BijapurThe foundations of this historic city were laid during the reign of the Chalukyan Dynasty. They called it 'Vijayapura' or the 'City of Victory' from where comes its present name Bijapur.
This one-time capital of the Adil Shahi kings (1489-1686) is dotted with mosques, mausoleums, palaces, fortifications, watchtowers, and strong gateways, with the massive Gol Gumbaz, the world’s second largest dome, dominating the landscape for miles around.
Bijapur experienced a great burst of architectural activity under the Adil Shahi rulers. It is also famous for the hand-made sarees of llkal. Bijapur is also the best base from which to see other exceptional heritage sites such as Aihole, Badami and Pattadakal.

Sights to See

Bara Kaman
The incomplete mausoleum of Ali Adil Shah II with its 12 graceful arches

Gagan Mahal
Built by Ali Adil Shah I around 1561 to serve the dual purpose of a royal residence and a durbar hall.

Gol Gumbaz
This is the mausoleum of Muhammed Adil Shah. It houses the world’s second largest dome, unsupported by pillars -- an acoustic and architectural wonder. Built in 1659, its most arresting features are the seven-storied octagonal spires at the four corners and the heavy bracketed cornice below the parapet. The amazing whispering gallery distinctly echoes the faintest whisper 11 times. (Timings: 0600-1800 hrs. Entry Fee: Rs. 5 for Indians, USD 2 or Rs. 100 for foreigners.)

Malik-i-Maidan
This is a 55-tonne cannon perched on a platform

Jala Manzil
This was once a water pavilion surrounded by secluded courts and gardens

Ibrahim Rauza
This is said to have inspired the Taj Mahal (Timings: 0600-1800 hrs. Entry Fee: Rs. 5 for Indians, USD 2 or Rs. 100 for foreigners)

Jami Masjid
It is the jewel of Adil Shahi architecture with its graceful arches, aisles, halls and large crowning onion dome.

Mehtar Mahal
An ornamental gateway leading to a mosque and garden

Taj Bawdi
A water tank that commemorates Taj Sultana, Ibrahim Adil Shah II’s wife

Upli Buruj
A 24 m high, 16th century watchtower built on high ground from which you get a good view of the city and plains

Museum & Art Galleries
The museum located in the Naqquar Khana (Trumpet House) of the Gol Gumbaz Complex, was originally established as a district museum in 1892. Later on it was taken over to develop it as a site museum in 1982. The large and good massive showcases introduced by the British officers, themselves have become good examples of antique furniture. The collection comprises of stone inscriptions of Arabic, Persian, Kannada and Sanskrit languages in different scripts and written in varied calligraphy, Brahmanical and Jaina sculptures, hero stones, illustrated and plain manuscripts, coins, China wares, wooden carving, carpets, maps, sanads and firmans, miniature paintings, Bidri-ware and other house hold articles, datable from 6th to 18th century AD. Timings: 10.00 am to 5.00 pm. Closed on Friday. Entrance Fee:Rs. 2 per head (free for children up to 15 years).