vijayapura tourist places

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Vijayapura (formerly called Bijapur), is located in the northern part of Karnataka; surrounded by Solapur on the North and Sangali on the North-West (both Maharashtra), Belagavi on the West, Bagalkote on the South, Kalaburgi on the East and by Raichur on the South-East.

Vijayapur was a gateway to the Deccan Sultanate which extended from North Karnataka to central India. Located in the historically rich Deccan, the city was established in the 10th-11th centuries by the Kalyani Chalukyas and was ruled by various dynasties including the Adil Shahi kings who have had a major influence on the region. It is dotted with mosques, mausoleums, palaces, fortifications, watchtowers, and strong gateways, with the massive Gol Gumbaz dominating the landscape for miles around. Vijayapura itself has over 50 mosques, more than 20 tombs and a number of palaces.

Under the Adil Shahi kings, Vijayapura became a culturally rich kingdom and attracted scholars, musicians, artists etc from far and wide including Persia and Arabia. The Mushaira or poetic symposium is believed to have originated here, and later travelled to North India

Download the Android App to the ‘Audio Tour Guide’ developed by Department of Tourism Vijayapura.

For further information, visit Vijayapura Tourism Website & the Official District Website.

Check here to Know More About Places to Visit in Vijayapura

When to go: September to February is the best time. Can be visited all year round.

Tourism offices:

Department of Tourism, Government of Karnataka Deputy Director’s Office Block 1, Tourist Plaza, Indi Road, Opposite Dr. B.R Ambedkar Stadium, Vijayapura Tel: +91-8352-250359 Cell: +91-9880248139

Tourist Information Officer Cell: +91-8095658443

District Tourism Consultant Cell: +91-7353269510

KSTDC Tourist Office Hotel Mayura Adil Shahi Station Road, Vijayapura Cell: +91-89706500313 Website: www.kstdc.co

Heritage Sites

• Bijapura Gol Gumbaz : Gaze in wonder at this magnificent 210 ft high mausoleum of Mohammed Adil Shah, built with features like seven storied octagonal spires at the four corners and heavy bracketed cornice below the parapet. It is home to the world’s second largest dome which is unsupported by pillars (slightly smaller than St Peter’s Basilica in Rome). Bijapura Gol Gumbaz also has the whispering gallery (an architectural and acoustic wonder) – called so because even the finest whisper or sound made in it is echoed over 10 times.
• Ibrahim Roza : Ibrahim Roza Said to be the inspiration for the Taj Mahal in Agra, this palatial mosque and tomb in Vijayapura is rated as on one of the most beautifully proportioned Islamic monuments in India. This mausoleum has two buildings standing on a common platform, supported by arches and enclosed by gardens on three sides.
• Bara Kaman: The incomplete mausoleum of Ali Adil Shah II with its 12 graceful arches. Bara Kaman was the royal tomb of Ali Adil Shah II whose construction probably begun on his accession to the throne and was intended to rival Gol Gumbaz, the tomb of his father. Though, the building was conceived on a magnificent scale but it was destined never to be completed.
• Gagan Mahal : Built by Ali Adil Shah I around 1561 to serve the dual purpose of a royal residence and a durbar hall. The building though roofless is a popular spot as it is set in large well landscaped public garden. The main indo-islamic architectural feature of this palace is its great central arch which has a span of 60 feet 9 inches.
• Malik-e-Maidan: Malik-e-Maidan (meaning Monarch of the Plain) in simple terms is a 55-ton cannon perched atop a platform and was one of the largest medieval cannons in India. The head of the cannon is fashioned into the shape of a lion devouring an elephant. The surface is adorned with inscriptions in Arabic and Persian. Legend has it that if you touch it and make a wish, it comes true.
• Mehtar Mahal: An ornamental gateway, leading to a mosque and garden, it is a small, beautiful monument built by Ibrahim Adil Shah.
• Upli Buruj: It’s a 80 ft high, 16th century watchtower built on high ground, from which you get a good view of the city and plains.
• Taj Bawdi: A water tank that commemorates Taj Sultana, Ibrahim Adil Shah II’s wife. It is a large 223 feet square well, 52 feet deep. Inside the archway, a broad landing, juts out, from which flights of stone steps lead down to the water’s edge.
• Talikote : Site of a major historic battle that resulted in the ruin of Vijayanagara army. Talikote has multiple temples and mosques including a Shiva temple.
• Halasangi : Has remains of an old fort from the Adil Shahi era.

Tourist Attractions

• Almatti Dam (60 km) : The Almatti Dam is a hydroelectric project on the Krishna River and is located on the edge of Vijayapura and Bagalkote districts. Though the water is diverted for irrigation projects. Almatti dam is a picnic spot with a rock garden, Mughal garden, Japanese Garden & lake with boating facility and musical fountain.
• Vijayapura Archeological Museum : Housed in Nagar Khana opposite Gol Gumbaz, the museum preserves and exhibits antiquities of Vijayapura and nearby areas.

Religious Places

• Jamia Masjid, Vijayapura : Graceful arches, picturesque aisles, beautiful halls and a large crowning onion dome are the features of one of the prominent examples of Adil Shahi indo-islamic architecture - the Jamia Masjid. Even though magnificent, the structure is incomplete, as it lacks the two minarets. The Central mihrab (an arched recess in the interior wall of a mosque) on the western wall, is covered with lines from the Holy Quran etched in exquisitely gilded calligraphy.
• Shivagiri Temple: The temple houses a 85-foot (26 m) tall statue of Lord Shiva and is gradually developing as a pilgrimage place. The statue is around 1,500 tons in weight and considered as the second biggest statue of Lord Shiva in the country. A small idol of Shivalinga is installed beneath the big statue.
• Toravi : Toravi village, 10 kms from Vijayapura, is known for Shri Laxmi Narasimha temple.
• Sahasraphani Parshwanatha Basadi:  This Jain temple, situated on the outskirts of Vijayapura has a unique idol of Lord Parshwanath. The beautifully sculptured idol of black stone, is believed to be about 1500 years old and is adorned by a 1008 headed snake, each of which are interconnected. So, when the ritual anointing with milk is done on 1 head, it travels through all the heads, before it anoints the whole idol. This special ritual is done every new moon day (Amavasya) and every full moon day (Poornima).
• Yelagur : Known for Hanumantha temple with 16 square sculptured pillars.
• TIkota : Home to Dargahs of Malik Sandal, Haji Mastansab and Badkhalsa
• Sindgi : Taluk headquarters and known for Sharanabasaveshwar temple, Sangameshvara temple and smaller shrines of Banashankari, Narasimha and Bowramma.
• Salotgi : Had an educational institute during the 10th century, now home to multiple temples including Shivyog Ishvara, Yellamma temple and Hanumantha temple.
• Muddebihal : Home to Shiva and Hanuman temples, shrines of Dattatreya, Panduranga, Durgadevi, Mallayya, Marulasidheshwara and Banashankari. Muddebihal also has an old fort ruins.
• Ingaleshwar : Large village 9 kms north east of Bagewadi, famous for eight old temples, including two cave temples. Siddeshvara and Akka Nagamma temples are the cave temples located on a hill. Someshwara is the largest temple in town with 36 beautifully carved Kalyana Chalukya era pillars. Kalmeshwara is the other major temple.
• Indi : Home to Adinatha Digambara Basadi, Shantheshwara temple. Several Chalukya era sculptures were also found in Indi.
• Inchageri : A popular pilgrimage center with several big granite built temples.
• Hippargi : Home to Rashtrakuta era Kalmeshwara temple. Veerabhadra temple, Mailara temple are other major temples. Annual fair held in October is very popular.
• Agarkhed : Home to Shankaralinga and Bhairav Siddeshwara temples
• Almel : Home to Ramalinga temple, Hanuman temple and Bhavani shrine.

