Sightseeing spots in and around Bijapur

Bijapur, unlike other destinations in North Karnataka, receives lot of tourists. One of the main attractions here is the famous Gol Gumbaz, the second largest dome in the World.

Many monuments, here are known for thier rich historical attractions, mainly related to Islamic architecture.

There are many other historical places to see in this quaint town like the tomb of Adil Shah, Chand Bibi's palace,  the gun at Malik-e-Maidan and many more.

(Gol Gumbaz Photo Credit- bezoire)

Read below to explore more interesting places to see in Bijapur.

Important tourist attractions in Bijapur

Gol Gumbaz 

Gol Gumbaz is the most famous landmark in Bijapur; it has the second largest dome in the world. Read more about Gol Gumbaz travel guide here

Ibrahim Roza

It houses the tomb of Ibrahim Adil Shah II (ruled 1580-1627), the fifth king of the dynasty and known for religious tolerance. Built on a single rock bed, it is noted for the symmetry of its features. (See Photo on the right, Credit-deepsan)

Malik-e-Maidan

(The Monarch of the Plains) is the largest medieval cannon in the world. Read more about Malik-e-Maidan here

Upri Buruj

uilt around 1584 by Hyder Khan, is an 80 ft high tower standing to the north of Dakhani Idgah in Bijapur (Vijapura). This is a spherical structure with stone steps winding round the outside. Top of the tower offers a commanding view of the city. This is also known as Hyder Burj or Upli Burj. On top of Upli Burj there are two guns of huge size. One needs to climb the stairs to reach the top.

Chand Bawdi

Ali Adil Shah (1557-1580) built this tank near eastern boundary of Bijapur (Vijapura) for providing water supply to new settlement colonies. This has a storage capacity of 20 million litres.   He named this tank after his wife "Chand Bibi". (See photo on right)

Asar Mahal

he Asar Mahal was built by Mohammed Adil Shah in about 1646, which was used to serve as a Hall of Justice. Read more about Asar Mahal here

Barakaman (Ali Roza-II) 

It Is a mausoleum of Ali Roza built in 1672. It was known as Ali Roza, but Shah Nawab Khan changed its name to Bara Kaman as this contains 12 arches.  But it is in dilapidated condition and has now seven arches and the tomb containing the graves of Ali, his queens and eleven other ladies.

Gagan Mahal

Gagan Mahal means Sky Palace, is built with a 21- meter façade and four wooden massive pillars, and has a majestic central arch. Sikandar Adil Shah, in silver chains, surrendered to Aurangzeb in 1681 here. (See photo on right)

Jumma Masjid

Jumma Masjid is close to Gol Gumbaz, is the city's other major attraction. Also incomplete, this is the largest mosque in the region, dating back to 1576 A.D., during the rule of Ali Adil Shah I.

There is a large dome and elegant white arcaded bays; this impressive mosque is spread over some 10,000 sq. m (107,639 sq. ft.) 

Other historical attractions in Bijapur (Vijapura)

This includes:

• Anand Mahal
• Jod Gumbaz
• Jumma Mosque
• Sat Manzil
• Jal Manzil 
• Elavia House (Nauzer Elavia)- a famous house which is more than 100 years old situated in the town.

Places of interest around Bijapur

Basavana Bagewadi

About 43 kms from Bijapur, this town is the birthplace of Saint Basaveshwara. There are several important temples here. Basava Jayanthi is an important festival celebrated in the town.

Badami, Aihole and Pattadkal

famous for its rock cut temples and caves in the neighbouring district of Bagalkot are worth seeing.

Kudala Sangama 

A holy place for the Veerashaiva community (Lingayat community) in neighbouring Bagalkot district is a popular religious and tourist centre.

Go back to Bijapur holiday guide or learn about the history of Bijapur