A
treasure – trove of some of the finest example of the Mughal
architecture, Bijapur is often referred to as ‘the Agra of the South’.
Once the capital of the Adil Shahis, Bijapur’s dignity and royal
grandeur is still intact. The city has many places of historical, cultural
and architectural interest.
Location :
Bijapur is located in the northern part of the state of Karnataka, in the
southern region of India. It is 613 km from Bangalore city and 486 km
southeast of Mumbai city.
Best Time & Climate :
The climate of Bijapur is temperate with summers (April-June) being
moderately hot and winters are cool and pleasant (November-February). The
best time to travel here is during winters between September-February.
How to get there ?
» By Air - The nearest airport is Belgaum (205 kms).
» By Rail - Bijapur is connected by rail to
Bangalore, Bombay, (via Sholapur), Hospet (via Gadag) and Vasco da Gama (via
Hubli and Londa).
» By Road - Karnataka State Road Transport
Corporation buses ply from Bijapur to Badami, Bangalore, Belgaum, Hubli and
Sholapur. Bijapur is connected by road to Aihole (129 kms), Mumbai (486
kms), Badami (132 kms), Hampi (254 kms), Bangalore (81 kms), Pattadakal (148
kms) and Belgaum (205 kms)
Must Visit :
» Gol Gumbaz - Built in 1659, the majestic monument
of Mohammed Adil Shah, the seventh ruler of the Adil Shahi dynasty is a
must-see site while visiting the town. The central dome of 44m in diameter
stands unsupported by pillars and is the second largest dome in the world
after St. Peter’s, Vatican city. The acoustics of the three metres wide
Whispering Gallery echoes sound more than 10 times and appeals to all.
» Jumma Masjid - One of the main attractions of
Bijapur, Jumma Masjid has been called one of the first mosques in India and
is still used for worship. The mosque holds an exquisite copy of the Koran,
written in golden lettering.
» Malik-e-Maidan - 'Malik-E-Maidan' meaning the
'lord of the battlefield' is one of the largest medieval guns in the world.
The colossal cannon measures over four metres long and almost 1 ½ m in
diameter and weigh over 55 tonnes. The cannon’s nozzle is in the shape
of a lion’s head.
» Ibrahim Roza - A commemorate of love, Ibrahim Roza
was built by Ibrahim Adil Shah II for his wife. Lying on the western
outskirts of the city, the 24m high minarets of the mausoleum are said to
have inspired those of Taj Mahal.
» Anand Mahal - The palace of delights was built by
Adil Shah II in 1589 AD. The two-storeyed building, which once housed the
ladies of the palace, today houses, a Gymkhana Club, an Inspection Bungalow,
several offices and the residential quarters of the Assistant Commissioner.
» Mehtar Mahal - Meaning the 'Sweeper's Palace', it
is supposed to have been built by a sweeper. This ornamental gateway leads
to a mosque and a garden and has a flat stone roof supported by stone
brackets of intricately carved birds and rows of swans.
» Citadel - Surrounded by fortified walls, the
citadel once contained palaces, pleasure gardens and Durbar Hall of the Adil
Shahi kings, most of them are now in ruins.
Other places of attraction are Asar Mahal, Aihole (110 kms), Pattadakal
(134 kms), Kundala Sangam, Badami (110 kms) and Basavana Bagewadi (43 kms).
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