bijapur

Known as the Agra of the South, Bijapur has a lot of amazing monuments amongst which is the Bijapur Fort. Yusuf Adil Shahi built this fort in the year 1565. The fort has two concentric circles and the one in the middle is 1300 ft in length and the axis on east west is 3 kms. The outer wall of the fort is 10 kms long. Massive materials with ninety six large bastions of various designs are used to strengthen the fort. Ten bastions on the outside at the five gate-ways are decorated beautifully. The five gateways in the fort are the Makka gate on the west, the Shahapur gate at the North West corner, the Bahmani gate on the north, the Allahpur gate on the east, and the Fateh gate on the south east. The fort was guarded by 2000 men and it had close to 1000 canons made of brass and iron.
 

Tourists visiting Bijapur must visit Gol Gumbaz as it is of great historical importance. It is the 2nd largest tomb in the world and is the mausoleum of Muhammad Adil Shah, the Sultan of Bijapur. He was the ruler of Shahi Dynasty between 1490 and 1696. The building was constructed by famous architect Yaqut of Dabul. 44 mts in diameter, the interiors of this dome are unsupported which is a mystery and have a whispering gallery. The sound is echoed for 7 times and can be clearly heard on the other side. It is believed that the King Adil Shah and his Queen used to talk with each other in the same way. The musicians used to sit in the whispering gallery and sing so that their voice and music could reach each and every corner. The architectural feature of this dome comprises 4 minarets of 8 storeys and the entry can be made by winding staircases. Positioned in a big walled garden, the tomb is build over an area of 1700 sq mts with a height of 51 mts.
 

Travellers must visit Ibrahim Rauza which was constructed by Ibrahim Adil Shah II during 1580-1627. The building was designed by Malik Sandal and is famous as Taj Mahal of the Deccan. Ibrahim Rauza has a mosque on its right, four minarets and a tomb on its left side. There is a rectangular prayer chamber in the mosque along with five arches at the front. The minarets with high corners are separated into storeys having a cluster of columns at the bottom. The sphere shaped dome is positioned on a dais decorated with beautiful large petals. The tomb and the mosque are raised on a similar stand in the heart of a wonderful garden. It is one of the most picturesque monuments in Aihole and visitors from all over come to witness the beauty of this historical building.
 

Travellers on their trip to Bijapur are recommended to visit Jumma Masjid as it is of great historical importance. It is one of the most famous religious monuments situated in Bijapur and was built by the King of Adil Shahi Dynasty, Ali Adil Shah I in order to celebrate his triumph in Talikota Battle. It is the largest mosque in this region spanning over a large area of 10810 sq mts. The mosque consists of a nice dome, big courtyard and attractive arches. For the worshippers, there are around 2250 black squares raised on the floor. This mosque contains a copy of holy Quran written in gold and has onion shaped dome that rests on the sides of the hall, divided into 45 beams. Surrounded by 33 domes, the middle of this mosque has a fountain, a hall and a dome. There are 12 arches put together with 12 interleaving arches and a gateway which was designed by last Mughal emperor Aurangzeb.
 

The 85 ft tall statue is three kilometres on Ukkali Road from the city of Bijapur. A round temple is built underneath the huge idol weighing 1500 tonnes. It is the 3rd tallest Shiva idol next only to the one at Murdeshwar in Uttara Kannada district. A small idol of Shivalinga is installed beneath the big statue. Shiva Charite will also be inscribed in Kannada on the inner walls of the temple to help the devotees learn the mythological stories related to Lord Shiva.
 

A modern temple dedicated to the elephant headed god Ganesha. This mansion was constructed by Ali Adil Shah I in 1561. 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.