LOUIS RODRIGUES
BELAGAVI
Belagavi city, which is one of the most popular holiday destinations for Goan visitors, now has one more tourist attraction in the offing.
The historic Rajhansgad fort near Belagavi, popularly identified as Yallurgad, will be receiving a major facelift soon, in a bid to attract the attention of Goan tourists.
Belagavi (Rural) MLA, Laxmi Hebbalkar, who was instrumental in getting a special sanction of Rs 15 crore, has said the work on the historic tourist destination is expected to commence soon.
The panoramic Rajhansgad fort, located about 12 kms south of Belagavi city near Yellur village, dates back many centuries and was ruled by its rulers included the Yadavas, Hoysalas, Bahamani, Adilshahi and Marathas.
The scenic fort stands at 3310 feet from sea level and is the highest destination in Belagavi taluka. The fort dominates the entire Khanapur and Belagavi talukas and can be seen from about 20 kms in the hinterland.
Set amid the lush green surroundings and the Basmati rice growing hinterland, the fort has already been attracting several tourists from the region.
“I intend to develop the fort with an intention to attract a large number of tourists, especially from Goa and a total amount of Rs 15 crore has been sanctioned from various departments,” said Hebbalkar.
“An amount of Rs 3.5 crore has already been disbursed for the overall development of the fort as a tourist spot in Phase 1. The Department of Kannada and Culture has proposed to install a statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj at an estimated cost of Rs 50 lakh.”
“A monumental heritage park will be also established to enthuse patriotism while the present road, which is motorable, would be developed further to facilitate tourists,” she added.
The MLA has hoped that the rising number of tourists to the site would provide employment to the youth of the villages in the vicinity.
The repairs include the reconstruction of damaged fort walls, stairs and fortification.
Being the tallest point in the region and with the historic background, set amid the lush green basmati rice growing hinterland, the Rajhansgad or Yellur fort is expected to attract a large number of
Goan tourists in the near future.
