Bijapur district is located in Karnataka state at a distance of 613 km from Bangalore city. Bijapur which boasts of a rich heritage and culture is dotted with many historical monuments of Islamic architecture.
The history of Bijapur dates back to 10th -11th century when Chalukyan rulers of South India laid the foundation of Bijapur. Bijapur was called as Vijayapura then which means the city of victory. Bijapur later came under Muslim rule when it was conquered by Sultan of Delhi, Allaudin Khilji, in the 13th century. Later Bahamani Sultanate took over the city. Bijapur was one of the splinter states formed when the Bahamani Muslim kingdom broke up in 1482.
Adil Shah was the founder of the independent state of Bijapur under whose patronage Bijapur experienced a great burst of architectural activity. Many of the historic buildings are reminders of Muslim architecture of bygone era. Bijapur today has several mosques, mausoleums, palaces, fortifications, watchtowers, strong gateways, stylish minarets and mile of ruins which attract many tourists.
Major tourist attractions in Bijapur
Gol Gumbaz
Gol Gumbaz is one of the greatest tourist attractions in Bijapur. It is the mausoleum of Mohammed Adil Shah. Gol Gumbaz is the second largest dome in the world. The central dome, second in size only to the dome of St Peter's Basilica in Rome stands unsupported by any pillars. This dome creates a sensitive echo-chamber. The whispering gallery distinctly echoes the faintest whisper eleven times. Structure is rounded off by four octagonal turrets and one can have a panoramic view of the city from the turrets. There is an archaeological museum near the Gol Gumbaz.
Ibrahim Roza
This is one of the finest mosques in India. This structure said to have inspired by the Taj Mahal is known for its highly decorative carvings. The site comprises of a mosque to the right and a tomb of Ibrahim Adil Shah II and his family inside a square enclosure.
Jama Masjid
Jama Masjid is an epitome of Adil Shahi architecture. Considered as one of the finest mosques in India this large mosque is spread over an area of about 1, 16,300sq.m. The mosque is known for its well designed and graceful arches, aisles, halls and large crowning dome. The mosque has a copy of Quran with verses inscribed in letters of gold.
Malik E-Maidan
Malik-e-Maidan is the largest medieval bell metal cannon in the world. It is fourteen feet long and weighs about 55 tons. It is said that cannon is always cool to touch even under the blazing hot sun and it tinkles like a bell when tapped.
The Citadel
The citadel built by Yusuf Adil Shah is surrounded by its own walls. Within the enclosed citadel there are many palaces and gardens. The most prominent ones are Gagan Mahal, Durbar Hall, Sat Manzil, Jala Manzil and Bara Kaman. Gagan Mahal which was built by Adil Shah I served as both a royal residence and a durbar hall. Today mostly in ruins the structure has a central arch which is the tallest and widest in entire Bijapur.
Bijaipur Castle
Bijapur Castle dating back to 16th century is located right next to a wildlife sanctuary. The castle was built by Rao Shakti Singh who was younger brother of Maharana Pratap Singh’s.
There are several other places worth visiting in Bijapur like Upli Burj, Jal Manzil, Mehtar Mahal, Asar Mahal etc.
Places to visit near Bijapur
Badami
Badami is located at a distance of 120 Km from Bijapur. This place which used to be the capital of the Chalukya Dynasty is famous for the four rocks cut cave temples. These cave temples located on the precipe of a hill are carved out of sand stone. The other attractions here include Bhootnath Temple, Jambulinga Temple, the Agastyatirtha Tank, Archaeological Museum and Badami Fort.
Aihole
Aihole is located 110 kilometres from Bijapur. Aihole is a historically significant place and is situated on the banks of the river Malaprabha. This place has more than 100 ancient and magnificent temples. The main attractions here are Lad Khan temple, Durga temple, Huchappayyagudi temple, Huchimalligudi temple and Meguti Jain Temple.
Pattadakal
Pattadakal is located just 134 kilometres from Bijapur. This World Heritage Centre was the second capital of chalukyas and has many temples which represent early chalukyan architecture. There are ten temples here out of which four temples are built in south Indian Dravidian architectural style while four are in the north Indian Nagara style. Papanatha temple here has a hybrid style. The famous temples here are Sangameshwara, Chandrashekhara, Jambuling, Kadasideeshwara, Papanatha and Kashivishvanatha Temple.
Basavana Bagewadi
Basavana Bagewadi is located 43 kilometres from Bijapur. This ancient town is the birth place of Saint Basaveshwara. One can visit the many temples present here.
Kundalasangama
This is the place where Malaprabha River and Krishna River merge. Kudala Sangama is one of the important pilgrim centres for people of lingayat faith. On banks of Sangama, there is a temple called Sangamanatha temple. The shrine is dedicated to Lord Sangameshwara worshipped here in the form of a Linga. The Aikya Mantapa of Basavanna who was a 12th century poet, reformer and the founder of the Lingayat faith is found here along with a self-born Linga.
Koppal
Koppal is situated 150 kms from Bijapur. This place is known for its temples. Mahadeva temple, which is a very famous temple is located in this region. The other popular temples here are Amriteshwara Temple, Siddhesvara Temple and Dodda Basappa Temple which are carved out from pure sandstone. Koppal Fort which was acquired by Tipu Sultan in 1786 AD is also another attraction here.
How to reach Bijapur
The nearest airport to Bijapur is Belgaum which is about 205 km away. This airport is well connected to Mumbai and Bangalore. Bijapur has its own railhead which is located just 2 kms from the main town. Bijapur is connected by rail to many cities in the state and also the cities in the neighbouring states. Bijapur is connected by a good network of roads to most of the places in Karnataka.
Accommodation
There are a number of accommodation options in Bijapur ranging from mid-range to budget hotels catering to different budgets of the tourists.