A popular tourist destination in Karnataka that takes its visitors back in time through its glorious ancient structures, Bijapur showcases the rich legacy of the Adil Shahi dynasty. Located 530 km northwest of Bangalore, the city of Bijapur is historically, traditionally and legendarily, one of the wealthiest districts not only in the state of Karnataka but in the entire country. Traces of evidence found here reveal that it was inhabited since the Stone Age. Built around the 10th-11th century by the Kalyani Chalukyas, Bijapur was known as Vijayapura in those times, literally translating to the City of Victory.
Places To Visit In Bijapur
If you are a history enthusiast whose perfect vacation idea consists of historical monuments and bespoke Islamic architecture, then Bijapur or Vijayapura, as it is officially known, is your calling. The city was renamed in October 2014 from Bijapur to Vijayapura. Take 2-3 days from your Karnataka travel itinerary and plan a trip to explore this city’s many wonders fully.
1. Gol Gumbaz
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Constructed with the expertise and intricacies of Deccan architecture, Gol Gumbaz is one of the most significant monuments in India, located in the state of Karnataka. Standing as one of the most ambitious structures built by the Adil Shahi dynasty, it is much more than the most technically advanced domed structure to have been erected in the Deccan with the vast spread structure of this monument consisting of a cube on each side, which is capped by a dome in external diameter. Inside the gigantic dome, a “whispering gallery” runs around, a phenomenon that amazes all the visitors. These are rightly named so because even the slightest sound can be heard on the other side due to the space’s acoustics. Exhibiting the Indo-Islamic architecture style, the Gol Gumbaz dome is one of the most giant domes ever built in history, with a diameter measuring up to 144 feet.
Timings: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Entry Fee: Indian Tourists: INR 10 and Foreign Tourists: INR 100
Must Read: Best Places To Visit In Karnataka
2. Jama Masjid
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Owning the distinction of being one of the first mosques in India, Jama Masjid has an interesting backstory. The construction was initiated by Ali Adil Shah I of the Bijapur Sultanate in the 16th century to celebrate his victory in the Battle of Talikota. But the mosque was never completed. This Masjid is spread over 10810 sq m and displays a fine example of Indo-Islamic architecture with the twin minarets, beautiful arches, and the dome. The city’s largest mosque also has a few incomplete features – corner buttressing on the eastern facade, indicating an unfulfilled intention to construct two minarets there. At the same time, a few merlons are also absent from the parapets of the galleries surrounding the courtyard.
Timings: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Entry Fee: None
3. Ibrahim Rauza
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Ibrahim Rauza, or the Taj Mahal of the Deccan, is home to the remains of the Adil Shah ruler Ibrahim Adil Shah II and his wife Taj Sultana. The monument was built as a beautiful symbol of harmony between Hindus and Muslims by Adil Shah II, with the expertise of a Persian architect. The spellbounding architecture of this ancient funerary complex, featuring a mausoleum and a mosque, makes it one of the more popular and culturally significant attractions in the state. Because of its magnificent skyline and the lengthy timeline taken for its construction, the Ibrahim Rauza complex became commonly known as the Black Taj Mahal of South India.
Timings: 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Entry Fee: Indians & SAARC nationals: INR 5, Below 15 Years: Free and Foreign Nationals: INR 100
Suggested Read: Taj Mahal
4. Bijapur Fort
Bijapur Fort encompasses many historical monuments of architectural importance within its fortified borders, which were built during the rule of the Adil Shahi dynasty. The fort precinct is studded with structures considered important, such as historical forts, palaces, mosques, tombs, and gardens built by the Adil Shahis, which align with their deep interest in architecture. Even some ruins of ancient temples, predating the Adilshahi period, are also prominently seen. The most striking structures are the Citadel or Arkilla, the Jamia Masjid, the Gagan Mahal Palace, the tomb of Ali Rauza or Ibrahim Roza, Chand Bawdi or Taj Bavdi, Mahatar Mahal, Malikah-e-Jahan Mosque, Jal Mahal, and also an innocuous well in the vicinity of the fort with a legend of a tragedy linked to a brave but jealous general of the dynasty.
