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The historical city of Bijapur in the state of Karnataka has its origins in the 10th century. Initially established by the Chalukyas, the city saw many reigns including the prosperous Mughal rule. The present day city is a goldmine of historic treasures, consisting of three parts; the citadel, fort and ruins of the old city. The key attractions in Bijapur primarily consist of monuments built from basalt rock and surrounded by mesmerizing greenery. Take a look at some of the top places to see in Bijapur.
Photo Courtesy: Abhijit Rao
Gol Gumbaz
The most iconic symbol of the city is the Gol Gubaz, a tomb built for Mohammed Adil Shah. Said to be the largest dome in the world, this monument is a must-visit place in Bijapur. The monument has many unique elements that travelers can explore such as the central chamber of echoes, where every sound is echoed seven times! You can also be amazed by the Whispering Gallery, where even the smallest sound is heard at quite a distance and more such attractions making the place to see in Bijapur.
Ibrahim Rouza
Another popular place to see in Bijapur is the Ibrahim Rouza, the tomb built for Ibrahim Adil Shah II. It is a stellar example of fine Mughal architecture with slender minarets and lovely cupolas. In fact the monument is said to be the inspiration for the Taj Mahal. It is built on a single rock and known for its precision in symmetry. All these features have earned the monument the importance of a popular sightseeing place in Bijapur.
Photo Courtesy: Sanyam Bahga
Malik-e-Maidan
A key place to visit in Bijapur is the Malik-e-Maidan, it is interestingly the biggest cannon of medieval times. Placed on the city walls, the cannon is said to weigh over 5000 kg and is 4.5 mt long. It is a trophy cannon brought from Ahmadnagar by Muhammad Adil Shah and mounted on a structure specifically built for it at the Sherza Burj.
Jami Masjid
Among the important places to visit in Bijapur is the ancient mosque Jami Masjid, which is more than 1,200 years old. Built by Adil Shah in 1686, the mosque is a massive structure with beautifully built domes, halls and pillars. The main building consists of 45 parts and the mosque is said to be the largest in the Deccan. Don't forget to observe the structures domes popular for their precision in architecture and the vividly painted mihrab.
Photo Courtesy: Albert
Saat Kabar
A rather morbid tourist place in Bijapur is the Saat Kabar or sixty graves. Though it is not a site of architectural importance, it signifies the dark times of the past where a cold-hearted army chief Afzal Khan murder all 63 of his wives. The story behind the event narrates that Khan who was supposed to confront Shivaji Maharaj knew he might not return alive and so wanted his wife dead rather than have them remarry.
Other tourist places in Bijapur include the Upli Buruj, an 80 ft tower, Chand Bawdi , a tank complex, Gagan Mahal or sky palace, Jod Gumbaz, an 85 ft Shiva statue, Torvi Narasimha temple, etc.
Photo Courtesy: Albert
How to Reach Bijapur
By Road: Bijapur is well-connected by a vast network of roadways including the NH-4, NH-47, NH-13 and the state highways as well. Other nearby tourist destinations includes Aihole (111 km), Badami (120 km) and Pattadakal (125 km).
By Rail: Bijapur does not have a railway station, the nearest junction is at Hubli, located at a distance of 198 km. Hubli junction has trains connecting major cities in India.
By Air: The nearest airport to Bijapur is Belgaum (212 km) for domestic flights and Mumbai (500 km) or Bangalore (542 km) for international flights.
