Bijapur or Vijayapura is a beautiful city in Karnataka noted for its historical monuments and five rivers. One of the ancient cities of Bijapur was once ruled by the kings of the Adil Shahi who ruled the region for nearly 200 years. Not many know that Bijapur was one of the richest districts in Karnataka. When it comes to places to visit in Bijapur, the city is dotted with some incredible palaces, tombs and gateways that are a piece of art.
Here, let’s take a look at some of the must-visit attractions in Bijapur:
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Ibrahim Rauza
Ibrahim Rauza is another must visit spot in Bijapur. An elegant Islamic monument, the Ibrahim Rauza is also popular as Agra of South India. This 1600s tomb has the remains of Ibrahim Adil Shah II of the dynasty.
Gol Gumbaz
Considered as one of most important tourist attractions in the city, Gol Gumbaz is basically the mausoleum of Mohammed Adil Shah. It is also among the most historic monuments in India as well as the largest dome ever built in the country. The tomb is a beautiful example of Deccan architecture.
Jama Masjid
Jama Masjid or Jumma Masjid of Bijapur was also built by the ruler Ali Adil Shah. It is one of the largest mosques in the city and a must visit attraction in Bijapur. The dome of the mosque is semicircular in shape and in 1636 Persian verses were inscribed on the minarets. Every Friday, the mosque sees a huge rush of devotees.
Bijapur Fort
Also known as the Agra of South India, this is one of the most prominent monuments in India. The Bijapur Fort (Vijapur kote) is an architectural marvel. The building has seen a number of changes over the years.
Bara Kaman
It is the incomplete mausoleum of Ali Adil Shah II. Bara Kaman is one of the noted heritage sites in Bijapur and Karnataka. The mausoleum features twelve arches but the structure was left incomplete.