13 Famous Bijapur tourist places

Bijapur tourist places; It is one of the famous cities in the south Indian state, Karnataka. Bijapur tourist places is famous for historical architecture and ancient fort.

The city of Bijapur also acts as the headquarters of the Bijapur district and Bijapur Taluk in Karnataka. The location holds an inevitable position in the tourist map of Karnataka state because of the historical importance of the city.

There are many historic architectural attractions, constructed during the regime of the Adil Shahi dynasty, in Bijapur. The present city of Bijapur is located at 530 km north of the state’s capital Bangalore, 384 kilometers from the hi-tech city of Hyderabad and 550 kilometers away from the financial capital of India, Mumbai.

Some Bijapur tourist places are Gol Gumbaz, Bara Kaman, Shivgiri temple etc and many more which is given below.
Bijapur is also a big city in terms of population.

According to the census reports in the year of 2011, there are 326,000 people live in this famous city, which makes it the ninth biggest city in the state of Karnataka, in terms of population.

The Bijapur City Corporation (BCC), one of the newly formed municipal corporations in Karnataka controls the administration of the Bijapur city.
The district of Bijapur comes under Belgaum division, one of the four administrative divisions of Karnataka state. It is being believed that the city of Bijapur was established by the Kalyani Chalukyas between the 10th and 11th century.

During this time, the city was famous in the name Vijayapura (City of victory). Later the control of Vijayapura was transferred to Yadavas and Bahmani Sultanate of Gulbarga dominated the city in 1347.

During the second half of the 13th century Vijayapura came under the control of the Khilji Sultanate in Delhi and started to be called in the name Bijapur.

13 Famous Bijapur tourist places

Ibrahim Rauza, Bijapur tourist places

Ibrahim Rauza, often mentioned as ‘The Taj Mahal of the Deccan’, was designed by Malik Sandal. It comprises four minarets, a mosque on its right, and a tomb at its left side.

It houses the remains of Ibrahim Adil Shah II and his wife Taj Sultana. Facing east towards the tomb, the front of the mosque has five arches with elaborate plaster work on the spandrel.

Above them, a good nave is supported by lotus brackets. Above the nave is an elaborate parapet comprising an ornate screen. The high corner minarets are divided into storeys and have an unusual cluster of columns at the base.

The spherical dome is raised on a platform decorated with large petals. Both the mosque and the tomb are elevated on a common base in the middle of a beautiful garden. The tomb is composed of cupolas and slender minarets.

Shivgiri Temple, Bijapur tourist places

The Lord Shiva statue in Bijapur is the second largest statue of lord Shiva in the world.  This 1500 tones statue was prepared by the sculptures from Shimoga for about 13 months and the civilian design was supplied by the Bangalore based architects.

A small Idol of Lord Shiva has been installed near this statue and the wall inside the temple describes the mythological stories about Lord Shiva.

Shivagiri is gradually developing as a pilgrimage place attracting devotees during Mahashirathri and other special occasions. People visit this temple on Mahashivarathri to offer Special Pooja and every year the trust organize a variety of cultural programs and Rudrabhisheka would be performed to Sri Kashi Viswanatha.

The idol has designed in a manner that when it gets the sunlight it will appear like sparkling. Originally the statue of Lord Shiva had four arms and was adorned in golden paint.
The small idol was created in less than a year by four artists in Shimoga. Even very small things have been taken care during this idol creation like the third eye, Rudrakshimala, snake, moon, Trishul and the Dmarugha.

There are many other attractions for children like sliders, merry go round and beautiful garden around this statue.
The big statue of lord Shiva is a very recent construction, but the town and the shrine in this place are very ancient and there is an interesting story behind this temple.

The king Ravana of Lanka was a great Shiva Bhaktha and He wanted to gain more power and immorality by gaining the possession of Athmalinga.

Athmalinga is a linga with mystical powers. Ravana started a penance to lord Shiva and the divine sage Narada realized the havoc of Ravana and appeals to Lord Vishnu, who tricks Ravana to ask Devi Parvathy instead of Atmalinga.

The king Ravana soon realized his mistake and he has done one more penance to lord Shiva, then the lord Shiva appears and he got the Athmalinga.

But Lord Shiva gives Athmalinga with a condition that he should not place the Linga on ground and Ravana agrees Maheshwara’s condition.
One can find many shops selling pooja items, snacks and soft drinks at the premises of this wonderful statue. This huge towering statue of lord Shiva is visible from long distance.

This temple is located on the peninsula and the three sides of this temple is bounded by the shimmering sea and rolling hills and this place is considered as the most favorite picnic spot in Bijapur.

This temple presents the scenic view with the Arabian Sea and the coconut areca groves nearby. There is two full sized solid elephant of concrete guarding in the steps of this temple.