• Basavana Bagewadi : Basavana Bagewadi (42 km) Basavana Bagewadi located 42 km south east of Vijayapura. Bagewadi was the birth place of Basaveshwara, the 12th century religious and social reformer and prime minister of the Kalyani Chalukya kingdom. The temple has the shrines of Basaveshwara (Nandi) Sangameshwara, Mallikarjuna and Ganapathi.
• Royal Tombs : Vijayapura has several royal resting places such as Afzal Khan’s wives tombs, Afzal Khan’s Cenotaph, Ain Ul Mulk’s Tomb and mosque, Ali Adil Shah 1st’s tomb, Ali Adil Shah 2nd ‘s tomb and Ali Shahi Pir’s tomb and mosque.

Tour Location

Vijayapura has a rail and road network from all over karnataka. airports are available in adjacent districts..

Spoorti Resort

Kyriad hotel, the fern residency, golden heights.

Hotel Magi’s Inn

Hotel pearl.

KSTDC Mayura Adil Shahi

Sagar deluxe, godavari international, hotel ashoka residency, hotel ratna palace.

Bijapur Tourist Places – A Photo Guide

Countries  > India > Best Bijapur Tousist Places Karnataka

Bijapur is undeniably the icon of North Karnataka thanks to its collection of stunning royal monuments from the Adil Shahi dynasty. But what exactly is there to see in Bijapur? What is the story behind each of this massive heritage sites? Curious to know more? Read on and put together your own plan to visit Vijayapura, the city of Victory.

You’ll find everything you need to know to plan a trip to Bijapur in Karnataka in this blog post. This guide contains details on what to see in Bijapur and where to stay, where to eat, getting around in Bijapur and so much more! We’ve also put together the ideal itinerary if you are spending a day exploring the city.

Our experience of visiting the best Bijapur tourist places

Bijapur, or Vijayapura as it is known now, is north  Karnataka ‘s most popular tourist spot! Bijapur tourist places are very interesting to learn about too! These monuments date back to the islamic era in the Indian subcontinent. In other words, that era led to many changes in culture, tradition, architecture and education.

Our experience of visiting the city was also similar. We were curious to know about the history of the city and how it was an important part of the Adil Shahi dynasty. We visited the major monuments at the best time of the day while beating crowds. However, we learnt from locals that there are very few visitors from beyond nearby cities and towns. In other words, Bijapur might just be ideal if you are looking for an offbeat Karnataka destination!

We also enjoyed the delicious food in town. Street food was safe to consume and that made our experience wholesome! Above all, we found it to be very cheap to travel in and explore. Therefore, we’ve put together this little easy-to-use guide to the best places to see in Bijapur, Karnataka. Check it out!

Pin it to read later!

Ibrahim Roza

The Ibrahim Rouza tombs were built in 1627. Ibrahim Adil Shah II and his wife Taj Sultana were buried here. Therefore, the monument was built to the best of details with intricate Persian art on the walls. However, the carvings of the Quran verses on the walls are the most impressive feature even today. The monument also features sprawling gardens on one side. There is also a pond between the mausoleum and the adjacent mosque. It apparently featured a fountain back in the seventeenth century.

Tip: We recommend visiting Ibrahim Roza in the evening after 4 pm. The sunset glow makes the walls even more beautiful!

Make sure to visit this monument if you enjoy history and architecture. You can find ample space to sit and admire the mausoleum even though the place may be crowded at times! In addition, there are many view points across the fort-style walls and the colonnaded halls of the mausoleum and the mosque. The government has painstakingly maintained it and you can admire the intricate carvings and art even today.

The Gol Gumbaz is an icon of Bijapur and in fact, an icon for most of north Karnataka too! It remains one of the most popular monuments in Vijayapura and a highly visited tourist attraction. It is actually a mausoleum of Mohammed Adil Shah of the Adil Shahi dynasty!

Gol Gumbaz was built in 1659. However, you will be stunned at the technological and architectural advancement in its design! The dome of Gol Gumbaz is regarded as one of the largest domes in the world. This dome has no columns directly under it. As a result, the interiors look absolutely stunning. You can even climb to the top and walk around the inside of the dome. Thats where you will find the Whispering Gallery.

The Whispering Gallery is very fascinating. There are benches on opposite sides of the dome where visitors sit. Even the faintest whisper by one person is heard clearly by a person sitting on the opposite bench nearly 38 metres away! In addition, any sound made inside the dome echoes ten times before it fades out. Isn’t this remarkable?

Tip:  We recommend visiting Gol Gumbaz as early in the morning as possible. This is because the crowds swell enormously during the day.

Bara Khaman

Bara Kaman was supposed to be many times the size of the Gol Gumbaz. It was intended to be grander than any other domed mausoleum in its time in the sub continent. In fact, this is very evident when you visit the site!

The Bara Kaman is the unfinished mausoleum of Ali Adil Shah II. He specifically wanted to build a mausoleum of marvellous architectural quality. However, the construction was not completed due to unknown reasons! As a result, twelve arched columns were left in the complex around the mausoleum. Hence the name came to be Bara (twelve) Kaman (arch).

Tip:  There is no fee and you can visit anytime after 6 am. Some greedy guards may force you to pay a ‘guide’ fee.

Shivagiri Park

This temple is only a short twenty minute drive away from the city centre. However, it is well worth visiting if you are seeking a change from the islamic architecture and heritage monuments! It is popularly called as the Shivagiri Shiva Temple. The 85 foot tall Shiva statue is supposedly one of the biggest in Karnataka and also in the top three in all of India. It is more of a holy theme park than anything else. There are a few temples, a garden, some attractions for children and a museum hall. There are also many small shops selling yummy Bijapur style snacks and toys.

Tip:  Visit on your way out of the city as you drive to Gulbarga or Bangalore. There is a small entry ticket of INR 15 and camera permit is extra.

Other Bijapur tourist places

There are many more places to see in Bijapur.  Malik-E-Maidan is a citadel which features a historic cannon! The city is home to many small Royal buildings from the Adil Shahi dynasty’s era. They are Asar Mahal, Mehtar Mahal, Gagan Mahal and Sangeeth Nari Mahal. The Bijapur Burj is a small but interesting spot to visit too. Other attractions like Jod Gumbaz (twin mausoleums) and the Cenotaph of Afzal Khan are also popular! 

Best itinerary for Bijapur tourist places

You can easily explore the city in one day by starting early. We recommend this itinerary for seeing Bijapur tourist places:

• Check into a hotel and then visit Ibrahim Roza by 4:30 pm and enjoy the evening till sunset.
• Taste Bijapur style Gobi Manchurian and freshly squeezed Orange juice for a light dinner.
• Visit Gol Gumbaz early in the morning before 7 am to beat the crowds inside. This way you can enjoy the whispering gallery all to yourself!
• Have breakfast and then go to Bara Kaman by 10 am.
• Visit the smaller Mahals if you have the time. Alternatively, you can visit the Shivagiri Shiva Temple on your way out of Bijapur.

Stay, food, transport, weather and budget in Bijapur, Karnataka

Bijapur has many small hotels and budget lodges. Not all are available via online booking. You can find some of them here  though. We stayed at Hotel Pearl on the main road of the city. It was a five minute walk to Gol Gumbaz and close to many small restaurants and street food joints! We paid INR 800 for a very clean and nicely designed room. It had an in-house restaurant (multi cuisine) and parking space too.

Budget and costs: Food is reasonably priced in the city. Expect to pay INR 30 for a plate of Idlis, INR 40 for a dosa, INR 30 for fresh Orange juice. Expect to pay about INR 80 for north Indian dishes. However, there are many small Chaat stalls in and around the major tourist attractions. Street food is generally safe to consume. In addition, fresh coconut water costs about INR 30.

