Bijapur is famous for its hand woven Ilkal
sarees. This place is well connected by road and rail to
Bangalore, Belgaum and Goa. The nearest Airport is Goa and Belgaum, which is 205
kilometers away. The ideal time to travel to
this place is September-February. The cuisine of this place is
excellent. The delicacies include non-vegetarian preparations,
distinctly Mughlai or Hyderabadi, milk sweets. The District
Headquarters of Bijapur, is famous for the Gol Gumbaz, the
glorious tomb of Mohammed Adil Shah. What is truly amazing is that
it is the second largest dome in the world unsupported by pillars.
The marvelous architecture of this dome ensures that even a pin
drop can be heard distinctly from across a space of 38 km in the
Whispering Gallery. Nearby the Nagar Khana, which resembles
the Gol Gumbaz, is a museum today. It houses some of the most
exquisite Chinese porcelain, armory, parchments, carpets and
paintings.
On the western outskirts of the city, is the mausoleum
of Ibrahim Adil Shah II, built in the 17th century, Ibrahim
Roza, which is said to have inspired the Taj Mahal and chosen
by Emperor Aurangzeb as his residence. Its architect, Malik Sandal
declared, "At the beauty of this structure, paradise stood
amazed". Panels embellished with crosses, lotuses and wheels
signify the religious tolerance of the Adil Shahi
dynasty.
Embracing 1,16,300 sq metres is the
Jama Masjid, one of the finest mosques in India, crowned by
a large onion dome. The invading Aurangzeb added a beautiful
entrance and painted the floor with 2, 250 squares, one for each
worshipper. The Masjid's sacred alcove has the Quran intricately
painted on it with letters of gold.
Malik-e-Maidan, the largest medieval cannon in the
world, measures 14 feet in length, and 55 tons in weight. Standing
on top of a fort wall, the cannon was hauled from war-ravaged
Purandar in Maharashtra with the help of 400 bullocks, 10
elephants and several men. The cannon is actually the jaws and
throat of a lion devouring elephants. To avoid the deafening
explosion, after firing from the cannon, the gunner would submerge
himself in a tank of water on the platform. The gunmetal is cool
even in the heat. Local folklore has it if one touches the
gunmetal and makes a wish, it will be fulfilled. The Mehtar
Mahal, with its intricately filigreed balconies and slender
minarets, was built for the sweepers of the royal
house!!!
Basavana Bagevadi
is about 43 kilometres from Bijapur. This
town is famous as the birthplace of Saint Basaveshwara. The place
houses several ancient temples that attract a large number of
tourists. Kundalasangama is a famous pilgrim centre, 67 kilometers
from Bijapur and is associated with the great
12th century poet and reformer Saint Basaveshwara.
Other places of interest are the
Ara-killa, Anand Mahal, Bara Kaman, Gagan Mahal and Jahaz
Mahal.
When to
visit
October to February.
How To Get There
By Air
The nearest airport is
Belgaum (205 km)
By Rail
Bijapur is connected
with Bangalore and Mumbai.
By Road
Bijapur is connected
with Bangalore (613 km, via Hubli), Mumbai (486 km), Hampi (254
km) and Belgaum (205 km).
Where To
Stay
Hotel Adilshahi Main
(KSTDC), Hotel Adilshahi Annexe, Traveller's Lodge,
KSRTC Guest House, APMC Guest House (Indi Road),
Inspection Bungalow (Station Road), Tourist Bungalow, Hotel Samrat
and Hotel Lalit Mahal are some of the accommodations
available.
