Home » Archaeology In Karnataka  »  Bijapur

Bijapur

Bijapur

About:
Bijapur district is one of the largest districts in Karnataka state. Bijapur has many places of historical, cultural and architectural interest mainly related to Islamic architecture. Bijapur district is located in the northwest part of the state of Karnataka state and it is 613 km from Bangalore city. Bijapur district consists of 5 taluks namely Basavana Bagewadi, Bijapur, Indi, Muddebihal and Sindgi. The former southern taluks of the district were separated in 1997 to form Bagalkot district.

Location info:
Address:Bijapur district is located in the northwest part of the state of Karnataka state and it is 613 km from Bangalore city. Bijapur district is bounded by Solapur district of Maharashtra on the north and Sangli Maharashtra on the north-west, by the district of Belgaum on the west, Bagalkote on the south, Gulburga on the East and by Raichur on the south-east.
District:Bijapur
Nearest City:Basavana Bagevadi
Best time to visit: The ideal tome to travel here is September-February.

Climate/Weather:
 

History:
The history of Bijapur goes back to the early medieval period. Bijapur was called as Vijayapura (the city of victory) between 10th and 11th century when the Chalukyan rulers of South India laid the foundation of Bijapur.

Bijapur came under Muslim influence, first under Allaudin Khilji, the Sultan of Delhi, captured it and made it a part of his empire towards the end of the 13th century, and then under the Bahamani empire in 1347. Bijapur owes much of its greatness to Yusuf Adil Shah, the founder of the independent state of Bijapur. The rule of this dynasty ended in 1686, when Bijapur was conquered by the Mirza raja Jai Singh of Amber under during the reign of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb.

Interesting things to do:
Shopping: Bijapur is famous for its hand woven Ilkal sarees.Local Food Specialities: Non-vegetarian preparations distinctly Mughlai or Hyderabadi, Milk Sweets.

Interesting things to Visit:
Attractions - Exceptional Class of Work
Bijapur has few of the most stunning creations by Muslim rulers in India. There are mosques and tombs that have magnificent works of carvings and architecture. The most important is the Gol Gumbaz which is the second largest tomb in the world. Most of the attractions of the city are situated close to each other and is easy to commute between them. There are many excursion possibilities as well around Bijapur like Aihole which has few of the oldest temples in India.

The Gol Gumbaz
Gol Gumbaz is the tomb of Mohammad Adil Shah and is the second largest tomb in the world, next only to St. Peter's Basilica in Rome. Gol Gumbaz is 124 m in diameter. The structure of the tomb is unique and the four minars of the corners, serve as staircases to the top of the tomb. Gol Gumbaz is most famous for the 'Whispering Gallery'. The gallery is a circular balcony on the periphery of the dome where even the tiniest of sounds can be heard at the other side of the room. It is said that a sound gets echoed 9 times in the room before starting to fade away. A remarkable structure, Gol Gumbaz is a must visit for all tourists.

Jumma Masjid
It is believed to be among the earliest of Mosques in India. Jumma Masjid is famous for the exclusive copy of Quran which is written in gold. The Mosque was built during the Period of Adil Shah. It still holds prayers and is used for worshiping by many people. The mosque covers an area of 10, 810 sq m which makes it one of the biggest mosques in the region. Jumma Masjid has some decorative motifs inside, on the walls and the ceilings.

The Ibrahim Rauza
It is said that the beauty and architecture splendidness of Ibrahim Rauza inspired the greatest creation in India, The Taj Mahal. Ibrahim Rauza is the mausoleum of Ibrahim Adil Shah II and is among the most picturesque structures in Aihole. There are well cut out gardens in the premises that compliment the beauty of monument with magnificently carved walls and perforated stone windows. Ibrahim Rauza is situated at the edge of the city.

Aihole
Situated at a distance of 110 Km from Bijapur, Aihole is an amazing option for excursion from the city. Aihole is the place where you can see genius of Indian temple architecture during the medieval era. Aihole is famously referred to as 'Cradle of Indian Temple Architecture'. Here you will find the specimens of Early Chalukyan art. Lad Khan Temple is the oldest temple in Aihole believed to be built in 5th century. Though all the temples are master creations, the most stunning is the Durga Temple. Visit the Museum and art gallery inside the temple that displays many sculptures. Other major temples in Aihole are Hutchmali Temple, Ravalphadi Cave Temple, many Jain and Buddhist temples.

Mobile range info:
 

How to reach?

Bijapur is well-connected by road and rail to Bangalore, Belgaum and Goa. The nearest airport is Belgaum, 205 kms away.
Nearest Railway Station:Bijapur has its own railway station and is situated 2 km from the city center. Trains to many important railheads leave from here. There are trains to and from other states as well. Trains from Bijapur to Mumbai and Hyderabad pass theough Solapur. Bijapur railway station comes under Hubli administration.
Nearest Airport:The nearest airport to Bijapur is in Belgaum which is at a distance of 205 Km from here. There is connection to Bangalore and Mangalore apart from being well connected with Mumbai and Hyderabad. From there, you can hire a taxi or take a bus. The journey will take around 5 hrs to cover. Buses are regular from Belgaum to Bijapur.
Road Transport:Bijapur is well connected by road transport. Regular bus service is there from major cities like Badami (138 Km), Bangalore (550 Km) and Pattadakal (148 Km) and Hampi (220 Km). There is bus connection to other states as well. Mumbai is around 486 Km from here. National Highway 13 passes through the town.

Nearest Visiting places:
There are a number of places to visit around Bijapur. The temple town of Aihole (110 Km), Pattadakal (134 Km) and Badami (120 Km) represent Chalukyan architecture at its best. Basavana Bagevadi (43 km) is known for the birthplace of Saint Basaveshwara. There are several important temples here. Kundalasangama (67 Km), is an important pilgrim center and it is associated with the 12th-century poet and social reformer Saint Basaveshwara.

Nearest Petrol Pump:
Badami

Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation:
* Hotel Mayura Adhil Shahi. Ph: +91-8352-20934.
* Hotel Mayura Adhil Shahi Annexe. Ph: +91-8352-20401.
* Hotel Sanman, Station Road. Ph: +91-8352-21866.
* Hotel Samrat, Station Road. Ph: +91-8352-21620.
* Hotel Madhuvan International,Station Road. Ph: +91-8352-234254

Things to carry:
 

Tips & Suggestions:
Local Transportation : Auto rickshaws are the major mode of transportation inside the city but a ride in a Tonga (Horse Carriage) is the more interesting option. You can hire a motorbike or a cycle from the main bus stand in Bijapur.

Help Line/Phone Number:
Police Station:Badami
Nearest Hospital:Badami
Society/Community Phone Number

Bijapur Archeology Nearest Attraction
Bijapur Historical
Bijapur district is one of the largest districts in Karnataka state. Bijapur has many places of historical, cultural and architectural interest mainly related to Islamic architecture. Bijapur district is located in the northwest part of the state of Karnataka state and it is 613 km from Bangalore city.....more
Almatti Dam
Alamatti is In Bijapur district B.Bagewadi Taluk. Dam hight is raised from 509 to 519 M [ SC order on April 26, 2000 ]. Under the present scheme, Karnataka has been allocated 700 tmcft of Krishna river water.The Upper Krishna Project [ Alamatti Dam ] across the river Krishna, provides for irrigation to the drought prone areas of Bijapur, Bagalkote, Gulbarga, Raichur and Koppal Districts.....more