Located in the southwest of the beautiful country of India, Karnataka is the eighth-largest state by population and the sixth-largest by area. With a diverse linguistic culture and an incredible number of religious ethnicities native to the state, Karnataka has a very diverse cultural heritage. Karnataka is also a very popular tourist destination for its unique geography and status of having the second-greatest number of nationally protected monuments in India. The grand ruins of the Vijayanagara Empire and the stoic monuments of Pattadakal are UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and the waterfalls in Karnataka are considered to be part of the 1001 Natural Wonders of the World. Immerse yourself in the rich culture of Karnataka by visiting the heritage city of India, Vijayapura. Walk along the streets of time as you breathe in the airs of history, with our top 10 things to do in Vijayapura, Karnataka.
1. Marvel at the architecture of Ibrahim Rauza
Part of a larger complex called Bijapur Fort, Ibrahim Rauze is one of the greatest monuments in Vijayapura. Tomb of the famous king Ibrahim Adil Shah II, fifth in the Bijapur dynasty, and his wife, Taj Sultana. Built in the 17th century, the majestic structure was constructed using Indo-Islamic architecture. The grand monument features delicate teak wood carvings, sweeping arches, and ornate calligraphy designs. These minute details add to the grandiosity of the tomb, furthering the breathtaking experience from the moment you lay eyes on the towering building with its beautiful domed top.
Ibrahim Rauza
Address: Godbole Mala, Vijayapura, Karnataka 586101, India
Website: Ibrahim Rauza
Opening hours: 6:15am - 6pm (daily)
Price: Adults above 15: 1.30 USD (100 INR); Children ages 15 and below: Free
2. Gaze upon the imposing Gol Gumbaz
Gol Gumbaz is the Taj Mahal of southern India and the most popular cultural landmark in north Karnataka. Located in the heart of Vijayapura in the ancient citadel Bijapur, Gol Gumbaz is the tomb of the seventh ruler of the Adil Shahi dynasty, Muhammad Adil Shah, along with his wives and daughters. Constructed in AD 1565, the huge cubed building is fixed on bedrock and consists of one of the largest domes ever built. Decorated with arches, the exact position of the deceased king’s grave is marked by a wooden canopy on a podium. There is also a museum within the complex for visitors to learn more about the ancient building and its history.
Gol Gumbaz
Address: Jadar Galli, Vijayapura, Karnataka 586104, India
Website: Gol Gumbaz
Opening hours: 6am - 6pm (daily)
Price: 3.30 USD (250 INR); Children ages 5 and below: Free
3. Relive history at the Bijapur Citadel Monument
The Bijapur Citadel is a significant historical monument attracting thousands of visitors per day. Surrounded by ancient walls, the citadel has a wide moat and a number of interesting nearby structures such as palaces, halls, and gardens that once belonged to the Adil Shah rulers. A majestic structure rich with history, its walls and complexes are now intertwined with modern roads and buildings, offering an eclectic depiction of modernity co-existing with traces of a lost time as ancient ruins speckle the city.
Bijapur Citadel Monument
Address: Ancient Fort Wall, Konkanapura, Vijayapura, Karnataka 586101, India
Website: Bijapur Citadel Monument
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
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4. Take a tour of Bijapur Fort
Bijapur Fort was constructed in 1566 during Yusuf Adil Shah’s reign. Regarded as the golden period of Bijapur’s history, the city rose to prominence after defeating the Vijayanagar king during the Battle of Talikota. Modelled in a variety of architectural styles, Yusuf Adil Shah constructed the fort from lime mortar and granite using the help of several skilled artisans from Turkey, Rome, and Persia. With over 96 bastions and 2 moats, the impressive fort also includes an intimidating wall on its perimeter, closing in several magnificent structures such as Gagan Mahal.
Bijapur Fort
Address: Godbole Mala, Vijayapura, Karnataka 586101, India
Website: Bijapur Fort
Opening hours: 6:15am - 6pm (daily)
Price: Free
5. Admire the arches in Bara Kaman
Bara Kaman is the tomb of ruler Ali Adil Shah II of the Adil Shahi dynasty. The original plan was to have 12 concentric arches placed vertically and horizontally around Ali Adil Shah’s tomb, but for unknown reasons, the mausoleum was left incomplete. The current structure is roofless with unfinished arches produced from dark basalt. Had the entire structure been completed, including the lofty basement, it would have become the most graceful monument in Vijayapura. Despite having endured 300 years of weathering, the arches and surrounding gardens have been well-preserved, a testament to the excellent quality of the materials used in these striking ruins.