Bara kamam, Bijapur tourist places

Bara Kaman is that the incomplete mausoleum of Ali Adil Shah II in Bijapur, Karnataka. Ali Adil Shah, ruler of the Adil Shahi Dynasty, wanted to create a tomb of outstanding quality.

According to the plan, twelve arches were to be placed vertically and horizontally round the tomb.
However, because of some unknown reasons, the work was left incomplete.

As a result, only 2 arches were placed vertically. However, the remains of the 12 arches that were placed horizontally, also are visible within the premises.

It was also planned that the shadow of Bara Kaman would touch the Gol Gombaz. At present, this site is managed by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

Gol Gumbaz, Bijapur tourist places

The Gol Gumbaz is that the mausoleum of Mohammed Adil Shah. It is one among the most important single chambers ever built. Externally, the building is a great cube with a turret or tower attached to every angle, with an outsized hemispherical dome covering the entire.

The effect of the building springs from the fine proportions between its various elements, especially between the cubical part below and therefore the domed part above. Above this is an arcade of small arches, their formality broken by their skillful spacing.

Above this is the massive merlons with finials which break the skyline well. Above the merlons are the foliations round the base of the dome concealing the junction between the dome and therefore the cube below.

The wall surface of the cube has three arches sunken into them, the central one paneled out to bring it to the size of a normal doorway. The width of each of the sides is equal to the height which is a little above 200′.

The exterior diameter of the dome is 144′. The interior of the structure may be a single large hall, one among the most important ever built, measuring 135′ across, 178′ high and therefore the gallery from where the dome springs is 110′ from the pavement.

Which the circular cornice is projected. The dome is about back some 12′ from the within of this cornice in order that a number of its weight is transferred onto the four walls, while the remainder is projected onto the intersecting arches which also receive and counteract any outward thrust.

The dome may be a plain plastered vault with six small openings through the drum and a flat section at its crown but no central pendant.

The dome consists of horizontal courses of bricks with substantial layer of mortar between them. In other words, it consists of a homogeneous shell of concrete reinforced with bricks, the whole being of a thickness of 10′.

Due to the system of oversailing courses of brickwork, timber centering would be unnecessary, hence it was probably not used in the construction of the dome except in the section near the crown.

Malik-e-Maidan, Bijapur tourist places

Malik-e Maidan in Bijapur is one of the well known monuments in this heritage city. It is a huge cannon placed on the top of a tower in Bijapur. Malik-e-Maidan can be translated as “monarch of the plains” to English.

The structure was erected by the famous Bijapur ruler, Ibrahim Adil Shah II during the 16th century. The cannon is famous as the largest cannon used in India during the medieval times.

The structure is also popular in the region with the name Burj-E-Sherz, which is the name of the tower on which the cannon has been placed.

Burj-E-Sherz means the tower of lion in local languages and the structure acted as testimony of the glory of Adil Shashi dynasty during their regime in Bijapur. The monument is one of the best ten historical monuments of the Bijapur and travelers to Bijapur will never want to miss this place on their trip.

Best time to visit Malik-e Maidan
The best time to visit this monument can said to be the months of September to March, which is the best season of tourism in Bijapur.

During the time, a moderate climate is observed in this area. The location is open to the visitors every day of the year, except on public holidays. People are allowed to enter the site from 10 in the morning to 6 in the evening.

Gol Gumbaz Archaeological Museum, Bijapur tourist places

Museums in India are famous for the collection of artifacts of the medieval times. Museums protecting the ruins and remaining of ancient dynasties and civilizations are commonly seen in all the heritage cities in India.

Bijapur city in the Bijapur district of north Karnataka is also such a place in India, where popular museums in the city protects the artifacts developed here in the ancient times.

The history of this city starts in the early stages of the 11th century, when the prominent dynasties of the Deccan region Chalukya dynasty built the city as their capital. Then the city came under the rule of Adil Shahis by the end of 15th century and the dynasty left so many land marks in this city during their time.

The archeological museum operating in the compound of Gol Gumbaz in Bijapur is the one and only popular museum in the entire Bijapur district. Artifacts and articles of different eras like medieval times, pre independent era, and post independent era are protected in the archeological museum in Bijapur.

The place was chosen as the right place to open a museum displaying artifacts of Adil Shahi dynasty and the Archaeological Museum was opened as the district museum of Bijapur.

The Naqquar Khana stands in front of the Gol Gumbaz within its complex and has two floors in it. The building has constructed in a typical Adil Shahi architecture.

Almatti Dam, Bijapur tourist places

It is considered as a new dam, since the construction of this dam was started in the year 2005. This dam is used for various purposes such as irrigation, water supply and generation of hydroelectricity and it has the capacity of 290MW hydroelectricity generation per year.

