Places to See in & Around Vijayapura
Gol Gumbaz
An astonishing piece of art and the home to the second largest dome in the world, Gol
Gumbaz is a magnificent 210 ft high mausoleum. Built by Md Adil Shah, Gombaz has
features like seven-storied octagonal spires at the four corners and a cornice below the
parapet. The main attraction dome is unsupported by any pillars and is second to St
Peter’s Basilica in Rome.
Do not forget to visit the Vijayapura Archaeological Museum, close to Gol Gumbaz
showcasing the preserves and antiques of the Vijayapura region.
Ibrahim Roza
On the western outskirts of the city, lies this exquisite group of buildings containing the twin edifices of the sepulcher of Ibrahim Adil Shah and a mosque. Adorned by slender minarets at each corner, of the utmost elegance and delicacy, fine stone filigree and decorative work. The Ibrahim Rouza is rated as one of the most beautifully proportioned Islamic monuments in India and an inspiration for the Taj Mahal. The mosque is also a beautiful edifice with five grand arches, ornamented by carved medallions and hanging stone chains. Built on a high stone terrace, the monuments are framed by a lofty tower, ornamented with four graceful minarets, approached by a path through formal gardens.
Shivagiri Temple
Shivagiri is a temple that houses an 85-foot-tall statue of Shiva that has been built by the T.K. Patil Banakatti Charitable Trust in the city of Bijapur. Shivagiri stands as a world-class monument that takes great pride in being India’s second-tallest Lord Shiva statue and third tallest in the entire world.
Bara Kaman
A magnificent structure that was not destined to be completed is still a major attraction in Vijayapura. An incomplete mausoleum of Ali Adil Shah II with 12 graceful arches, this royal tomb of Ali Adil Shah II whose construction probably began with the consent of the throne. It is believed to be the rival of Gol Gumbaz.
Badami
Badami is picturesquely nestled at the mouth of a ravine between two rocky hills. The exquisite sculptures and sandstone cliffs of Badami bring forth many a tale from the yesteryears. Four rock-cut caves adorned with ancient carved pillars and bracket figures cut out of red sandstone is just a flight of steps away. The caves overlook the Agastya Theertha Lake, its banks dotted with a group of Bhutanatha Temples.
Aihole
Heralded as the ‘cradle of Hindu/Dravidian temple architecture’, Aihole is a tranquil village on the banks of Malaprabha River. Hundreds of temples pepper the villages and fields nearby. The most noteworthy among them is the Durga Temple composed of a semicircular apse, an elevated plinth and a gallery encircling the sanctum. The Lad Khan Temple is one of the earliest temples in the region and was initially a royal assembly hall and marriage mantapa.
Pattadakal
Located on the banks of the Malaprabha River, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a testament to the richness of Chalukyan architecture during the 7th and 8th centuries and is renowned for its intricately chiselled temples. The temples in Pattadakal bear testimony to the richness and timeless splendour of the Chalukyan architecture. It has a cluster of 10 major temples, which showcase some striking architectural features.
Almatti Dam
The Almatti Dam is a hydroelectric project on the Krishna River in North Karnataka, India, which was completed in July 2005. The target annual electric output of the dam is 560 MU (or GWh). The Almatti Dam is the main reservoir of the Upper Krishna Irrigation Project; the 290 MW power station is located on the right side of the Almatti Dam. The facility uses vertical Kaplan turbines: five 55 MW generators and one 15 MW generator.
Hampi
The austere, grandiose site of Hampi was the last capital of the last great Hindu Kingdom of Vijayanagar. Its fabulously rich princes built Dravidian temples and palaces, which won the admiration of travelers between the 14th and 16th centuries. Conquered by the Deccan Muslim confederacy in 1565, the city was pillaged over a period of six months before being abandoned. Hampi’s spectacular setting is dominated by river Tungabhadra, craggy hill ranges, and open plains, with widespread physical remains. The sophistication of the varied urban, royal, and sacred systems is evident from the more than 1600 surviving remains.
Other famous monuments in Vijayapura : Gagan Mahal, Malik-e-Maidan, Mehtar Mahal, Upli Buruj, Taj Bawdi, Jod Gumbaz, Asar Mahal, Anand Mahal, and many more.