Tourist places in and around Bijapur
Attractions
Bijapur is rich in historical attractions
.Gol Gumbaz
Literary meaning, 'round', it is the tomb of Mohammed Adil Shah (1627 -56), the seventh ruler of Adilshahi dynasty. Built at his orders before his death, this gigantic mausoleum took 20 years to complete, which dominates the landscape of Bijapur for miles around. It has a floor area of 1700 sq.m. Height of 51 m and diameter of 37 m. The walls are 3 m thick. The central dome, second in size only to the dome of St Peter's Basalica in Rome, stands unsupported by any pillars. The tick of a watch or the rustle of paper can be heard across a distance of 37 m in the Whispering Gallery. The acoustical phenomenon of this dome is such that a sound is echoed eleven times over. Under the dome are the tombs of the Sultan, his two wives, his mistress Ramba, his daughter and grandson. The octagonal turrets which project at an angle and the huge bracketed cornic below the parapet are important features of this monument. From the gallery around the dome, which can be reached by climbing up the turret passages, one can have a fabulous view of the town. The building complex includes a mosque, a Naqqar Khana, a gateway and a dharmashala. The edifice in front of the tomb has been converted into a museum. Listen in silence and the true power of the Gol Gumbaz becomes apparent.This is the most famous monument in Bijapur. It is the tomb of Mohammed Adil Shah (ruled 1627-1657). It is the second largest dome ever built, next in size only to St Peter's Basilica in Rome. A particular attraction in this monument is the central chamber, where every sound is echoed seven times. Another attraction at the Gol Gumbaz is the Whispering Gallery, where even minute sounds can be heard clearly 37 m away. Gol Gumbaz complex includes a mosque, a Naqqar Khana (a hall for the trumpeters) (Now it is used as museum) and the ruins of guest houses.
The dome is the second largest in the world, 124 feet in diameter. The architecture of this building is unique with the four minarets being the four staircases leading to the top dome. The acoustics of the enclosed space make it a Whispering Gallery, where even the smallest sound is heard across the other side of the Gumbaz. At the periphery of the dome is a circular balcony where visitors can witness its greatest marvel, echo. Any whisper, clap or sound gets echoed 9 times (11 times with fading). Even the smallest whisper amplifies and is clearly heard at the diagonally opposite side of the dome.
It was built in 1626-1656, by Mohammed Adil shah, as a mausoleum for himself and is recognised as "one of the finest structural triumphs of the Indian builders". The four minarets have four stair cases, leading to the top of the enormous dome, measuring 44mtrs. In dimeter. It is regarde as the second largest dome in the world, unsupported by pillar. A circular ‘Whispering Gallery' underneath is famous for its amazing acoustical system, where a fainest whisper is echoed 9 times. On a raised platform in the centre of the hall are the replica tombs of Mohammed Adil shah and his family, while the actual tombs lie in a crypt below. The gallery around the dome affords a fine view of the city.
The Fort
The huge fort built by Yusuf Adil shah-I, has relics of palaces and pleasure gardens. Gagan Mahal was built in 1561, as a royal residence as well as Durbar Hall. The Sat Manzil, the seven storeyed palace of Mohammed Adil shah and the Jala Manzil are noted for its architectural beauty. Another attraction is the Malik-I-Maidan, a 55 tonne, 4.3 mtrs. Long cannon of Adil shah's, which is perhaps one of the largest bell metal guns in the world. Bara Kaman, located nearby is the incomplete mausoleum of Ali-II and is noted for its graceful arches.Ibrahim Rauza (2 km)
This is the tomb of Ibrahim Adil Shah II (ruled 1580-1627), the fifth king of the dynasty and, like the Mughal emperor Akbar, known for religious tolerance. Built on a single rock bed, it is noted for the symmetry of its features. It is said that the design for the Ibrahim Rauza served as an inspiration for that of the famous Taj Mahal.The Quran, written in gold at Jumma Masjid
This exquisite group of buildings lie on the western outsjirts of the city. The palatial mosque and tomb with delicate minarets at each corner is regarded as one of the most beautifully proportioned Islamic structures in the country and an inspiration for the famous Taj Mahal.