Timings: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Entry Fee: Indians and SAARC Nationals: INR 15 and Foreign Nationals: INR 200
5. Bara Kaman
Built-in 1672 AD by Adil Shah II, Bara Kaman is another remarkable yet unfinished structure in Bijapur, a mausoleum of 12 beautiful arches. Here’s the saddening reason behind another unfinished structure besides the Gol Gumbaz: Ali Adil Shah supposedly wanted to build a mausoleum of unmatched architectural quality. The initial design was planned so that twelve arches would be placed vertically and horizontally surrounding the tomb of Ali Adil Shah. However, for unknown reasons, the work on the structure was left incomplete: only two arches were raised vertically. Rumour has it that the construction of the mausoleum was stopped because its shadow would touch the Gol Gumbaz once completed. The remains of the twelve horizontally placed arches can still be seen as the Bara Kaman has the tombs of Ali Adil Shah II, his wife, Chand Bibi, and surprisingly, his mistresses and his daughters.
Timings: 24 hours
Entry Fee: None
Suggested Read: Paigah Tombs
Nearby Towns That You Can Visit
You know what you can explore in Bijapur in 2-3 days. But if you have a week to spare, you can club these nearby towns into your itinerary, plan a full-fledged journey, embark on a visit and cater to all your historical and architectural interests.
1. Kolhapur
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The Spice Capital of Maharashtra, Kolhapur is presently known for Kolhapuri sandals and necklaces sold worldwide. The city is at its enchanting best on the auspicious occasion of Naag Panchami, when thousands of devotees visit and worship live snakes by offering milk and rice. Another cultural festival that Kolhapur is widely known for is the Rankala Mahotsav. This five-day event includes live performances, musical concerts, exhibitions and eating delights.
Distance from Bijapur: 175 kilometres
Best Time to Visit: July to February
2. Hampi
Hampi, also called the city of ruins, is situated in Karnataka’s shadowed depth of hills and valleys. This place is a historical delight for travellers, surrounded by 500 ancient monuments, beautiful temples, bustling street markets, bastions, treasury buildings and captivating remains of the Vijayanagar Empire. Hampi is no less than an open museum with more than 100 locations to explore and a favourite way to see the city from the lens of history. Hampi used to be the capital of the Vijayanagar empire around 1500 AD and the second-largest city in the world at that time. But now you can only explore the ruins of many temples and other structures spread out over a vast area.
Distance from Bijapur: 214 kilometres
Best Time to Visit: October to March
Further Read: Famous Historical Places In India
The historical monuments from the era of the Adil Shahi Dynasty and their backdrop stories cannot be missed by any history or architecture enthusiast at Bijapur in Karnataka. Do not let any further delay. Book your trip to Karnataka now and explore this city’s spectacular structures and remarkable yet unfinished structures.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Bijapur
What is the best time to come to Bijapur
If you think of visiting Bijapur or any other part of Karnataka, then plan your trip in the months from October to February because of the pleasant and exploration-friendly weather conditions. You can also visit during the monsoons as well; however, rain might disappoint your travel plans.
What does the local food of Bijapur consist of?
The cuisine in this area is essentially spicy and has subtle influences of Maharashtrian flavours. The delicacies of the local cuisine here are Kaipalya, Laku Palya, Dosa, Bisibele Bhath, Raagi and Akki Rotis, all accompanied by a variety of unique chutneys.
Is Bijapur called the Agra of the South?
The buildings built in and around Bijapur Fort and the city of Bijapur closely resemble the framework of Agra city. That's why Bijapur first earned this title and, since then, has been rightly called the Agra of South India.
Why was Bara Kanam left unfinished?
Although the work on the structure was left incomplete: with only two of the twelve arches being raised vertically. But as the rumour has it, the construction of the mausoleum was stopped so that it may not match the magnificence of another Adil Shahi dynasty structure - the Gol Gumbaz.
Is Bijapur and Vijyapura the same?
Built around the 10th-11th century by the Kalyani Chalukyas, Bijapur was known as Vijayapura in those times, literally translating to the City of Victory. This city was then renamed again in October 2014 from Bijapur to Vijayapura.
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