Must eat: Mandakki Puri and Girmit!

Auto-rickshaws and local buses are available in Bijapur. They are very affordable and easy to find. However, hire an auto for the day if you plan to visit all the monuments in one day. It may just make it easier. Vehicle parking is also available everywhere.

Weather is hot and dry like any other north Karnataka town. However, it gets cooler in the winter months. Therefore, we feel that its best to visit Bijapur between November and February. It is unbearably hot in summer months (March to August) and not a good time to visit.

Tip: Dress modestly to respect conservative local beliefs and traditions. Wear cotton clothing to beat the hot weather. Carry an additional layer for evening chills.

How to get to Bijapur, Karnataka

Bijapur is very well connected with most major cities in Karnataka  and most of South India. There are daily buses from Bangalore, Hyderabad and Pune. Bijapur is also very close to Gulbarga, Bidar and Badami. These are the other important tourist cities in the region.

Love road tripping? Check this list of weekend getaways from Bangalore

Karnataka is indeed a very beautiful part of India! It is very popular for its greenery and architecture from the yesteryears. In fact, it is our home state and we’ve explored a few other places which you might just find just as appealing to explore! Check it out here .

If you have more questions or want to explore Bijapur with us, please write to us – we’d be very happy to help!

Very nice and interesting information guys

Very interesting and a good read. Thankyou for all the information. The ticket counter opens at 10.00am you said.How is it possible to go to Gol Gumbuz at 7.00am?

Amazing Karnataka

Thank you for writing such a great blog post. Keep updating more. Eagerly waiting ahead. Good luck!

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21 Best Places to See in Vijayapura (Bijapur)

Top Tourist Attractions in Vijayapura (Bijapur)

Bijapur, also known as Vijayapura, is the administrative centre of the Bijapur district in the Indian state of Karnataka . It also serves as the administrative centre for the Taluka of Bijapur. Bijapur is recognised for its architecturally significant historical structures erected during the Adil Shahi dynasty’s reign. Vijayapur is a town in the Devanahalli taluk in the Bangalore Rural district of Karnataka, India. Vadigenahalli was Vijayapura’s previous name.

Best Places to Visit in Vijayapura (Bijapur)

Gagan Mahal

Jamia Masjid

Malik-e-maidan cannon, siddeshwara temple, mehtar mahal, anand mahal.

• Haider Buruz (Upali Buruz)

Ali Adil Shah II’s Tomb (Bara Kaman)

• Sahasraphani Parshwanatha Basadi
• Basavana Bagewadi

Almatti Dam

Bara Kamaan

Ibrahim Rouza

Places of interest.

Gol Gumbaz, which dominates the skyline of Vijayapura for kilometres around, has been regarded as “one of the best structural successes of Indian builders.” Built as a mausoleum for Muhammad Adil Shah, the seventh king of the Adil Shahi dynasty, between 1626 and 1656, it has the world’s second biggest dome, behind St. Peter’s in Rome. The monument is an amazing edifice that is contained inside a walled enclosure in the middle of nicely planned out gardens. A 20-foot-long and 20-foot-wide square hall is surrounded by four towering walls that rise to a height of 100 feet but are tressed by octagonal towers and topped by a hemispherical dome on a petalled foundation. A gallery wraps around the base of the massive dome, which has an internal diameter of 38 metres. The acoustics of this gallery are amazing, with the tiniest whisper multiplied ten times, earning it the moniker “Whispering Gallery.”

The duplicate tombs of Muhammad Adil Shah and his family, surrounded by a wooden fence, are located on a raised platform in the centre of the hall. The real tombs are located below in a crypt.

Visiting Timings:  Morning 6 AM IST to Evening 6 PM IST

This beautiful complex of structures, located on the western fringes of the city, has the twin edifices of Ibrahim Adil Shah’s sepulchre and a mosque. Each corner is adorned with thin minarets of the finest grace and delicacy, beautiful stone filigree, and artistic work. The Ibrahim Rouza is considered one of India’s most beautifully proportioned Islamic buildings and served as inspiration for the Taj Mahal. The mosque is likewise a stunning structure, with five massive arches adorned with carved medallions and dangling stone chains. The monuments are built on a high stone terrace and are framed by a towering tower decorated with four beautiful minarets and accessed by a road through formal gardens.

The castle, surrounded by high walls and a huge moat, previously housed the Adil Shahi Rulers’ Durbar Hall, palaces, and pleasure gardens. Unfortunately, many of the structures have fallen into disrepair, however some exquisite portions have survived. The greatest is Gagan Mahal, which was established about 1561 A.D. and serves as both a royal home and a Durbar Hall. This palace’s principal architectural feature is its massive central arch, which spans 60feet 9 inches. Some of history’s most significant moments were staged here. After capturing the city, Aurangzeb ordered the unlucky king, Sikandar Adil Shah, to stand before him in silver chains. The structure, despite its lack of a roof, is a popular destination due to its location amid a vast, well-landscaped public garden.

The mosque was built by Adil Shah-I (1558-1580) as an appropriate place of prayer for the city’s ever-increasing population. It is a perfectly proportioned, rectangular edifice with lovely arches. The Monument, with an area of 1600 Sq.Ft., is the largest of Vijayapura’s edifices. The prayer hall’s flooring is marked with 2250 musallahs (prayer places) demarcated by black borders, each large enough for one worshipper. The western wall’s central miharb (an arched alcove in the inner wall of a mosque) is adorned with phrases from the Holy Quran engraved in finely gilded calligraphy.

One of the fort’s bastions is the Sher-A-Burz or Lion Tower. Malik-e-Maidan, one of India’s largest mediaeval cannons, is housed in the lower of two elevated circular platforms used for cannons (Monarch of the Plain).

It was cast at Ahmednagar in 1549 at the request of Burhan Nizam Shah-I for his son-in-law Ail Shah. The muzzle is made of gun metal and is designed like the head of a lion eating an elephant. Inscriptions in Arabic and Persian decorate the surface.

This temple, which houses the deity of Siddeshwara (Shiva), draws a large number of worshippers from Vijayapura and the neighbouring districts.

Mehtar Mahal, a tiny, lovely monument erected by Ibrahim Adil Shah-II, is an attractive entrance leading to a mosque and garden.

This is a two-story palace built by Ibrahim Adil Shah-II, with an open front platform approached at both ends by a large flight of stairs.

Haider Buruz (UpaliBuruz)

Haider Buruz (UpaliBuruz): Built about 1584, this is another solitary tall tower (80 feet high) that served as part of Vijayapura’s military defence.

Bawadi Taj This massive 223-foot-square well, 52-foot-deep, was built by Ibrahim Adil Shah-II in honour of his wife, Queen Taj Sultana. A huge landing juts out from inside the archway, from which flights of stone stairs go down to the water’s edge.

A massive square edifice, roofless and with incomplete arches in dark basalt, stands almost in the centre of the city and to the north-west of the citadel. This is Ali Adil Shah II’s mausoleum (1656-72). Probably started soon after his succession to the throne in 1656, with the intention of competing with Gol Gumbaz, the mausoleum of his father, Muhammad Adil Shah. The structure was designed on a grand scale, however it was never completed. The platform stands 20 feet tall. This massive raised basement, upon which the arches of this incomplete edifice rest, is 215 feet square, whereas Gol Gumbaz’s is 158 feet square.

The tomb stones of Ali Adil Shah II and some of his family members are in the centre, on a raised platform, with the burials in the crypt below, which is reached by a door on the east side. If finished, the entire edifice, including the towering basement, would have been a very elegant landmark in Vijayapura. The structure is well-kept, and there is a lovely garden surrounding the monument. The locals refer to it as BARA KAMAN.

