Bijapur

Interesting things to Visit

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.

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.

History 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.

Things to do at Bijapur

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

How to reach Bijapur

**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.

Hotels & accommodation nearby

* 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

Nearest visiting places

• Cauvery Nisargadama

This place is located in the Kodagu (Coorg) district of Karnataka very close to Kushal Nagar. Nisargadhama is around 120 kms from Mysore and around 260 kms from Bangalore. Located 4 kms before Kushal Nagar (when driving from Mysore), it is a small and circular island formed by the branching of river Cauvery

• Kabini WildLIfe Sanctuary

Kabini is one of the most popular wildlife destinations of Karnataka, probably because of its easy accessibility, lush green landscape surrounding a large picturesque lake, and fantastic sightings of large herds of elephants. It is 80 km away from Mysore and 205 km from Bangalore, and comprises the south-eastern part of Nagarole National Park

• Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary

Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary, located in Kodagu District covers an area of about 181 sq km. It is surrounded by evergreen and semi-green forests as well as shola grasslands

• Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary

Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary is one of 21 Wildlife Sanctuaries of India’s Karnataka state. This sanctuary is located near Mandalpatty in Somwarpet taluk of Kodagu district and has some attractive scenery. Spread over 102 sq km, the sanctuary is situated in the Western Ghats and has thick evergreen and semi-evergreen forests

• Talakaveri Wildlife Sanctuary

Talakaveri Wildlife Sanctuary is a wildlife sanctuary in Southern Karnataka state of South India. It is located in Kodagu district and is spread over 105 km2 and lies in the Western Ghats. This sanctuary is named after Talakaveri, the origin of the Cauvery River which lies on the eastern edge of the sanctuary

• Rajiv Gandhi National Park

Nagarhole National Park, also known as ‘Rajiv Gandhi National Park,’ is located 94 km from Mysore in Karnataka in Southern India. It is spread between Kodagu and Mysore districts. Located to the northwest of Bandipur National Park, Kabini reservoir separates the two

• Abbey Waterfall

Karnataka boasts of some scenic and exotic hill stations that are frequented by those seeking the green and serene. Among them one such location would be the Abbey falls. This waterfalls also known as the Abbi falls

• Irpu / Iruppu Waterfall

Irpu falls (or Iruppu falls) is situated at outskirts of Brahmagiri mountain range of Kodagu district. The falls is formed by Lakshmana theertha river when it jumps down in two tiers from a height of 52 mtrs (approximately 170 ft). The Irpu Falls, also known as the Lakshmana Tirtha Falls

• Mallalli Waterfall

Mallalli falls is situated in the foots of pushpagiri hills. It in about 18 kms from somwarpet, the falls is 2 kms inside the main road. Mallalli Falls is situated in Coorg and is around 25 kms from Somwarpet and 260 kms from Bangalore

• Nisargadhama Falls

Nisargadhama Falls in Karnataka is about 25km on the way to Madikeri from Bangalore. 2 kilometers from Kushalnagar, Nisargadhama is a beautiful island carved by the Cauvery. Karnataka’s geographical topography is dominated by the Western Ghats that is the source of many rivers flowing though out the land

• Lakshmana Tirtha River

The Lakshmana Tirtha is a river of India that has its origin in Kodagu district and flows eastward. It joins the Kaveri River in the Krishna Raja Sagara lake. Kodagu is a district of Karnataka State in Southern India. It is also known by its anglicised name of Coorg. It occupies about 4,100 square kilometers (1,580 mi2) of land in the Western Ghats of Southwestern Karnataka

• Kaveri River

• Harangi Dam

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.

Helpline & emergency contacts

• **Police Station:**Badami

• **Nearest Hospital:**Badami

• Society/Community Phone Number

Mobile network coverage

Airtel, Jio, BSNL, and Vi all provide coverage across Karnataka. 4G is reliable in Bangalore, Mysore, Mangalore, Hubli, and along highways. Coverage may be weaker in deep forest areas of Bandipur, Nagarhole, and certain Western Ghats sections. Most hotels, resorts, and cafes in tourist areas offer free Wi-Fi.

Food & restaurants nearby

Food options are available in the nearest town. Karnataka cuisine ranges from coastal seafood to Udupi vegetarian to Coorg’s pandi curry. Dosa, idli, bisi bele bath, and filter coffee are iconic.

Climate & weather

Karnataka has a varied climate from the humid coast to the dry Deccan plateau and cool Western Ghats. The best time to visit is October to March, with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 30°C depending on region. April–May is hot across most of the state (up to 38°C). The southwest monsoon (June–September) brings heavy rain to the coast and ghats but transforms the landscape — this is the best time for Jog Falls and Coorg’s lush greenery. Hill stations (Coorg, Chikmagalur) remain pleasant year-round. Bangalore has a moderate climate throughout.

Nearest petrol pump

Petrol pumps are available in the nearest town or on the approach road — check locally for the closest option.

Best time to visit Bijapur

October to March is the best time to explore historical sites in Karnataka — pleasant weather for walking and exploring. Early morning (6:00-9:00 AM) or late afternoon (3:00-5:30 PM) offers the best light for photography and comfortable temperatures.

Timings & opening hours

Typically 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily. Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) protected sites have specific hours — usually sunrise to sunset. Some monuments may close earlier.

Entry fee & tickets

Entry fee: ₹10-₹30 for Indian nationals, ₹100-₹500 for foreign nationals (varies by monument significance). Camera fee: ₹25-₹50 for still cameras. Video camera: ₹100-₹200. ASI monument passes and composite tickets may be available.

Duration needed

1-2 hours for a basic visit. History enthusiasts and photographers may want to spend 3-4 hours exploring the site in detail.

Safety tips

Do not climb on fragile structures or enter cordoned-off areas. Some monuments have uneven floors and staircases — watch your step. Carry water as some sites have limited facilities. Beware of monkeys at some locations — do not carry open food. Keep valuables secure.

Things to carry

Camera for photographs, water bottles, hat/cap, sunscreen, comfortable walking shoes, guidebook or audio guide (if available), and small change for entry fees.

Nearest airport, railway & bus

Nearest railway station depends on the site’s location. Nearest airport varies. The site is typically well connected by road from the nearest town.

Frequently asked questions

Is the site protected by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)? Many major historical sites in Karnataka are ASI-protected monuments with designated entry fees and visiting hours.

Are there guides available? Licensed guides are available at major historical sites and offer valuable insights into the history and architecture.

What is the best time to avoid crowds? Early morning opening time (typically 6:00 AM) is the least crowded. Weekdays are quieter than weekends and holidays.

Quick facts

• Type: Destination
• State: Karnataka
• Category: Historical Places