Introduction
Bijapur, a medieval Muslim walled city, 530 km north-west of Bangalore, is characterised by domes and minarets. Its founder called it Vijayapura or Bijapur, the city of victory. Bijapur capital of the Adil Shahi kings, experienced a great deal of architectural activity under the Adil Shahi dynasty between 10th and 11th centuries. The Adil Shahis encouraged building activities to such an extent that Bijapur itself has over 50 mosques, more than 20 tombs and a number of palaces.
How to get there
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Air
The nearest airport is Hyderabad (375 Kms) which is connected to all major cities of India. In Karnataka, Bangalore is the Airport, which we recommend.
Rail
Bijapur is connected by Rail with Bangalore , Mumbai (via Sholapur), Hospet (via Gadag) and Vasco da Gama (via Hubli and Londa).Road
Bijapur has convenient road connection to several important places around it.
Gol Gumbaz
It Contains the mausoleum tomb of the Mahammed Adil Shahi (1626-56 AD), the seventh ruler of dynasty, and is the fourth largest dome in the world. This has the floor area of 1700 sq.m, a height of 51 m. and diameter 37 m. The walls are three meter thick. The interior of the dome, mysteriously unsupported, has a whispering gallery, where the sound returns to the listener nine times. Even the tick of the watch of the rustle of paper can be heard across a distance of 37m in the whispering gallery.
Ibrahim Rauza
It was probably the inspiration for Agra's Taj Mahal. It is a delicately designed structure.