Bijapur, also known as Vijayapura, is a captivating city located in the Indian state of Karnataka. Steeped in history and culture, it is the former capital of the Adil Shahi dynasty. This powerful ruling dynasty governed most of the Deccan region from the 15th – 17th centuries. However, Bijapur’s allure extends beyond its historical treasures. The city boasts of mesmerizing natural beauty and revered religious sites, offering a holistic travel experience.
For those seeking a journey into the captivating tapestry of India’s glorious past and vibrant present, Bijapur emerges as an ideal destination. Its fascinating attractions offer an immersive exploration, allowing visitors to delve into the captivating history and the best places to visit in Bijapur that define this remarkable city. In the following sections, let’s delve into some of Bijapur’s finest destinations, unraveling the unique attributes that make them truly special.
Places to Visit in Bijapur
1. Ibrahim Rauza
This tower, often known as the Taj Mahal of Deccan, is where the ashes of Adil Shah King Ibrahim, Adil Shah II, and Taj Sultana are kept. Malik Sandal planned it with a mosque on the right and a mausoleum on the left. Adil Shah II commissioned a Persian architect to create the monument to symbolize unity between Hindus and Muslims. The exquisite architecture of this old tower makes it among the state’s most well-known and historically important attractions.
Visiting hours: 6 AM – 6 PM
How to reach: To get to Ibrahim Rauza from various locations in Bijapur, you can take a shared car, a local city bus, a cab, or a horse buggy.
2. Bara Kaman
In 1672 AD, Adil Shah II began construction on the unfinished Bara Kaman, a mausoleum with 12 beautiful arches, and left it in Bijapur. Twelve arches enclosed King Ali’s and his wives’ tombs stretched horizontally and vertically along the tower.
On the other hand, the arches and tomb were left unfinished because Ali’s father assassinated Adil Shah II and was unwilling to allow Bara Kaman to overshadow Gol Gumbaz’s architectural masterpiece.
Visiting hours: It is open for tourists 24 hours, so you can visit there anytime.
3. Malik-e-Maidan
Malik-e-Maidan means ‘Monarch of the Plains’ in Urdu. It’s the largest medieval mounted cannon in the world! The cannon weighs 55 tonnes and is 4 meters long, making it one of Bijapur’s most popular tourist attractions. The muzzle’s outer diameter alone exceeds 1.5 meters. It is reported that when the cannon was firing, the gunner had to dip his head in a water tank to shield his ears from the huge “boom.”
Visiting hours: It is open from 6 AM – 6 PM
4. Jama Masjid
Ali Adil Shah built the Jama Masjid or Jumma Masjid of Bijapur. It is one of the city’s largest mosques and a must-see tourist place in Bijapur. The mosque’s dome is semicircular, and Persian poetry was etched on the minarets in 1636. Every Friday, a large crowd gathers at the mosque.
Visiting hours: It is open from 9 AM – 6 PM
5. Gol Gumbaz
Gol Gumbaz, one of the city’s most important tourist attractions, is essentially Mohammed Adil Shah’s tomb. It is also one of India’s most historic landmarks and the biggest dome ever erected. The mausoleum is a stunning piece of Deccan architecture.
Visiting hours: It is open from 10 AM – 5 PM
6. Upli Burj
Upli Burj is on almost everyone’s list of the best sites to see in Bijapur. This is a watchtower designed in the 16th century by Hyder Khan. The construction sits at an astonishing 24-meter height, and the tower’s summit is one of the city’s most popular overlooks, offering a panoramic perspective. And if you enjoy taking photographs, you must go to the Upli Burj. It is usually reached through the twisting round escalators. Two big guns are also installed on the pinnacle of the watchtower.
Visiting hours: You can visit at any time during the day.
How to reach: Upli Burj and Gol Gumbaz are inside the Bijapur Fort complex, so you may take the same route. Then you may take a taxi, auto-rickshaw, or cab to your destination.
7. The Mehtar Mahal
Mehtar Mahal is a must-see for architecture and design enthusiasts. This amazing tower is built on three floors in the Indo-Saracenic architectural style. The minarets are adorned with Hindu-style sculptures of birds and swans. Many believe the sweeper used the royal shower money to build a mosque.
Visiting Hours: You can visit this place from 8 AM – 6 PM
How to reach: Because both are inside the Bijapur Fort complex, you may take the same route to The Mehtar Mahal as you would to Upli Burj. The doorway is around 500 meters from the tower and may be accessed on foot or by hiring a rickshaw.
8. The Gagan Mahal
Ali Adil Shah I created the Gagan Mahal, which translates literally as ‘Sky Palace,’ in the 16th century. It is distinguished by the arches and the huge central arch, which serves as the citadel’s entrance. The Darbar was on the bottom floor, while the higher floors housed the royal family. Plan a vacation to Bijapur, and don’t miss out on the magnificence of Gagan Mahal!
Visiting Hours: You can visit this place from 8 AM – 6 PM.
How to reach: you can hire a taxi, auto-rickshaw, or local bus services to reach Gagan Mahal. The nearest bus stop to Gagan Mahal is KSRTC Central Bus Stand.
Conclusion
Bijapur is a treasure trove of historical and architectural wonders that reflect the glory of the Adil Shahi dynasty. From the majestic Gol Gumbaz to the elegant Mehtar Mahal, from the serene Jumma Masjid to the intriguing Bara Kaman, the place offers a variety of tourist places in Bijapur attractions for every traveler. Whether interested in history, culture, religion, or nature, you will find something fascinating in this ancient city. So, don’t wait any longer and plan your trip to Bijapur today.