This dam has totally twenty six gates. The facilities used by the Alamatti are five 55 MW generators and one 15 MW generator and the target annual electric output of the Alamatti dam is 560 MU.

After the usage of water for power generation, it has been released to Narayanpur reservoir to serve the downstream irrigation needs.

This dam is an essential reservoir of the upper Krishna project and the main aim of this project is to provide irrigation to the drought prone areas of Bijapur, Bagalkot, Gulbarga, Raichur and Koppal.

Bagalkot and Bijapur districts of Karnataka state sharing the water of Krishna River for irrigation purposes. .Alamatti dam holds a storage capacity of 130 TMC at 519 meters MSL. The height of Alamatti dam is 52.26 metres and the length is 1565.15 metres.

It is located between the geographical co-ordinates of 16.331°N 75.888°E and the catchment area of the dam is spread in 33,375 sq km and surface area is spread in 24,230 hectares.

Attractions at Alamatti Dam Bijapur tourist places

Alamatti is a pretty tourist place to see in Bijapur. Enjoying the water flow of Alamatti dam is just like seeing a natural water fall. The building of this dam is designed and constructed in a manner that it attracts every visitor to come here again and again.

There are seven terraced gardens near Alamatti Dam, developed as a picnic spot in this dam area. The Upper Krishna project nearby this dam is also beautiful place full of civil engineering. The seven terrace gardens developed in this dam site are Rock Hill Garden, Mughal Garden, Krishna Garden, Italian Earlier Style Garden, Italian Later Style Garden and French Garden.

There are two parks in Alamatti Dam site include Gopal Krishna park and Lavakush park.The Rock Hill Garden is one of the most attractive gardens in this dam site. There are many interesting sectors to see in this garden like lake area, children’s park, Dinosaur park and reptile sector.

Rock Hill garden have a lawn hedge, ground cover, a beautiful flower bed, shrub planting, herb planting and tree planting sectors here.

There is an artificial forest with ceramic wild animals and birds and many idols representing village life of India in the Rock Garden at Alamatti Dam.The Mughal Garden at Alamatti dam site is modeled on Mughal garden at Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi and it spreads over 33 acres of land with beautiful landscapes exotic plants, musical fountains and the swift flowing Krishna.

Another important attraction in this dam site is the Krishna Park. This park is located just opposite to the ARBC jack well and the location of this park has its own scenic beauty.

The theme of this garden is taken from the inspiration of Krishna River. The pranks, mischief and the cleverness of Lord Krishna are elaborated artistically in this garden attracts every visitors.

Just like Krisha Raj Sagar dam in Mysore boating facilities are available in this dam site. Beautiful music fountains in this garden always attracts the tourist and this music fountains are some of the most beautiful fountains in the state of Karnataka and there are many other entertainment facilities in this Dam site.

Jumma Masjid, Bijapur tourist places

Jami Masjid, built by Adil Shahis in the Bijapur Empire was the largest mosque in the entire empire. This mosque built by Ali Adil Shah I during the second half of the 16th century, is one of the protected heritage sites and a popular religious place in the present Bijapur city in Karnataka.

The mosque was built to commemorate the victory of Adil Shahis against the Vijayanagara kings. This monument is located within the boundaries of the ancient Bijapur city, close to the eastern citadel and houses a list of architectural attractions.

A part of this huge structure has been left incomplete because of unknown reasons. The mosque is also called in the name Jumma Masjid in Bijapur.

Alike in other popular structures in Bijapur, Indo Islamic mixture of architecture is used for the construction of this beautiful mosque. An arcaded prayer hall, which can be considered as the center of the structure, fine passage ways connected to the prayer hall, massive columns with delicate carvings, and domes are the major factors catching the attention of visitors in Jami Masjid of Bijapur.

This huge mosque is built with an area of 10,810 square meters (116,400 sq ft). The building of the mosque resembles a rectangle while watching from the top.

The length and breadth of the rectangle like major structure of the mosque are 560 ft and 230 ft respectively. These dimensions made it one of the largest mosques in Deccan during the medieval times.

A large courtyard is provided associate to the Jami Masjid in Bijapur. The courtyard incorporates a water tank for the sake of devotees to the mosque.

Qutba is read in the Jami Masjid on every Fridays of the week. The main dome is a part of the mosque visible far from the location of Jami Masjid. This dome has 9 bays on it and appears in a semi circular shape.

Nine large arches are provided at the façade of Jami Masjid. There are 5 inner arches also seen associated to the main arches. In AD 1636 Muhammad Adil Shah shaped mehrab in the mosque and beautified it with Persian writings.

2250 inlaid rectangular tiles provided in the Jami Masjid, which look a lot like the prayer rugs used in the prayer halls is an attractive feature given to this heritage monument.

