Bijapur’s most famous monument is the Gol Gumbaz. This gigantic mausoleum of Mohammed Adil Shah has to its credit the second largest dome in the world after that of St. Peter’s in Vatican City. It also has a whispering gallery where a message carries through 38 meters repeating 11 times. The Nakkar Khana museum, the Asar Mahal (palace) with its lovely frescoes, the Sherza Burj (Lion Gate) with an enormous 55-ton cannon are among the amazing structures around the Gol Gumbaz.

Inhabiting the other end of the town is the Ibrahim Roza, quite at the other end of the stylistic spectrum from the Gol Gumbaz. This graceful monument is the tomb of Ibrahim Adil Shah and his family. Decorated with delicate stone filigree and other sculptural work, this building is admired for its loveliness rather than imposing grandeur. The Jami Masjid close to it is thought to be the most beautiful mosque in south India. The Citadel in the centre of town though mostly in ruins still has a unique charm.

Getting There: Bijapur is part of what has come to be known as the Karnataka Northern Circuit. If you start your tour of historical Karnataka at Hampi and are travelling northwards thereon, Bijapur should be your third major stop. From Hampi, make your way to Badami - Pattadakal - Aihole, all three of which are only a stone’s throw from each other. And from there go further to arrive at Bijapur. If you are doing the route by road, you can choose from among buses, luxury coaches and cars (hired or otherwise). There are train connections to Bijapur from Sholapur (in Maharashtra), Badami and Hospet, which is the railway station for Hampi.

Accommodation: While there aren’t any 5-star hotels in Bijapur, there are quite a few decent options in the budget and middle levels. Starting from Rs. 100 a night for a single room with attached bath, the prices go as far up as 10 times that amount for air-conditioned double rooms. Between the two there is a range of options in the fairly comfortable hotels of the town. The state-run Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation has two hotels; both are on Station Road. In fact, if you’re landing up at Bijapur without reserved accommodation head for Station Road where you will find many hotels.

Getting Around:There are local buses, horse-drawn tongas and auto-rickshaws to help you get around. If the weather’s right you could think of renting a cycle from one of the stalls in the station area.

For a complete picture of the Northern Circuit also see Hampi, Bidar and Badami.
For detailed state and visitor information, see Karnataka.