SahasraphaniParshwanathaBasadi

This Jain temple in the outskirts of Vijayapura boasts a one-of-a-kind Parshwanath idol. The magnificently sculpted black stone idol, which is around 1500 years old, has a halo of 1008 snake hoods, each of which is linked.

When the traditional anointing with milk is completed, it passes through a network of tubes before anointing the idol’s head and shoulders. This particular ceremony is performed at 10 a.m. on new moon days (amavasya) and at 9.00 a.m. on full moon days (Poornima). To avoid religious persecution, the statue was hidden in an ash-filled hole until it was unearthed in the 20th century by a devotee and has since become an important Jain pilgrimage site.

The 85-foot-tall Shiva Statue on Ukkali Road in Vijayapura is one of India’s tallest statues.

BasavanaBagewadi

Basaveshwara, the 12th century religious and social reformer and prime minister of the Kalyani Chalukya dynasty, was born at Bagewadi, 43 kilometres south-east of Vijayapura. Basaveshwara Temple has the temples of Basaveshwara (Nandi), Sangameshwara, Mallikarjuna, and Ganapathi. Basavanna and his wife are shown in two magnificent marble sculptures.

Distance from Vijayapura to Almatti Picnic Spot is 60 KM

• Lal BahaduurShashtri Dam, Almatti
• Mughal Garden
• Rock Garden
• Japanese Garden Lake (Boating Facility)
• Musical Fountain

The Almatti Dam is a dam on the Krishna River in North Karnataka, India, that was finished in July 2005. The dam generates 713,000,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity each year (KW). The Almatti Dam serves as the major reservoir for the Upper Krishna Irrigation Facility; a 290 megawatt (MW) power project is built on the dam’s right side. Vertical kaplan turbines are used in the plant, with five 55MW generators and one 15MW generator. Initially, the project’s expected expenses were Rs.1470 crores, but when the project’s administration was transferred to Karnataka Power Corporation Limited (KPCL), the predicted cost was cut by more than half to Rs.674 crores. The project was subsequently completed at a much reduced cost of Rs.520 crores by the KPCL. The dam was completed in less than forty months, with work wrapping up in July 2005. The dam is situated on the outskirts of the districts of Vijayapura and Bagalkot.

Hyder Khan built the 80-foot-high (24-meter) tower to the north of DakhaniIdgah in Vijayapura circa 1584. This is a circular construction with stone steps that spiral around the outside. The tower’s vantage point provides a superb view of the city. This is also known as the “Hyder Burj” or the “Upli Burj.” On top of Upli Burj, there are two massive weapons. This tower’s parafeet, which was utilised for surveillance reasons, has since been enclosed. To get to the top, ascend the circular steps. However, due to excessive development, there is virtually little trace of the citadel wall in this region other than one tower.

A massive square edifice, almost in the centre of the city and to the north-west of the citadel, with no roof and incomplete arches in black basalt. This is the mausoleum of Ali Adil Shah II (1656-72). Probably started shortly after his succession to the throne in 1656, with the intention of competing with Gol Gumbaz, the mausoleum of his father, Muhammad Adil Shah. The structure was designed on a grand scale but was never completed. The platform is 20 feet tall. This huge raised basement, on which the arches of this incomplete edifice rest, is 215 feet square, whereas the Gol Gumbaz’s is 158 feet square. The tomb stones of Ali Adil Shah II and several of his family members are in the centre, on a raised platform, the graves being in the crypt below, which is reached by a door on the east side.

The whole structure with the lofty basement would, if it had been completed, have been a most graceful monument in Vijayapura. The building is well maintained with a beautiful garden around the monument. It is called BARA KAMAN by the people.

The 85-foot (26 m) tall statue of Lord Shiva installed by the T.K. Patil Banakatti Charitable Trust in Vijayapura at Shivapur on Sindagi Road is gradually developing as a pilgrimage place.1,500 tonnes statue considered as the second biggest statue of Lord Shiva in the country was prepared by sculptors from Shimoga for more than 13 months and the civilian design was provided by Bangalore-based architects. The statue weighs around 1,500 tonnes. A small idol of Shivalinga is installed beneath the big statue. “Shiva Charite” will also be inscribed in Kannada on the inner walls of the temple to help the devotees learn the mythological stories related to Lord Shiva.

Best Time to Visit in Vijayapura (Bijapur)

Because of the weather, October through February are the ideal months to visit Bijapur.

How to Reach Vijayapura (Bijapur)

Vijayapura is a lovely city in South India’s Karnataka state, noted for its spectacular architecture, ancient sites, and historical buildings. Vijayapura has a rich history and a diverse range of tourist attractions.

By Plane Goa, Pune, and Hyderabad International Airports are the closest international airports. The nearest domestic airport is at Belagavi.

Taking the Train Bengaluru, Mumbai, and other important cities are all served by the train station.

By Transport Vijayapura has excellent bus connections to various cities.

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Incredible attractions to explore in Bijapur, Karnataka

Priya Srivastava , TIMESOFINDIA.COM , TRAVEL TRENDS , BIJAPUR Updated : Nov 8, 2021, 10:36 IST

Bijapur or Vijayapura is a beautiful city in Karnataka noted for its historical monuments and five rivers. One of the ancient cities of Bijapur was once ruled by the kings of the Adil Shahi who ruled the region for nearly 200 years. Not many know that Bijapur was one of the richest districts in Karnataka. When it comes to places to visit in Bijapur, the city is dotted with some incredible palaces, tombs and gateways that are a piece of art.

Here, let’s take a look at some of the must-visit attractions in Bijapur:

Ibrahim Rauza

Ibrahim Rauza is another must visit spot in Bijapur. An elegant Islamic monument, the Ibrahim Rauza is also popular as Agra of South India. This 1600s tomb has the remains of Ibrahim Adil Shah II of the dynasty.

Considered as one of most important tourist attractions in the city, Gol Gumbaz is basically the mausoleum of Mohammed Adil Shah. It is also among the most historic monuments in India as well as the largest dome ever built in the country. The tomb is a beautiful example of Deccan architecture.

Jama Masjid

Jama Masjid or Jumma Masjid of Bijapur was also built by the ruler Ali Adil Shah. It is one of the largest mosques in the city and a must visit attraction in Bijapur. The dome of the mosque is semicircular in shape and in 1636 Persian verses were inscribed on the minarets. Every Friday, the mosque sees a huge rush of devotees.

Bijapur Fort

Also known as the Agra of South India , this is one of the most prominent monuments in India. The Bijapur Fort (Vijapur kote) is an architectural marvel. The building has seen a number of changes over the years.

It is the incomplete mausoleum of Ali Adil Shah II. Bara Kaman is one of the noted heritage sites in Bijapur and Karnataka. The mausoleum features twelve arches but the structure was left incomplete.

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Bijapur or Vijayapura is a beautiful city in Karnataka noted for its historical monuments and five rivers. One of the ancient cities of Bijapur was once ruled by the kings of the Adil Shahi who ruled ...

• Things to do

Top 10 Places to visit in Vijayapura

Vijayapura also currently known as Bijapur is a city located in the state of Karnataka. Traditionally Bijapur is said to be one of the richest districts in the state. It is also one of the top 10 populated cities in Karnataka. The city is known for its historic monuments and beautiful architectural artefacts. Bijapur is one of those cities that can allure tourists from all over the globe. The best time to visit this city would be during winter, which is during October-March. Now, let us see the top 10 places you must visit during your stay in the city.

1. Gol Gumbaz

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Gol Gumbaz is one of those artefacts which need no introduction. The place is located approximately 3km from the city. The name Gol Gumbaz is based on the name “Gol Gummata” which is derived from the word “Gol Gumbadh” which means  “circular dome”. The dome was constructed using the Deccan style of architecture, which is indeed fascinating to look at. The dome is said to have one of the largest single-chamber spaces in the world. The Gol Gumbaz also consists of a “whispering gallery”, where even the faintest of noises can be heard from the other side of the mausoleum, because of its beautiful acoustic spaces.

