Bijapur
tours would include the ancient monuments and royal palaces in Bijapur.
Tours to Bijapur will take you to the major tourist attractions.
Gol Gumbaz
The piece-de-resistance among Bijapur attractions, this magnificent
architecture is the mausoleum of Mohammed Adil Shah (1627 -56), the
seventh ruler of the Adil Shahi dynasty. An epitome of architectural
wizardry, the central dome of the tomb, second in size only to the dome
of St Peter's Basilica in Rome, stands unsupported by any pillars. The
whispering gallery is another astonishing facet, which distinctly echoes
the faintest whisper eleven times.
Ibrahim Roza
The handiwork of expert Iranian artisans, this square enclosure
consists the tombs of Ibrahim Adil Shah II and his family. This
monument, which is believed to have inspired the creation of the Taj
Mahal at Agra, is noted for its striking symmetry of proportion,
exquisite minarets cupolas, parapets and cornices. This whole structure
lies above a basement which houses secret passages (used to store
munitions and food) and also holds living quarters for the cavalry, with
stables opposite.
Malik-e-Maidan
This mammoth cannon, fourteen feet long and weighing about 55 tons, is
an awe-inspiring sight. Built by the Adil Shahis, the muzzle of the
cannon is shaped like the head of a lion crushing an elephant to death
with its huge jaws. A unique feature of this legendary gun is that it is
always cool to touch even under the blazing sun.
Jumma Masjid
During your tour of Bijapur, do not miss this magnificent mosque. The
Jumma Masjid spreading over an area of 116300 square feet is regarded as
one of the finest mosques in India. An epitome of Adil Shahi
architecture, this grand mosque is a visual delight with its graceful
arches, aisles, halls, intricate designs, and large crowning onion dome.
The masjid carefully preserves a Quran with verses inscribed in letters
of gold.