After the conquering of Bijapur by Aurangzeb during the end of 17th century, Aurangzeb renovated the mosque with some extensions.

Aurangzeb built a gate to the Jami Masjid on its eastern side and provided verandahs on every sides of the mosque, except on west.

This mosque is counted in the list of most popular heritage monuments in Karnataka along with Gol Gumbaz, Ibrahim Rauza, and Gagan Mahal of Bijapur.

Gagan Mahal, Bijapur tourist places

Gagan Mahal, dating back to 15th century was once a “Durbar Hall” for Sultan Ali I. Tourists can encounter three arches among which the middle arch is 17 m high and 20 m wide.

This alluring palace has ground floor which may accessed by the staircase, where the royalty resided once. Tourists can currently see only the remains of this Mahal which another time exquisite to ascertain.

Asar Mahal, Bijapur tourist places

This Mahal is found nearby Jama Masjid in Bijapur. Being Established in 16th century By Mohammed Adil Shah, the place is additionally termed as “Justice Hall”.

The four pillars support the building. It is believed that the hair from Beard of Prophet Mohammed is used while constructing this building and hence it is an important worship place for Muslims.

There are three tanks in this complex. One of these tanks is 15 ft in depth and women are not allowed to enter. The Persian architecture acts are kept in upper storey which also is a venue for “Urs” festival which is conducted here every September.

Mithari Mahal, Bijapur tourist places

Built by Muhammad Adil Shah in 1640s, it serves as a place of worship for Muslim devotees, originally meant to be a Hall of Justice. Persian architecture is displayed here in the upper storey where women are not allowed.

How to Reach Bijapur

Bijapur by Air:

Sambre Airport(IXG), Belgaum in Karnataka is 164 km away. It takes little over 4-5 hours to reach Bijapur from airport with good connectivity with other major airport.

Busses and taxi are easily available to reach desire location. Other major Airport with frequent connection are Hubli Airport(HBX), Hubli, Karnataka, 167km away and Goa Inernation Airport(GOI), 257km away.

Bijapur by Train:

Bijapur railway station (BJP) is located centrally in Bijapur with good connectivity with other major railway station. Cabs, taxis and public transport can be used to reach the Hotels or desire location.

Bijapur by Bus:

              KSRTC Bus Stand Bijapur/Vijayapura provides good connectivity with other major state like, Telangana, Tamil nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala etc. State and private busses can book offline and Online to reach Bijapur.

Where to stay in Bijapur

               Bijapur railway station are situated centrally. One can easily get good hotels and it cost under 1000-2000/- Per Night depends on Pick and off seasons.

They are situated centrally so one can book car also. This itinerary based on Bijapur railway station. One can change as per own choice.

Best Time To Visit Bijapur

Bijapur is among the place where visitors visit throughout the year. The summer season is marked by hot weather and the rainy season consider as rain. The winter season is consider as the best season to roam in and around Bijapur. And between October to February is the ideal month to visit Bijapur.

Bijapur travel guide

The most ideal way to visit Bijapur is by doing a 1 nights and 2 days stay. Book your hotel near railway station, Gol gumbaz or Shigiri temple, which are located nearby.

From there you can book Hotel, and taxi for stay and sightseeing also. It is also enable you to easy check-in and check-out option. Choose your itinerary as you are comfortable, if you reach early pick full-Day tour. If you reach Noon or Evening choose short day trip.

Bijapur itinerary for 1 night and 2 days

• Bijapur Day 1: As you are coming from long trip, Day 1 can cover by local transport. Onc can reach Shivgiri temple than Gol gumbaz hire auto or half day car and cover all places as all are situated nearby.

• Bijapur Day 2: One can skip or include it is upto you so need to reach Almatti Dam, one can take local bus if it available or can book full day cab.

Bijapur tourist places itinerary for 2 days

Bijapur tourist places day 1

• Shivgiri Temple
• Gol Gumbaz Archaeological Museum
• Gol Gumbaz
• Jamia Masjid
• Mithari And Asar Mahals
• Gagan Mahal
• Bara Kaman
• Malik-e-Maidan Cannon
• Ibrahim Rauza Masjid

Bijapur tourist places day 2

• Almatti Dam

Bijapur Travel Cost for 1 Couple for 1Night & 2 Days.

• Food-2 Days                             : 1000/-
• Travel cost                                       : 1500/-
• Hotel 2 Days                                   : 1500/-
• Other Activity                                 : 500/-

Total cost around 3000-6000/-Rs for 1 Couple for 1 Night & 2 Days. You can negotiate and plan your own trip as per distance, enjoyment, food, transport and stay.

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Till enjoy, be happy and Jay Hind.