ENTRY FEES: For Indians Rs 15 per person

For foreigners: 200 per person

No entry fees for children up to the age of 15

TIMING: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm, all days of the week

2. Bara Kaman

The Bara Kaman is said to be an unfinished Mausoleum of Ali Adil Shah II. It is located around 1.2km from the city. It is said that the Bara Kaman was to be constructed with 12 arches placed vertically as well as horizontally. However, due to unknown reasons, the structure of the mausoleum was left incomplete and only 2 arches were raised vertically. The site is currently managed by the archaeological survey of India. Even at present, the 12 horizontally placed arches can be witnessed.

TIMING: 6:00 am – 6:00 pm

No entry fees

3. Jami Masjid

The Jama Masjid or also known as Jamiya Masjid is located approximately 2.6km from the city. The mosque was built by Ali Adil Shah I in 1578. It is one of the largest mosques in South India, that can accommodate 2500 people. The beautiful architecture of the mosque is sure to grab your attention.

4. Bijapur Fort

The Bijapur Fort is located approximately 1.2km from the city. Just like other beautiful artefacts, like the Gol Gumbaz and the Bara Kaman, the Bijapur Fort was built during the rule of the Shahi dynasty. The fort in itself includes palaces, mosques, historical monuments and gardens built by the Adil shahis. with the use of fascinating architecture, these places are certainly a wonder to look at. Considering all these facts, Bijapur Fort is one of the famous tourist attraction spots in the city.

5. Ibrahim Rauza

Ibrahim Rauza, Rauza which stands for “tomb”, is located around 1.1km from Bijapur city. The tomb was built in 1627. The marvellous architectural work in the tomb will leave you intrigued, with beautiful arches, calligraphic designs and acoustic features, the Ibrahim Rauza is called the “Taj Mahal of the south”. Now, this is one place you must visit in this city.

ENTRY FEES: Indians Rs 5

Foreigners: Rs 100

No fees for children below 15 years

6. Malik-E-Maidan

The Malik-E-Maidan, when translated to English means ‘master of the battlefield’. This splendid artefact was built by Ibrahim Adil Shah II. Malik-E-Maidan is just around 300m from the city. This place is said to have one of the largest cannons(14.6ft) long, the gun is said to be cool when touched even during blistering summers, now that sounds rather intriguing. Another astounding fact is, it is said that touching the cannon can bring good luck.

TIMING: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm

NO ENTRY FEES

7. Asar Mahal

The  Asar Mahal is located approximately 2.2km from the city. This palace was constructed in 1646 by the Adil Shahis. It is said that this place is highly respected and it holds two hairs from the beard of Prophet Mohammed. Now, that sounds riveting. It is also said that women are prohibited from entering the palace.

TIMING: 6:00 am – 8:30 pm

8. Gagan Mahal

Gagan Mahal or also known as Heavenly Palace is located approximately 1.2km from Bijapur city. This palace was built-in 1561 by Ali Adil Shah I. It is said that this was once the private residence of the royal family, which is currently in a wreck. However, it is still an amazing artefact which grabs attention.

TIMING: 8:00 am – 6:00 pm

9. Sath Khabar

Sath Khabar is located approximately 3.9km from the city. Belgaum isn’t short of places that can amaze you, this is one of those places. The name Sath Khabar in English means “sixty graves”. This place is also called ‘Dark tourist spot’ in the city, because of its dark past. Rumour has it that, Afzal khan who was the army chief, killed his 63 wives by pushing each one of them into a well. However, the place is still a tourist attraction and allures a lot of people.

10. Sangeeth Nari Mahal

The sangeeth Nari Mahal is located approximately 3km from the city. It is another ancient artefact which was built way back in the 16th century, which makes it a popular tourist attraction in the city.

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• Things to do in Vijayapura

Things To Do in Vijayapura

Things to do

13 Best Things to do in Vijayapura

Almatti dam.

The full supply level of Almatti dam was initially limited to 519 meters MSL by the incomparable court of India. The Krishna River strife between Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Maharashtra was settled by the Brijesh Kumar Tribunal and the dam

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Gagan Mahal

Gagan Mahal is an acclaimed Citadel in Bijapur. It is utilized as a royal residence cum-gathering of people lobby. The focal curve of Gagan Mahal is the tallest and most stretched out among all the curves found in Bijapur. Generally

Gol Gumbaz Bijapur

Gol Gumbaz is the sepulcher of ruler Mohammed Adil Shah, Sultan of Bijapur. The great structure is a catacomb of Mohammed Adil Shah, the Sultan of Bijapur and the seventh leader of the Adil Shahi line. The dim basalt structure

The Ibrahim Rauza

Ibrahim Rauza, regularly alluded to as 'The Taj Mahal of the Deccan', was planned by Malik Sandal. It contains four minarets, a mosque to its right side, and a tomb at its left side. It houses the remaining parts of

The Bijapur Fort

The Bijapur Fortress is situated in the Bijapur city in Bijapur Locale of the Indian province of Karnataka. Bijapur fortress has a plenty of authentic landmarks of building significance worked amid the lead of Adil Shahi line. The Adil Shahi

Asar Mahal, worked by Muhammed Adil Shah in late 1640s, used to fill in as a Hall of Justice. It is otherwise called Mithari and Asar Mahal and stands with the help of four columns. Additionally, hair from the facial

The Banni Mata Temple

Banni Mata temple, additionally referred to differently as the Mahakali Banni Mata temple, is situated in Chamba Region, a slope station in the Province of Himachal Pradesh in north India. This temple is arranged at a tallness of 8,500 feet,

The Taj Bawdi

Bahamani domain separated into five kingdoms and Bijapur was one of them. Yousuf AdilShah was delegated the lord of the new Adil Shahi kingdom. The new kingdom rose to incredible statures amidst the sixteenth C under Ali Adil Shah, the

Bara Kaman is the incomplete catacomb of Ali Adil Shah II in Bijapur, Karnataka in India. Ali Adil Shah of the Adil Shahi administration needed to manufacture a sepulcher of unmatched engineering quality. It was arranged that twelve curves would

Ibrahim Rauza

Ibrahim Rauza, frequently alluded to as 'The Taj Mahal of the Deccan', was outlined by Malik Sandal. It contains four minarets, a mosque to its right side, and a tomb at its left side. It houses the remaining parts of

Malik-e-Maidan

Malik-e-Maidan, considered as one of the biggest chime metal firearms on the planet, is arranged around 3 km far from Bijapur District. Significance of the word 'Malik-e-Maidan' is 'The Monarch of the Plains'. It was worked in 1549 by Ali

The Jama Masjid

Jama Masjid of Bijapur is a mosque in the Indian province of Karnataka. Otherwise called both Jamiya Masjid and Jumma Masjid, the mosque is one of the biggest mosques in South India. Aside from this, around 2,250 dark squares have

Gol Gumbaz is an authentic place in Vijayapura. It was planned and developed by the celebrated internationally modeler, Yaqut of Dabul, under the support of Muhammed Adil Shah. This vault, which is around 124 ft in measurement and stands unsupported

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13 Famous Bijapur tourist places

Bijapur tourist places; It is one of the famous cities in the south Indian state, Karnataka. Bijapur tourist places is famous for historical architecture and ancient fort.

The city of Bijapur also acts as the headquarters of the Bijapur district and Bijapur Taluk in Karnataka. The location holds an inevitable position in the tourist map of Karnataka state because of the historical importance of the city.

There are many historic architectural attractions, constructed during the regime of the Adil Shahi dynasty, in Bijapur. The present city of Bijapur is located at 530 km north of the state’s capital Bangalore, 384 kilometers from the hi-tech city of Hyderabad and 550 kilometers away from the financial capital of India, Mumbai.

