Bijapur in Karnataka

Located in the northern part of Karnataka, Bijapur lies at the distance of 530 km from Bangalore and 550 km from Mumbai. It is a historical important city of India and is often called as “The Agra of the South”. Blessed with some of the Deccan's finest Muslim monuments including mosques, mausoleums and palaces, Bijapur is a fascinating place to explore.

It was once the capital of the Adil Shah Kings from 1489 to 1686. Earlier the city was established by the Chalukya's and was named as 'Vijayapura'. But when it came under the rule of Bahmini Sultanate, it was renamed as Bijapur. The city of Bijapur consists of many exquisite structures that remind you of the golden age of unrivaled prosperity and artistic refinement.

There are many attraction around Bijapur, which fall within the radius of 100 km. Some of them includes Badami, Aihole and Pattadakal. All these are famous for the temples of Chalukyan style. Apart from sightseeing you can also be a part of Lingayat Siddeshwara festival that runs for the period of continuous eight day in the month of January/February. The best time to come here is between November to early March because in summer the town gets unbearably hot.

Bijapur Attractions :

Golgumbaz :

Golgumbaz is a mausoleum of Mohammad Adil Shah, built in the year in 1659. IT is the second largest tomb in the world next to the St. Peter's Basilica in Rome. The basic structure is highlighted with the enormous dome, which is 38 in diameter. The four minrates at each corner, serve as a staircases to reach at the top of the dome.

Golgumbaz is popular for its 'Whispering Gallery', which is built in the shape of circular balcony where even tiniest of sounds can be heard on the opposite side of the gallery, and any sound made is said to be repeated 10 times over. Along with the grave stones of the ruler Adil Shah, you may find here graves of his wife, daughter, grandson, and favorite courtesan, Rambha. It also boosts of the shrine of famous Sufi Saint of the Adil Shah period – Hashim Pir.

Ibrahim Rouza :

Set in it won walled compound, Ibrahim Rouza, is considered as one of the most accurately proportioned Islamic monuments in India. It is built by the Ibrahim Adil Shah II in the year 1550 – 1626 for his wife, Taj Sultana. But unfortunately, he died before his wife, so he was laid rest here as well. It is said that the architectural beauty of Ibrahim Rouza inspired the greatest creation in India – Taj Mahal.

It consists of the well cut out gardens in the premises that complement the beauty of complex with magnificently carved walls and perforated stone walls. More amazing stone work decorates the exterior of the mausoleum and equally beautiful mosque, built on the opposite side. The two buildings fascinated with minrates, domed cupolas, face each other from opposite sides of a rectangular raised walls that enclose the complex.

Jami Masjid :

Near to Golgumbaz is Jami Masjid, which is said to be among the earliest mosques in India. The Jami Masjid is famous for its graceful arches, a fine dome and a vat inner courtyard that can house more than 2250 worshipers.

It was constructed by dil Shah in 1557 – 1580. Check out the decorative mosques and copy of Quran written in Gold. overing the total area of 10, 810 sq m, it is one of the biggest mosque in the region.