Bijapur city of Karnataka state is our next tourist destination of India. The city is holding countless monuments and special spots for voyagers. Experts say a week is required to enjoy the city properly as there are many places to visit. Some monuments are built during the ruling period of Adil Shahi dynasty and their structural design was famous in whole India. To reach Bijapur you have to travel for 530 km distance from Bangalore. However, Mumbai is 550 km far and Hyderabad is 384 km distant from the city.
As per census of 2011 the average population of Bijapur was 326,000. Area wise city is holding 9th position in biggest cities of Karnataka. This city was established between 10th to 11th centuries by kings of Kalyani Chalukyas. Earlier Bijapur was named as Vijayapura means “city of victory”. Yadavas ruled the city after beating Chalukya rulers. Bijapur name was given by the influence of Khilji Sultan of Delhi in 13th century. Different rulers ruled the city and created different monuments at interval so we can say city is having huge historical values for India.
Major Attractions of Bijapur:
Gol Gumbaz:
The first place to visit in town is the famous monument Gol Gumbaz. As its name suggests the place is famous for the tomb of Mohammed Adil Shah, who ruled the city from 1627to 1657. The tomb is famous because of largest dome ever constructed in world. Experts suggest St Peter's Basilica of Rome is second largest dome compared to size of Gol Gumbaz. Central chamber is the major attraction of this place. Once you attain to the central chamber, then make sound and it will get echo for seven times the minimum. Next special spot of Gol Gumbaz is Whispering Gallery. Mosque, Trumpeters hall and guest houses are other visiting areas of Gumbaz.
Archaeological Museum:
To learn the history of the city museum is the best place. If you want to know more about the Bijapur, then visit the archaeological museum where you can watch several curious things such as inscriptions, paintings, sculptures, manuscripts and military hardware.
Ibrahim Rauza:
Ibrahim Adil Shah II Tomb is next spot of Bijapur. Adil Shah ruled the city from 1580 to 1627. He was the greatest emperor like Akbar of Mughal dynasty. This Rauza is constructed on single rock and it’s noted for the great balance on the hill. You can compare the design of Ibrahim Rauza with famous Taj Mahal of Agra as a structural design is similar of both monuments.
Malik-e-Maidan:
One biggest medieval gun of the world is placed in Bijapur. The size of the cannon is 4 meter long and 1.5-meter diameter with 55-ton weight. The gun was brought to Bijapur from Ahmadnagar in 17th century. Sherza Burj (means Lion Gate) was specially constructed for this huge gun. The nozzle of cannon is designed with lion's head. This special gun was on bid in 1854 and the price was decided of Rs. 150, though the deal was canceled in the end.
Upli Buruj:
A place constructed by Hyder Khan in 1584 is next place to visit. It is a tower with 80 ft height standing in north direction of Dakhani Idgah. View of the city from tower is amazing, though entry is not allowed at present. The other name of tower is Hyder Burj. The reason behind construction of Upli Buruj was security of the city from external attacks.
Chand Bawdi:
Ali Adil Shah ruled the city between 1557 to 1580 and constructed a tank closer to boundary of Bijapur. Adil Shah restructured the city and settled the damaged areas with new construction. His major purpose was to provide water supply to the local people. 20 million liters capacity tank is able to supply water to whole area.
Asar Mahal:
A palace known as Asar Mahal is one more attraction constructed in 1646 by Mohammed Adil Shah. It was the justice place so we can call it as court of the ancient era. The structure is completely decorated with frescoes. However, women’s entry is strictly prohibited in this place. Once you visit the Bijapur you must attend the URS festival conducted at this place.
Numerous other places are available in Bijapur where travelers can reach like Gagan Mahal, Barakaman, Saat Kabar, Ibrahim Rauza, Malik-Karim-ud-dins, Jami Masjid, Jod Gumbaz, Green Stone Sarcophagus, Jala Manjil, Malik-I-Maidan, Taj Bavadi, Sat-Manzil, Mehatar Mahal, Malika Jahan Mosque, Chand Bavadi, Malik Sandals Mosque, Shanmukhasvami Matha, Mecca mosque, Narasimha temple, Lord Shiva Statue, Parshwanath Basadi, Torvi Narasimha Temple, Basavan Bagewadi, Shree Siddeshwar Temple and Alamatti Dam (Dam is also recognized as Lal Bahadur Shastri Sagar Dam).
How to Reach Bijapur?
By Road: City is properly connected to major hubs of India. NH (National Highway) 13, NH 50, NH 218 and some more highways are touching the internal and external areas of city. Karnataka State Transport is having buses for Bijapur from almost every corner of the state. Multi axle coaches, sitting push back coach, sleeper coach, AC and NonAC Volvo, Isuzu Tata Motors, Mercedes Benz, Ashok Leyland, Mitsubishi and many more transport services are available for Bijapur. Frequent bus service is available from Bangalore, Pune, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Mysore, Mangalore, Hubli and Belgaum for Bijapur.
By Rail: Bijapur railway station is serving state from long years. Direct train is available for this destination from several parts of the nation. Hotgi junction is another closest big station for Bijapur. Trains for this city are available from Solapur, Gadag, Bagalkot, Dharwad, Yeshwantpur, Bellary, Bangalore, Mumbai, Hubli, Hyderabad and Ahmadabad.
By Air: Bijapur domestic airport is linked to many big cities of India. Airport is located at Madabhavi village closer to Bijapur City. A new airport is under construction and sooner the state is planning to start international airport by spreading the area.