Rauza literally means a garden. The square enclosure consists of 2 buildings, one housing the tombs of Ibrahim Adil Shah II & his family & the other a mosque. The tomb, evidently executed under the orders of Ibrahim Adil Shah (1580-1627) is noted for its striking symmetry of proportion, exquisite minarets cupolas, parapets & cornices & is supposed to have been an inspiration for the Taj Mahal at Agra. This monument shows the creativity of its Iranian born architect. Built on a single slab of bedrock, the architect has attained a perfect balance on the site, with the mausoleum on the left and the prayer hall to the right. This whole structure lies above a basement, which houses secret passages (used to store munitions and food) and also holds living quarters for the cavalry, with stables opposite. The gardens are beautifully sculpted and are enclosed within an imposing wall and have some superb gateways. The architect's simple grave lies within the courtyard. He was buried there at his request, to be close to the Sultan. One cannot stop and marvel at the tremendous effort put in by the sculptors, who carved every stone that makes up this beautiful complex. Two stone chains (each carved from a single rock) hang from the sides of the prayer hall. Each door (made in teak wood and re-inforced in metal) in this complex is unique, with some excellent features. The door handles are iron and brass and provide for some intricate patterns, which are largely intact. The arches in the hallway surrounding the inner perimeter of the mausoleum are superbly crafted. The facades of the building provide for some stunning artwork in stone, including a map to the basement, which lies under the mausoleum. An acoustic feature in this complex is worth mentioning. If you are standing at the mausoleum by the graveside of the Sultan, you can distinctly hear the prayers being said at the other end, in the prayer hall. You could be of any religious faith to appreciate the acoustics and the tranquility of the environment.
Jumma Masjid
Built by Ali Adil Shah I (1558-80) is one of largest Mosque in the region. It has a large hall, elegant arches, and an excellent dome with thirty-three smaller domes surrounding it. It has an exquisite copy of the Quran, written in gold. Elaborate entrance gate was built by Emperor Aurangzeb.Jumma Masjid is the other must-see of this city. Still used for worship, it is considered one of the first mosques in India. It holds an exquisite copy of the Quran, written in gold. Also dating back to the period of Adil Shah this is the largest Masjid in the region. Barah Cummon (12 arches) is another wonderful piece of architecture created simply with twelve interleaving arches as a centre stage for art festivities.
This largest oldest mosque of Bijapur was built by Adil shah-I between 15567 and 1686. The finely proportioned, rectangular moswue is known for its graceful minarets and bulbous domes. Aurangzeb added a grand entrance and painted the floor with 2,250 musullahs (space for prayers).
Called Jumma Masjid because the Khutba is recited here on Jumma ie. Friday, it is the largest & first constructed mosque in Bijapur. It was built between 1557 -1686, most of it during Ali Adil Shah reign, who acquired the land after defeating the rich Ramaraja of Vijayanagar. The total area of the mosque is 10,810 sq m. The main part of the mosque stands to the west & has nine huge arches on their facade that deepen into five arches & form 45 compartments. The majestic tomb rises above the roof in a semicircle resembling the bud of a flower. This imposing mosque (the rectangle is 170m x 70 m) is incomplete, lacking in 2 minarets. Aurangzeb extended the mosque in the east, the south & the north verandah & built the eastern gate. The original gateway is on the northern side. The interior of the mosque shows restraint, except for some decorative motifs on the apexes of the arches. The heavy curtain hangs over the "Mehrab", which has domes, minarets and niches with books, flower vases & Persian writings inscribed on it.