Some Bijapur tourist places are Gol Gumbaz, Bara Kaman, Shivgiri temple etc and many more which is given below. Bijapur is also a big city in terms of population.

According to the census reports in the year of 2011, there are 326,000 people live in this famous city, which makes it the ninth biggest city in the state of Karnataka, in terms of population.

The Bijapur City Corporation (BCC), one of the newly formed municipal corporations in Karnataka controls the administration of the Bijapur city. The district of Bijapur comes under Belgaum division, one of the four administrative divisions of Karnataka state. It is being believed that the city of Bijapur was established by the Kalyani Chalukyas between the 10th and 11th century.

During this time, the city was famous in the name Vijayapura (City of victory). Later the control of Vijayapura was transferred to Yadavas and Bahmani Sultanate of Gulbarga dominated the city in 1347.

During the second half of the 13th century Vijayapura came under the control of the Khilji Sultanate in Delhi and started to be called in the name Bijapur.

Ibrahim Rauza, Bijapur tourist places

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Ibrahim Rauza, often mentioned as ‘The Taj Mahal of the Deccan’, was designed by Malik Sandal. It comprises four minarets, a mosque on its right, and a tomb at its left side.

It houses the remains of Ibrahim Adil Shah II and his wife Taj Sultana. Facing east towards the tomb, the front of the mosque has five arches with elaborate plaster work on the spandrel.

Above them, a good nave is supported by lotus brackets. Above the nave is an elaborate parapet comprising an ornate screen. The high corner minarets are divided into storeys and have an unusual cluster of columns at the base.

The spherical dome is raised on a platform decorated with large petals. Both the mosque and the tomb are elevated on a common base in the middle of a beautiful garden. The tomb is composed of cupolas and slender minarets.

The Lord Shiva statue in Bijapur is the second largest statue of lord Shiva in the world.  This 1500 tones statue was prepared by the sculptures from Shimoga for about 13 months and the civilian design was supplied by the Bangalore based architects.

A small Idol of Lord Shiva has been installed near this statue and the wall inside the temple describes the mythological stories about Lord Shiva.

Shivagiri is gradually developing as a pilgrimage place attracting devotees during Mahashirathri and other special occasions. People visit this temple on Mahashivarathri to offer Special Pooja and every year the trust organize a variety of cultural programs and Rudrabhisheka would be performed to Sri Kashi Viswanatha.

The idol has designed in a manner that when it gets the sunlight it will appear like sparkling. Originally the statue of Lord Shiva had four arms and was adorned in golden paint. The small idol was created in less than a year by four artists in Shimoga. Even very small things have been taken care during this idol creation like the third eye, Rudrakshimala, snake, moon, Trishul and the Dmarugha.

There are many other attractions for children like sliders, merry go round and beautiful garden around this statue. The big statue of lord Shiva is a very recent construction, but the town and the shrine in this place are very ancient and there is an interesting story behind this temple.

The king Ravana of Lanka was a great Shiva Bhaktha and He wanted to gain more power and immorality by gaining the possession of Athmalinga.

Athmalinga is a linga with mystical powers. Ravana started a penance to lord Shiva and the divine sage Narada realized the havoc of Ravana and appeals to Lord Vishnu, who tricks Ravana to ask Devi Parvathy instead of Atmalinga.

The king Ravana soon realized his mistake and he has done one more penance to lord Shiva, then the lord Shiva appears and he got the Athmalinga.

But Lord Shiva gives Athmalinga with a condition that he should not place the Linga on ground and Ravana agrees Maheshwara’s condition. One can find many shops selling pooja items, snacks and soft drinks at the premises of this wonderful statue. This huge towering statue of lord Shiva is visible from long distance.

This temple is located on the peninsula and the three sides of this temple is bounded by the shimmering sea and rolling hills and this place is considered as the most favorite picnic spot in Bijapur.

This temple presents the scenic view with the Arabian Sea and the coconut areca groves nearby. There is two full sized solid elephant of concrete guarding in the steps of this temple.

Bara Kaman is that the incomplete mausoleum of Ali Adil Shah II in Bijapur, Karnataka. Ali Adil Shah, ruler of the Adil Shahi Dynasty, wanted to create a tomb of outstanding quality.

According to the plan, twelve arches were to be placed vertically and horizontally round the tomb. However, because of some unknown reasons, the work was left incomplete.

As a result, only 2 arches were placed vertically. However, the remains of the 12 arches that were placed horizontally, also are visible within the premises.

It was also planned that the shadow of Bara Kaman would touch the Gol Gombaz. At present, this site is managed by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

The Gol Gumbaz is that the mausoleum of Mohammed Adil Shah. It is one among the most important single chambers ever built. Externally, the building is a great cube with a turret or tower attached to every angle, with an outsized hemispherical dome covering the entire.

The effect of the building springs from the fine proportions between its various elements, especially between the cubical part below and therefore the domed part above. Above this is an arcade of small arches, their formality broken by their skillful spacing.

Above this is the massive merlons with finials which break the skyline well. Above the merlons are the foliations round the base of the dome concealing the junction between the dome and therefore the cube below.

The wall surface of the cube has three arches sunken into them, the central one paneled out to bring it to the size of a normal doorway. The width of each of the sides is equal to the height which is a little above 200′.

The exterior diameter of the dome is 144′. The interior of the structure may be a single large hall, one among the most important ever built, measuring 135′ across, 178′ high and therefore the gallery from where the dome springs is 110′ from the pavement.

Which the circular cornice is projected. The dome is about back some 12′ from the within of this cornice in order that a number of its weight is transferred onto the four walls, while the remainder is projected onto the intersecting arches which also receive and counteract any outward thrust.

The dome may be a plain plastered vault with six small openings through the drum and a flat section at its crown but no central pendant.

The dome consists of horizontal courses of bricks with substantial layer of mortar between them. In other words, it consists of a homogeneous shell of concrete reinforced with bricks, the whole being of a thickness of 10′.

Due to the system of oversailing courses of brickwork, timber centering would be unnecessary, hence it was probably not used in the construction of the dome except in the section near the crown.

Malik-e Maidan in Bijapur is one of the well known monuments in this heritage city. It is a huge cannon placed on the top of a tower in Bijapur. Malik-e-Maidan can be translated as “monarch of the plains” to English.

The structure was erected by the famous Bijapur ruler, Ibrahim Adil Shah II during the 16th century. The cannon is famous as the largest cannon used in India during the medieval times.

The structure is also popular in the region with the name Burj-E-Sherz, which is the name of the tower on which the cannon has been placed.

Burj-E-Sherz means the tower of lion in local languages and the structure acted as testimony of the glory of Adil Shashi dynasty during their regime in Bijapur. The monument is one of the best ten historical monuments of the Bijapur and travelers to Bijapur will never want to miss this place on their trip.

Best time to visit Malik-e Maidan The best time to visit this monument can said to be the months of September to March, which is the best season of tourism in Bijapur.

During the time, a moderate climate is observed in this area. The location is open to the visitors every day of the year, except on public holidays. People are allowed to enter the site from 10 in the morning to 6 in the evening.

Museums in India are famous for the collection of artifacts of the medieval times. Museums protecting the ruins and remaining of ancient dynasties and civilizations are commonly seen in all the heritage cities in India.

Bijapur city in the Bijapur district of north Karnataka is also such a place in India, where popular museums in the city protects the artifacts developed here in the ancient times.

The history of this city starts in the early stages of the 11th century, when the prominent dynasties of the Deccan region Chalukya dynasty built the city as their capital. Then the city came under the rule of Adil Shahis by the end of 15th century and the dynasty left so many land marks in this city during their time.

