a little away from the city and close to State Highway 20. The government has included the airport in the UDAN 3 scheme which is why the city has regular flights flying in and out of Belgaum. Works to add more planes to fly from Belgaum to domestic routes of Mumbai, Pune and Mysore have also been planned out. These links will soon be added to the list of flights flying in and out of Belgaum.

By Rail

The Belgaum railway station is in the city centre and also part of the Indian Railways grid. The rail is perfectly connected with several major cities which make travelling to the city easier. Some trains go via Hubli to major metropolitan destinations such as Mumbai, Bangalore, Goa, Pune and even Delhi. The connectivity is quite good as there are not many transit changes required when travelling by train.

By Road

Belgaum is connected to major states thanks to National Highway 4. The national highway makes it easier for passengers travelling from Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Tamil Nadu. This domestic route from Belgaum allows the city to connect with a majority of Southern states in India directly. Another route connecting Belgaum to Karnataka and Goa is the 4A route. Several government buses run on these routes. The North Western Karnataka Road Transport Corporation and KSRTC have dedicated set numbers to connect all the places within the state.

Various private bus services have also been reaching the city thanks to the national and State highway. Many travellers also take up the Belgaum route for road trips as the roads are beautiful. Travellers heading to Goa are especially piqued by Belgaum’s beauty and often use the city as a stop-over. Overall, the city has great connectivity, making it easy for people to venture in and out of Belgaum.

  About Tuticorin

Tuticorin, also known as Thoothukudi by the locals, is a port city in Tamil Nadu. It falls under the Thoothukudi district of the state and is approximately 40 km to the east of Tirunelveli. The city is known for its beautiful beaches and historical monuments. It is the perfect vacation spot in Tamil Nadu if you want to disconnect from your regular life and the world to relax and rejuvenate. Thoothukudi is also called as Muthu Nagaram, which literally translates to Pearl City. The primary behind the city receiving such a name is because the city thrives on pearl diving. The Kalakad Wildlife Sanctuary, the beaches, Our Lady of Snows Basilica, Thiruchendur Murugan temple are some of the popular spots in the port city. You can also visit the Tuticorin Port. The city also has a history of making some great leaders like Subramanya Bharathy (who was a famous poet), Veerapandiya Kattabomman, Venni Kalady and so on.

Best Time to Visit Tuticorin

Tuticorin usually sees a lot of tourists during its festivals, but October to March is considered to be the ideal time to visit the city. Winter doesn't really get too cold, but it's not too hot either. The humidity and the temperature both decrease during winter. This is the best time to go skiing or swimming at the beach. Talking a romantic walk on the beach is a favourite thing to do among locals. The climate is quite favourable for you to take up any or all outdoor activities. You will also get to be a part of the different festivals that you can attend. Join the locals in celebrating the festivals with a lot of grandiose. Since this is peak season, you will come across great flight deals to Tuticorin online. Make sure you book a hotel in Tuticorin that is either beach-facing or closer to the beach.

Monsoon in Tuticorin starts from August and goes on till October. The level of humidity increases, making it difficult for tourists to venture outside and have a good time. Though the climate might seem pleasant for nature lovers since you will get to experience the beautiful landscape of the port city, it might put a damper on your plans to go to the beach. However, the Our Lady of Snow festival is celebrated in August, and you can attend it if you are visiting the festival during this time.

April to July is summer in Tuticorin and the scorching heat makes it quite the task to take part in any outdoor activities. The heat only increases during April and May. This is not an ideal time to visit Tuticorin, courtesy of the heat. The blistering heat will tire and exhaust you, which will only make it tougher to go outside during the day. However, since it is off season, you will get cheaper flight tickets to Tuticorin during this season.

Places to Visit in Tuticorin

The Kalakad Wildlife Sanctuary is a very popular tourist spot in Tuticorin. You will also spot tigers in the national park if you are lucky enough. The sanctuary is also home to Nilgiri langur, flying squirrel, lion-tailed macaque, pangolin, etc. You can either opt for a safari ride or even go trekking in a nearby area. Now, this is something that adventure and nature lovers will surely enjoy. The Thiruchendur Murugan temple is a popular place of worship and is dedicated to Lord Murugan, also known as Lord Kartikeya, the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Even though the temple is quite close to the sea, it has never flooded, even when a Tsunami had hit the state.