Bara Kaman
Address: Bara Kaman, Vijayapura, Karnataka 586101, India
Website: Bara Kaman
Opening hours: 6am - 6pm (daily)
Price: Free
6. Take a stroll around Asar Mahal
Built in 1646 by Mohammed Adil Shah, Asah Mahal served as a Hall of Justice and was used to house some hairs from the Prophet’s beard. Unfortunately, women are not permitted to enter the premises. The upper storey’s rooms are adorned with frescoes, and the walls and ceilings of some rooms south of the gilded hall are painted beautifully. In front of the building is a large square tank. Next to this pond are a few huge slabs of slate and greenstone. Before the verandah lies an oblong slab of shell marble, which was purportedly brought from Arabia.
Asar Mahal
Address: Asar Mahal complex, Gopalpur Galli, Vijayapura, Karnataka 586101, India
Website: Asar Mahal
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
7. Visit the well-designed Gagan Mahal
The splendid Gagan Mahal is known as the ‘Heavenly Palace,’ so termed for its unparalleled view of the open sky. Constructed in 1561 by Ali Adil Shah, this delicate features modest yet stunningly adorned galleries, along with highly sophisticated carvings. The brilliant Tudor architecture incorporated a great understanding of science as the palace’s structure was designed with cooling in mind. The hall also had a great resemblance to an Opera stadium, with an open wall that allowed viewers to gain a clear view of the outside. Mainly designed as the private residence of the royal family, several rulers have made Gagan Mahal their fortress since its construction and have maintained it well. Presently, the palace is part of a public park, open to all to see and admire.
Gagan Mahal
Address: Mangoli Rd, Gopalpur Galli, Vijayapura, Karnataka 586101, India
Website: Gagan Mahal
Opening hours: 8am - 6pm (daily)
Price: Free
8. Spend an afternoon in the gardens of Anand Mahal
Anand Mahal is a magnificent monument bordered by lush gardens with small waterfalls. Known as the ‘Palace of Delights’, the structure was built in 1589. Well-designed with cavernous rooms and splendid mansions, the interior of the fort is also adorned with charming details along the central and front halls. Like many of the other monuments in Vijayapura, Anand Mahal offers a unique blend of the past and the present as modern buildings co-exist harmoniously with this relic of a lost dynasty.
Anand Mahal
Address: Gagan Mahal, Opp, Vijayapura, Karnataka 586101, India
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
9. Check out the largest medieval cannon in the world, Malik-E-Maidan
Malik-E-Maidan is a splendid cannon in the centre of the Serzi Buruj tower. Meaning the ‘Monarch of the Plain’, the cannon is estimated to be about 55 tons (49.9 tonnes), and was cast rather than welded, as is most common. While its composition is a mystery, the stoic monument makes a bell-like sound when struck, indicating that it is likely produced from the same alloy used to craft gongs. The dark green colour of the polished surface is adorned with Persian and Arabic inscriptions, expertly cut in relief to the sleek exterior. The muzzle was also fashioned into the shape of a lion or dragon’s head, the supposed 'Monarch’ of destruction during the great battle of 1565.
Malik-E-Maidan
Address: Shivaji Rd, Upali Burj Area, Vijayapura, Karnataka 586101, India
Website: Malik-E-Maidan
Opening hours: 6am - 6pm (daily)
Price: 1.30 USD (100 rupees)
10. Walk all along the watchtower of Upli Buruj
Upli Buruj is one of the most well-protected monuments in Vijayapura. A landmark left behind from the illustrious Adil Shahi dynasty. Built by a famous commander of the Adil Shahi army, Hyder Khan, the monument is also named after its founder. Completed in 1584, Upli Buruj is a giant tower within the ancient Bijapur citadel, constructed for military purposes. Cylindrical in shape with a long, winding staircase, the top of the tower also offers panoramic views of the rest of Vijayapura.
Upli Buruj
Address: Upali Burj Area, Vijayapura, Karnataka, India
Website: Upli Buruj
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
A harmonious balance between the past and present
Vijayapura is a one-of-a-kind location that has managed to breathe life into the ancient ruins of Bijapur without compromising its rich history and culture. Accomplished with a breathtaking simplicity that is as endearing as it is admirable, this is all the more reason not to miss out on our top 10 things to do in Vijayapura, Karnataka.
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