The archeological museum operating in the compound of Gol Gumbaz in Bijapur is the one and only popular museum in the entire Bijapur district. Artifacts and articles of different eras like medieval times, pre independent era, and post independent era are protected in the archeological museum in Bijapur.

The place was chosen as the right place to open a museum displaying artifacts of Adil Shahi dynasty and the Archaeological Museum was opened as the district museum of Bijapur.

The Naqquar Khana stands in front of the Gol Gumbaz within its complex and has two floors in it. The building has constructed in a typical Adil Shahi architecture.

It is considered as a new dam, since the construction of this dam was started in the year 2005. This dam is used for various purposes such as irrigation, water supply and generation of hydroelectricity and it has the capacity of 290MW hydroelectricity generation per year.

This dam has totally twenty six gates. The facilities used by the Alamatti are five 55 MW generators and one 15 MW generator and the target annual electric output of the Alamatti dam is 560 MU.

After the usage of water for power generation, it has been released to Narayanpur reservoir to serve the downstream irrigation needs.

This dam is an essential reservoir of the upper Krishna project and the main aim of this project is to provide irrigation to the drought prone areas of Bijapur, Bagalkot, Gulbarga, Raichur and Koppal.

Bagalkot and Bijapur districts of Karnataka state sharing the water of Krishna River for irrigation purposes. .Alamatti dam holds a storage capacity of 130 TMC at 519 meters MSL. The height of Alamatti dam is 52.26 metres and the length is 1565.15 metres.

It is located between the geographical co-ordinates of 16.331°N 75.888°E and the catchment area of the dam is spread in 33,375 sq km and surface area is spread in 24,230 hectares.

Alamatti is a pretty tourist place to see in Bijapur. Enjoying the water flow of Alamatti dam is just like seeing a natural water fall. The building of this dam is designed and constructed in a manner that it attracts every visitor to come here again and again.

There are seven terraced gardens near Alamatti Dam, developed as a picnic spot in this dam area. The Upper Krishna project nearby this dam is also beautiful place full of civil engineering. The seven terrace gardens developed in this dam site are Rock Hill Garden, Mughal Garden, Krishna Garden, Italian Earlier Style Garden, Italian Later Style Garden and French Garden.

There are two parks in Alamatti Dam site include Gopal Krishna park and Lavakush park.The Rock Hill Garden is one of the most attractive gardens in this dam site. There are many interesting sectors to see in this garden like lake area, children’s park, Dinosaur park and reptile sector.

Rock Hill garden have a lawn hedge, ground cover, a beautiful flower bed, shrub planting, herb planting and tree planting sectors here.

There is an artificial forest with ceramic wild animals and birds and many idols representing village life of India in the Rock Garden at Alamatti Dam.The Mughal Garden at Alamatti dam site is modeled on Mughal garden at Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi and it spreads over 33 acres of land with beautiful landscapes exotic plants, musical fountains and the swift flowing Krishna.

Another important attraction in this dam site is the Krishna Park. This park is located just opposite to the ARBC jack well and the location of this park has its own scenic beauty.

The theme of this garden is taken from the inspiration of Krishna River. The pranks, mischief and the cleverness of Lord Krishna are elaborated artistically in this garden attracts every visitors.

Just like Krisha Raj Sagar dam in Mysore boating facilities are available in this dam site. Beautiful music fountains in this garden always attracts the tourist and this music fountains are some of the most beautiful fountains in the state of Karnataka and there are many other entertainment facilities in this Dam site.

Jami Masjid, built by Adil Shahis in the Bijapur Empire was the largest mosque in the entire empire. This mosque built by Ali Adil Shah I during the second half of the 16th century, is one of the protected heritage sites and a popular religious place in the present Bijapur city in Karnataka.

The mosque was built to commemorate the victory of Adil Shahis against the Vijayanagara kings. This monument is located within the boundaries of the ancient Bijapur city, close to the eastern citadel and houses a list of architectural attractions.

A part of this huge structure has been left incomplete because of unknown reasons. The mosque is also called in the name Jumma Masjid in Bijapur.

Alike in other popular structures in Bijapur, Indo Islamic mixture of architecture is used for the construction of this beautiful mosque. An arcaded prayer hall, which can be considered as the center of the structure, fine passage ways connected to the prayer hall, massive columns with delicate carvings, and domes are the major factors catching the attention of visitors in Jami Masjid of Bijapur.

This huge mosque is built with an area of 10,810 square meters (116,400 sq ft). The building of the mosque resembles a rectangle while watching from the top.

The length and breadth of the rectangle like major structure of the mosque are 560 ft and 230 ft respectively. These dimensions made it one of the largest mosques in Deccan during the medieval times.

A large courtyard is provided associate to the Jami Masjid in Bijapur. The courtyard incorporates a water tank for the sake of devotees to the mosque.

Qutba is read in the Jami Masjid on every Fridays of the week. The main dome is a part of the mosque visible far from the location of Jami Masjid. This dome has 9 bays on it and appears in a semi circular shape.

Nine large arches are provided at the façade of Jami Masjid. There are 5 inner arches also seen associated to the main arches. In AD 1636 Muhammad Adil Shah shaped mehrab in the mosque and beautified it with Persian writings.

2250 inlaid rectangular tiles provided in the Jami Masjid, which look a lot like the prayer rugs used in the prayer halls is an attractive feature given to this heritage monument.

After the conquering of Bijapur by Aurangzeb during the end of 17th century, Aurangzeb renovated the mosque with some extensions.

Aurangzeb built a gate to the Jami Masjid on its eastern side and provided verandahs on every sides of the mosque, except on west.

This mosque is counted in the list of most popular heritage monuments in Karnataka along with Gol Gumbaz, Ibrahim Rauza, and Gagan Mahal of Bijapur.

Gagan Mahal, dating back to 15th century was once a “Durbar Hall” for Sultan Ali I. Tourists can encounter three arches among which the middle arch is 17 m high and 20 m wide.

This alluring palace has ground floor which may accessed by the staircase, where the royalty resided once. Tourists can currently see only the remains of this Mahal which another time exquisite to ascertain.

This Mahal is found nearby Jama Masjid in Bijapur. Being Established in 16th century By Mohammed Adil Shah, the place is additionally termed as “Justice Hall”.

The four pillars support the building. It is believed that the hair from Beard of Prophet Mohammed is used while constructing this building and hence it is an important worship place for Muslims.

There are three tanks in this complex. One of these tanks is 15 ft in depth and women are not allowed to enter. The Persian architecture acts are kept in upper storey which also is a venue for “Urs” festival which is conducted here every September.

Built by Muhammad Adil Shah in 1640s, it serves as a place of worship for Muslim devotees, originally meant to be a Hall of Justice. Persian architecture is displayed here in the upper storey where women are not allowed.

How to Reach Bijapur

Sambre Airport(IXG), Belgaum in Karnataka is 164 km away. It takes little over 4-5 hours to reach Bijapur from airport with good connectivity with other major airport.

Busses and taxi are easily available to reach desire location. Other major Airport with frequent connection are Hubli Airport(HBX), Hubli, Karnataka, 167km away and Goa Inernation Airport(GOI), 257km away.

Bijapur railway station (BJP) is located centrally in Bijapur with good connectivity with other major railway station. Cabs, taxis and public transport can be used to reach the Hotels or desire location.

              KSRTC Bus Stand Bijapur/Vijayapura provides good connectivity with other major state like, Telangana, Tamil nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala etc. State and private busses can book offline and Online to reach Bijapur.

               Bijapur railway station are situated centrally. One can easily get good hotels and it cost under 1000-2000/- Per Night depends on Pick and off seasons.

They are situated centrally so one can book car also. This itinerary based on Bijapur railway station. One can change as per own choice.

