 INFORMATION
530 kms to the northwest of Bangalore is the ancient town of Bijapur, the capital of the Adil Shahi dynasty. Bijapur is close to Belgaum - the gateway to Karnataka from Goa and Mumbai. Bijapur has many places of historical, cultural and architectural interest.
Places to visit
Gol Gumbaz
The tomb of Mohammed Adil Shah, boasts of the second-largest tomb in the world. 44 m in diameter, the interior of the dome is mysteriously unsupported and has a whispering gallery under it, whose acoustics are superb.
Jumma Masjid
It is still used for worship, has been called one of the first mosques in India. It holds an exquisite copy of the Koran, written in gold lettering. Ibrahim Roza, the mausoleum of Ibrahim Adil Shah II, is said to have inspired the Taj Mahal in Agra.
The Malik-e-Maidan
The largest medieval cannon in the world is 14 ft long, weighing 55 tons. Legend has it that if you touch the gun and make a wish, it will come true! Also worth a visit are the Mehtar Mahal, the Jod Gumbaz, Afzal Khan's Cenotaph, Asar Mahal, Anand Mahal, Ark-Kila, etc.
Excursions (Distances and directions from Bijapur)
110 kms, 134 kms and 120 kms away are the temples of Aihole, Pattadakal and Badami. Standing close to each other (within a 13 km radius), these temple towns represent Chalukyan architecture at its best.
Aihole
Famous as the `Cradle of Indian Temple Architecture', Aihole has over 125 temples all intricately carved and rich in detail. The oldest temple here, is perhaps the 5th century Lad Khan Temple. The Durga (Fort) Temple has a semicircular apse and a complete portico. The Hutchmalli Temple, the Ravalphadi Cave Temple, the Konti Temple Complex, the Uma Maheshwari Temple, the Jain Meguthi Temple and the two-storeyed Buddhist Temple are the other attractions at Aihole.
Pattadakal
A World Heritage Center, it has 10 major temples representing early Chalukyan architecture. The biggest temple dedicated to Virupaksheshvara, has a huge gateway and several inscriptions. In front of the temple is a majestic 2.G m high Nandi. The Mallikarjuna and Papanatha Temples, and the Jain Temple from the Rashtrakuta period are well worth a visit.
Badami
The capital of the early Chalukyas, Badami is picturesquely situated at the mouth of a ravine between two rocky hills. It has four rock-cut cave temples, the largest being the third cave dedicated to Vishnu. Overlooking the temples is a reservoir, its banks dotted with temples dedicated to Vishnu and Shiva. The Bhutanatha Temples and the Museum set up by the Archeological Survey of India, are the other attractions.
Basavana Bagewadi
About 43 kms from Bijapur, this town is the birthplace of Saint Basaveshwara. There are several important temples here.
Kudalasangama
67 kms from Bijapur is a famous pilgrim center, associated with the great 12th century poet and reformer Saint Basaveshwara.
Shopping
Bijapur is famous for its hand-woven Ilkal sarees.
Access
Bijapur is well-connected by road and rail to Bangalore, Belgaum and Goa. The nearest airport is Belgaum, 205 kms away.
Climate
The ideal time to travel here is September-February.
Local Food Specialties
Non-vegetarian preparations distinctly Mughlai or Hyderabadi, milk sweets.
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