The Our Lady of Snows Basilica is one of the biggest churches in Tamil Nadu. It is inspired by Rome's Basilica Di Santa Maria Maggiore and is another popular place of worship in Tuticorin. Kalugumalai or Kazhugumalai, meaning 'Hill of Vultures' is a town in Tuticorin that is famous for its temple and monolithic Jain beds. You will get a scenic view of the city from the hill, and the area was used as a trade route during the ancient times. The Ettayapuram palace is another tourist spot in the city that will stun you. One of the interesting facts about the palace is that no one knows which ruler in Tuticorin lived in the palace. You must also visit the Sri Vaikuntam temple in the city. It is one of the nine sacred and holy Vishnu temples in the country. Manapad is a tourist destination in the city you must visit, and you will fall in love with this coastal village. It is not as explored as the other tourist spots and is also the best spot to try leisure activities and water sports.

Things to do in Tuticorin

Go trekking at the Kalakad Wildlife Sanctuary. While you can also opt for a safari ride at a certain fee, a lot of tourists who are into adventure and nature go for the trek. Thoothukudi also has quite a few beaches. You can either go for a walk at the beach or a swim. During peak season, you will also get to indulge in a lot of water activities. The city also has temples and churches that are worth visiting. The Thiruchendur Murugan temple is not only an architectural marvel but also one of the most popular places of worship in the city after the Our Lady of Snows Basilica church. The locals celebrate festivals in the city in a very grand manner, and you wouldn't want to miss being a part of all the celebrations. Not to mention, the food you get during these festivals is simply mouthwatering. While you indulge in the celebrations, you can also communicate with the locals and get to know more about their lifestyle and culture. The city was ruled by the Dutch and the Portuguese at one point, which also reflects in the architecture. You will come across these when you visit the palaces and the beaches, too. Not to mention, you must also catch the beautiful sunset by the beach.

Food and Restaurants in Tuticorin

Tuticorin is known for its authentic South Indian delicacies and seafood. Since it is a coastal city, it is pretty obvious that the seafood here is mouthwatering. The Meen Kuzhambu (Fish Sambhar), Meen Varuvai (a type of fish fry) and Karuvaddu Kuzhambu (a type of dry fish curry) are some of the popular seafood preparations here. For vegetarians, the Vatthal Kuzhambu (a type of Vattha curry) is something you must try here. Venthaya Kali is a top-rated breakfast preparation here. The city is also known for its desserts like the Tuticorin Macaroon, made of cashews, and the Ulunthang Kali, made of black urad dal. You must also try the street food here that serves biryanis and parottas. There is a particular street in the city with restaurant names that are followed by the word 'Nightclub'. While it does not meet your usual parameters that qualify as a nightclub, it gets really crowded by late evening and night.

While there are very few restaurants and cafes in the city, the very few of those stand out. Capsi Family restaurant is popular for its quick service, good food and the fact that it is surrounded by a garden. Aardvark Cafe is yet another place where you can treat yourself to delicious cakes and coffee. You must also visit the Anjappar Chettinad and Sri Krishna Restaurant to enjoy a good meal. Don't forget to pack a few macaroons to take back home for your friends and family.

How to reach Tuticorin (Transportation)

By Air

The Tuticorin Airport is about 15 km away from the main city. The flight connectivity to Tuticorin is quite limited. Changing flights from Chennai International airport is a popular route to Tuticorin. Spicejet and Indigo Airlines run flights to Tuticorin quite frequently. Flights to Tuticorin are quite affordable, too. There is a high possibility of you getting cheap tickets to Tuticorin during off season. You can also fly to the neighbouring cities like Madurai, Coimbatore and take a train or bus from here. It might prove to be a tad bit more time consuming, which is why the Chennai International airport is the apt option for you. You can check out a few flight deals to Tuticorin that have an accommodation combo.

By Rail

The Pearl City Express leaves Chennai to Tuticorin every morning and evening. Trains from Bangalore and Mysore are also well connected to Tuticorin railway station. You can take a flight to Chennai and then a train from there to Tuticorin. It will be quite convenient and less time-consuming. There are several other trains also that connect to Tuticorin.

By Road

While buses run quite regularly from Chennai and other parts of Southern cities to Tuticorin frequently, finding a private taxi or a bus from the northern part of the country can prove to be time-consuming and expensive. Make sure you are travelling by road during the right season. Monsoons can be quite tough down South and travelling by road this time might get difficult.