Bijapur is among the place where visitors visit throughout the year. The summer season is marked by hot weather and the rainy season consider as rain. The winter season is consider as the best season to roam in and around Bijapur. And between October to February is the ideal month to visit Bijapur.

The most ideal way to visit Bijapur is by doing a 1 nights and 2 days stay. Book your hotel near railway station, Gol gumbaz or Shigiri temple, which are located nearby.

From there you can book Hotel, and taxi for stay and sightseeing also. It is also enable you to easy check-in and check-out option. Choose your itinerary as you are comfortable, if you reach early pick full-Day tour. If you reach Noon or Evening choose short day trip.

• Bijapur Day 1: As you are coming from long trip, Day 1 can cover by local transport. Onc can reach Shivgiri temple than Gol gumbaz hire auto or half day car and cover all places as all are situated nearby.
• Bijapur Day 2: One can skip or include it is upto you so need to reach Almatti Dam, one can take local bus if it available or can book full day cab.

Bijapur tourist places itinerary for 2 days

• Shivgiri Temple
• Gol Gumbaz Archaeological Museum
• Jamia Masjid
• Mithari And Asar Mahals
• Gagan Mahal
• Malik-e-Maidan Cannon
• Ibrahim Rauza Masjid
• Almatti Dam
• Food-2 Days                             : 1000/-
• Travel cost                                       : 1500/-
• Hotel 2 Days                                   : 1500/-
• Other Activity                                 : 500/-

Total cost around 3000-6000/-Rs for 1 Couple for 1 Night & 2 Days. You can negotiate and plan your own trip as per distance, enjoyment, food, transport and stay.

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Till enjoy, be happy and Jay Hind.

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Places to Visit Near Bijapur

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Here is the list of 10 Places to Visit Near Bijapur

1. kolhapur, maharashtra - the spice capital of maharashtra.

Known For : Panhala Fort Dajipur Wildlife Sanctuary Shri Chatrapati Shahu Museum (New Palace)

Kolhapur is situated on the banks of the river Panchaganga in the south-west region of Maharashtra.  Situated 230 kilometres away from Pune, Kolhapur is one of the princely states and boasts of a rich legacy dating back to the times of the Marathas. Presently, Kolhapur is known for Kolhapuri sandals and necklaces that are sold worldwide.

Best Time: July to February

30 Kolhapur Attractions

2. Virupaksha Temple, Hampi, Hampi

The Virupaksha temple (or Prasanna Virupaksha temple) is located on the banks of the Tungabhadra river at Hampi, Karnataka. Built during the 7th century, the beautiful architecture and history of the temple has made it a UNESCO World Heritage site. The temple is abode to one of the forms of Lord Shiva called Lord Virupaksha. While it is located at present day Hampi, it was once a smaller shrine in the middle of the ancient and majestic Vijayanagara empire. You will find beautiful stone inscriptions dating back to the 7th century on the walls of the temple as proof of its rich heritage. Architecture-lovers and history-buffs, do visit the temple when you are in Hampi!

3. Hippie Island, Hampi

While most tourists stay to the south of Tungabhadra where most of the ruins are located, some prefer the north banks which have a vibrant hippie culture. Virapapur Gadde or Hippie Island is a small island situated across the Tungabhadra river. It takes 5 minutes to travel to the island via coracle or boat. The last boat for the island leaves at 5.30 pm. The backpacker's delight, Hippie Island (Virupapur Gadde) is an epitome of scenic beauty and is known for laidback ambient and lodges. It has shacks and cafes which operate from October end to mid-March.

4. Aihole, Karnataka - The Temple Complex of Karnataka

Known For : Durga Temple, Aihole Lad Khan Temple Ravanaphadi Cave Temples

Home to about 125 Chalukyan temples and ancient monuments, Aihole is a medieval centre located in Bagalkot, Karnataka. It is also among the contenders for a position in the UNESCO World Heritage site. Surrounded by sandstone hills and villages, it stands on the banks of the Malaprabha River. Formerly, the capital of the Chalukya Dynasty, Excavations revealed that this site has over 100 Hindu and Jain temples dating back to the time of the Chalukyas. Today, Aihole is a prominent centre for temple architecture and intricate stonework.

Best Time: October to March

23 Aihole Attractions

Top Hotels In Bijapur

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5. Kolhapur, Maharashtra - The Spice Capital of Maharashtra

6. gokak falls, belgaum.

Gokak Falls is known for its beautifully turbulent waters gushing over the rocks and down to a fall of 52 metres (170 feet). This humongous waterfall has a 170 meter long, hanging rope suspension bridge built over it that which allow visitors to walk right above the fall and feel the wind pushed by the river. The Falls is located at a distance of about 7 km from the Gokak town and about 60 km from Belgaum City.

7. Godchinamalaki Falls, Belgaum

Located at a distance of 15 km from Gokak in the Belgaum district of Karnataka, Godchinamalaki Falls is a gorgeous waterfall based on the river Markandeya. Falling down a deep green valley, the entire spot reverberates with the tinkling gurgle of cascading water. Also known as Markandeya Falls, the waterfall actually recedes in two separate steps- the first one falls down from a height of 25 m and after a brief recess, the second one falls down at 20 m. The spectacle is a pure visual delight.

8. Gulbarga - Kalaburagi of Karnataka

Known For : Khwaja Bande Nawaz Dargah Buddha Vihar Gulbarga Fort

Officially known as Kalaburagi, this city is famous for its historical monuments, temples, tombs and delectable cuisine. Located at a distance of 623 kms from Bangalore, Gulbarga, the administrative headquarters of Gulbarga district in Northern Karnataka, is an essential landmark in the history and culture of the region. Laid out with rich cultural heritage dating back to the 6th century, Gulbarga has traces of almost all the major powers of the Southern region in its map, but the most prominent of them is that of the Bahmani Sultanate and the subsequent dominance of the Aurangzeb after its decline.

Best Time: October - March

8 Gulbarga Attractions

Located in Maharashtra near the Karnataka border, Solapur is located about 100 kilometres away from Bijapur/Vijayapura. The town falls on the conjunction of major highways and railway lines which include cities like Mumbai, Pune, Bangalore, and Hyderabad. Solapur is famous for the Siddeshwar Mandir which is located on a lake. Apart from this, there are various other temples and the Kamar Talab is another famous attraction.

Hubballi, as the city is known locally, is one of the twin-cities along with Dharwad. Hubli is the second most important city of Karnataka, after Bangalore. The city is well connected with respect to travel and the city has a separate lane for the buses which is called the BRTS(Bus Rapid Transport System). Hubli is also known for its sunsets, which can be enjoyed at the Unkal Lake and atop Nrupatunga Hill. The town city is also studded with many gardens and temples to visit.

What do you think of our list? Let us know in the comment section.

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Bara Kamaan

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Almost in the centre of the city, and to the north-west of the citadel, is a large square building, roofless and with unfinished arches in dark basalt. This is the tomb of Ali Adil Shah II (1656-72). Probably begun on his accession to the throne in 1656 and intended to rival Gol Gumbaz, the tomb of his father, Muhammad Adil Shah. The building was conceived on a magnificent scale but was destined never to be completed. The platform is 20 feet high. This great elevated basement, on which the arches of this unfinished structure stand, is 215 feet square, while that of the Gol Gumbaz is 158 feet square. In the centre, on a raised platform, are the tomb stones of Ali Adil Shah II and some of his family members, the graves being in the crypt below, which is entered by a door on the east side. The whole structure with the lofty basement would, if it had been completed, have been a most graceful monument in Vijayapura. The building is well maintained with a beautiful garden around the monument. It is called BARA KAMAN by the people.

How to Reach :

Nearest airports are Goa, Pune and Hyderabad Internation airports. Belagavi is the nearest domestic airport.

The railway station is linked with Bengaluru, Mumbai and other major cities.

Vijayapura is well connected with other cities by bus.