Updated May 30, 2023
Bijapur
The mesmeric beauty of India is such that one, to a great extent can witness such captivating locations. These locations captivate people and equip them with an enriching experience. Bijapur, a highly regarded city in Karnataka, boasts magnificent historical architecture.
Best 3 Tourist Places in Bijapur
#1 Ibrahim Rauza
It is also known as The Taj Mahal of the Deccan and lies on the western outskirts of Bijapur. This magnificent building adorns itself with minarets, fine intricate materials, delicate stones and other forms of decorative work. Ibrahim Adil Shah built this mosque in the 15th century to honor his queen, Ibrahim Roza. Taking around 47 years to complete the construction of this glorious masterpiece, starting in 1580 and concluding in 1627. It also constitutes a prayer chamber inside the mosque with five arches. Ibrahim Rauza is a symbol of harmony and believes in maintaining cordial relationships between the Hindus and the Muslims.
Architecture:
- Experts suggest that the architecture of Bijapur’s buildings derives from the rulers of the Deccan Plateau and bears resemblances to Turkish and Persian designs.
- The mosque’s entrance looks appealing, with two minars beautifully carved with laden stones.
- The mosque also has a lush garden with a fountain and a decorative tank. Another fascinating fact about this mosque is that it significantly influences the construction of the Taj Mahal.
Best time to visit:
The best-suited time to visit this mosque is from September to March.
Best features:
It has a bulging dome that rises from a lotus petal base. The tomb of this building is at the eastern end, the mosque is at the western end, both of which stand opposite each other.
#2 Gol Gumbaz
Another amazing tourist place which is a feast to the eyes is the simply wondrous monument of Gol Gumbaz. The builders constructed this unique monument in the year 1656. They made it from Dark Grey Basalt and experts consider it a great example of the Deccan Indo-Islamic style of architecture. Adil Shah commenced its construction. At the mausoleum’s entrance is a piece of meteorite that fell during Adil Shah’s rule. This meteorite acts as a protective shield for the tomb from lightning.
Architecture:
- It took around 30 years to complete its construction, and it’s the best-known example of Adil Shahi’s architecture.
- It holds the mausoleum of Mohammed Adil Shah, his wives, mistress, daughter and grandson.
- The tomb comprises four minars. Each minar has seven floors with staircases.
Best time to visit:
The best time to visit Gol Gumbaz in Bijapur is during the winter months between October to March.
Best features:
Reportedly, the dome of this breathtaking monument is the second largest in the world after St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome. The central dome is so marvelously strong that it doesn’t require any pillar support. The external diameter measures approximately 44 meters.
#3 Shivagiri
Shivagiri has an 85-foot tall Lord Shiva statue weighing around 1500 tonnes. This incredible statue of Lord Shiva is the work of sculptors from Shimoga within one year. The devotees and priests celebrate the annual Maha Shivaratri festival with great enthusiasm and grandeur at the Shivgadi Temple. They decorate the temple with lights and flowers and perform special poojas and rituals to honor Lord Shiva during the festival.
Architecture:
- The temple is relatively new, and people constructed it in the early 2000s. Its architecture combines traditional and modern styles.
- It has a unique design that combines elements of traditional Hindu temple architecture with modern design principles.
- The builders primarily used concrete to construct the circular walls and domed roof of the temple. Craftsmen created the intricate carvings and sculptures on the temple’s exterior from a variety of materials, including stone and metal.
Best time to visit:
The best time to visit the Shivgari Temple in Bijapur is between October and February, during the winter season.
Best features:
The temple’s Kannada language engraves the history of Lord Shiva, offering insight into his life for the devotees. Over 150,000 devotees from different parts of the country throng to this beautiful site on the eve of Maha Shivratri every year. Besides constituting the second largest statue of Shiva in the world, there are also a large number of peacocks which serve as a beautiful source of attraction for tourists.
Conclusion – Tourist Places in Bijapur
Without an iota of doubt, these majestic tourist places in Bijapur make the beauty and richness of Indian culture all the more unmatched. After visiting these glorious places, one can always feel energized. It truly enlivens our souls with utmost freshness and zealousness.