The Gun
Malik-E-Maidan, which means the master of the war frontThe Malik-e-Maidan
The Sherza Burj (Lion Gate) with an enormous 55-ton cannon is among the amazing structures around the Gol Gumbaz. This largest medieval cannon in the world, is 14 ft long, weighing 55 tons. Legend has it that if you touch the gun and make a wish, it will come trueMalik-e-Maidan (The Monarch of the Plains) the largest medieval cannon in the world. Being 4 m long, 1,5 m in diameter and weighing 55 tons, this gun was brought back from Ahmadnagar in the 17th century as a trophy of war by 400 oxen, 10 elephants and tens of men. It was placed on the Sherza Burj (Lion Gate) on a platform especially built for it. The cannon's nozzle is fashioned into the shape of a lion's head. It is said that after igniting the cannon, the gunner would remain underwater in a tank of water on the platform to avoid the deafening explosion. The cannon remains cool even in strong sunlight and if tapped, tinkles like a bell. In 1854 the cannon was auctioned for Rs. 150 but the sale was cancelled in the end.
One of the largest bell metal guns in the world; it measures 4.45 m in length, 1.5 m in diameter & weighs 55 tons. Placed on the walls of the city, a unique feature of this legendary cannon of the Adil Shahis is that it is always cool to touch even under the blazing sun & when tapped gently it tinkles softly like a bell. The muzzle of the gun is shaped like the head of a lion with open jaws & between the carved fangs is depicted an elephant being crushed to death. Legend has it that if you touch the gun and make a wish, it will come true!
The Ibrahim Roza
Further to the edge of the city is the Ibrahim Roza, a beautiful tomb with artistically laid out corridors and interconnecting buildings with richly decorated walls and perforated stone windows. Ibrahim Roza, the mausoleum of Ibrahim Adil Shah II , is said to have inspired the Taj Mahal in Agra. At the centre of the town are large arches signifying the forts and its beauty in moonlight.Upri Buruj, Built around 1584 by Hyder Khan, is an 80 ft (25 m) high tower standing to the north of Dakhani Idgah in Bijapur. 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", "Upli Burj". On top of Upli Burj there are two guns of huge size. The parafeet this tower which was used for monitoring purposes has been fenced now. One needs to climb the circular stairs to reach the top. However except for this tower there is very little evidence of the citadel wall in this area due to rampant construction.
Gagan Mahal
Chand Bawdi, Ali Adil Shah (1558-1580) built this tank near eastern boundary of Bijapur. When there was large influx of people into Bijapur after the fall of the Vijayanagar empire, and new settlements came up within the walled city raising the need for better infrastructure and providing water supply. This has a storage capacity of 20 million litres. Later it became a model for many other tanks constructed in the city. A grandeur complex came up around it, which was mainly used to house the maintenance staff though members of the royal family occasionally used it for recreation. He named this after his wife "Chand Bibi".Belgaum (205 km),
The nearest big city in Karnataka state. Private operators also have bus/taxi/van service on this route. Approximate travel time is 6 hrs to 7 hrs subject to road conditions.Hyderabad (420 km)
The nearest largest city and the capital of the neighboring state of Andhra Pradesh. Approximate travel time is 10 hrs subject to road conditions.Mumbai (Bombay) (500 km approx),
The nearest international gateway and the largest metropolitan city in India, which is also the capital of the neighboring state of Maharashtra. Approximate travelling time is 10 -12 hrs subject to road conditions.Bangalore (530 km ),
The state capital and the largest metropolitan city in Karnataka state. Approximate travel time is 14 hrs subject to road conditions. Bijapur is located 530 km to the north-west of Bangalore.Ali Adil Shah I in 1561 constructed this mansion. It served as a royal palace for some time. There are three magnificent arches, the central one being the widest. The ground floor was the Durbar Hall and the first floor, now in ruins, was the private residence of the Royal family.
Asar Mahal (5 km)
It was built in 1646 by Muhammad Adil shah as ‘Hall of Justice' and has some holy relics of Prophet Mohammed. Other interesting monuments are the Mehtar Mahal, Jod Gumbaz, Afzal Khan's Cenotaph, Anand Mahal, Ark-Killa, etc.It is believed to contain some relics of Prophet Mohammed. It was constructed about 1646 by Mohammed Shah., There are Landscape paintings and designs on the walls and ceiling of the hall. Women are not allowed inside.