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Bijapur Travel Guide:
If you’re keen on exploring an offbeat yet beautiful place in India, consider adding Bijapur to your travel plans.
My first visit to Bijapur in 2013 didn’t immediately capture my heart. A day of sightseeing around tourist-centric spots, coupled with a random guide narrating inaccurate histories, failed to charm me except for Gol gumbaz.
The whispering gallery and the domes with petal-like designs on the terrace, said I am more interesting than you think.
Nine years later, while wandering in Iran, the wall of Tabatabaei House in Kashan triggered memories of Gol Gumbaz.
The stucco works were unbelievably similar. Digging deeper, I found too many layers to Bijapur history connected to Persia and Turkey! So I went to Bijapur again! This time, I fell in love with it.
This travel guide helps you plan your Bijapur trip, with all essential details, including lesser-known places to visit in Bijapur, and unveiling “hard to believe” historical facts.
1. Where is Bijapur?
Bijapur is located in northern part of Karnataka, about 520+km from state capital Bangalore, and just 20km from Maharashtra-Karnataka border.
So many confuse Bijapur to be in Maharashtra. You find Marathi and Hindi speaking people there – But people of Bijapur are as Kannadiga as the rest of Karnataka is.
Bijapur was called Vijayapura (the land of victory) during Chalukya king times much before Bahamians. In 2014 Bijapur was renamed as Vijayapura.
If you’re planning a trip to India, explore our comprehensive guide, “India Travel Guide: Extensive Tips from an Insider.” It covers everything any tourist visiting India must know.
2. Bijapur History
Many stories surround Yusuf, the founder of Bijapur’s Adil Shah dynasty, born in Iran, and his arrival in South India. Ready for an exciting story connecting India to Iran? It could make a great movie by Sanjay Leela Bhansali.
Vijayanagar Empire, known for Hampi, ruled Bijapur, then the Bahmani Empire took over. Next, Bijapur had its own rulers, the Adil Shahis – This is just a summary, but the tale has exciting twists.
Yusuf Adil Shah – Indo-Persian Relations
Yusuf, born in the 1450s, was one of the two sons of an Ottoman emperor in Turkey. At that time, Ottomans weren’t really safe from Romans.
So, the Ottoman king wondered what if his two sons, including Yusuf, fought for the throne once they become adults.
This, in return, would make it easy for Romans to hit them. Hence The king ordered to get his son Yusuf to get killed to avoid internal wars. But the queen didn’t want her son to die.
The distressed queen met a Persian trader Mahmud Gawan in a Turkish bazaar, giving her son and a lot of treasure to Gawan (Like a token for caretaker). The boy traveled to Iran, learned Persian and warrior skills.
Years later, Mahmud Gawan arrived at a Maharashtra port, selling Yusuf to the Bahmani sultans of Bidar.
Impressed by his bravery and talent, the Bahmani emperor who ruled Bijapur then appointed him as the Governor of Bijapur.
As the Bahmani kings weakened in power, Yusuf seized the opportunity, turning his province into an independent kingdom – Bijapur Adil Shahi. What a move!
He didn’t just stop at getting Bijapur – He marched to Goa and snatched it away from Bahamanis in 1490! Just when he thought he got it all, Vijayanagara kings captured Goa, defeated Yusuf and gave it to the Portuguese in 1510.
So Bijapur Adi Shahi Sultans returned to their only place, Bijapur. They created epic Islamic architecture wonders in my home state – Karnataka.
The story of Adil Shahis ended when Mughal emperor Aurangzeb from Delhi (1635km away from Bijapur) attacked them in 1687 for 15 long months!
Egypt’s Queen Hatshepsut story of how a queen became Pharaoh was the spiciest historical story I had ever heard. But the real-life of Yusuf Adil Shah is even spicier.
3. What makes your trip to Bijapur worth it?
For those fascinated by history, relishing facts, and embracing stories amid architectural marvels, a trip to Bijapur is more than worth.
The delectable Bijapur cuisine, friendly locals, and vibrant market atmosphere are the prefect reasons why you must travel to Bijapur.
I often hear negative comments and an average review about Bijapur. The town struggles with water scarcity.
Some say, “It is a day trip from Badami; see Gol Gumbaz and go to Hampi. There is nothing much in the small town.” Let me explain to you why those words are wrong.
Is Bijapur not tidy?
Garbage and water scarcity are real issues; I won’t deny that. Many visit only famous places in Bijapur.
Those or areas are kept clean. However, the side lanes need a significant makeover. Like in many Indian towns, things improved after Swachh Bharat Abhiyan in 2014.
My friend Namratha from Bijapur mentions they got a running drinking water supply in 2018! Until then, they had to store water twice a week, enough for the whole week.
Local communities continuously raise awareness among those unaware they can live in a better environment.
The sunrise behind Gol Gumbaz dome and a meal of Kadak Jowar roti in a local Khanavali is worth every money and second spent in this small town.
4. How to get to Bijapur
You can reach Bijapur by trains and buses. The Bijapur domestic airport is under construction. It was expected to be functional by 2023. BUt the dates have been getting postponed.
Travel to Bijapur by train
The easiest way to reach Bijapur from cities 500-600km away is by train. There are direct trains from Hyderabad, Solapur, Goa, Mumbai, Hampi, Bangalore, and Mysore.
Be sure to read our Train Travel in India guide before booking your tickets, ensuring you select the correct class and ticket type.
I highly recommend spending extra money on AC coach when you travel to Bijapur.
You can easily book your train and bus tickets to Bijapur on 12 Go Asia.
Note: The train and bus website may display Vijayapura instead of Bijapur due to its recent renaming.
Getting to Bijapur by bus
If your travel time to Bijapur is under 6 hours, taking the bus is a better choice. Bijapur has two bus terminals, but they are poorly maintained, with litter scattered around.
Before heading to the bus terminal, ensure you confirm the departure or arrival point for your bus. And Don’t use toilets in any of these bus stands – for heaven sake.
Bangalore to Bijapur
Traveling from Karnataka state’s capital city, Bangalore, to Bijapur can be done by both bus or train.
Trains take longer but are comfortable. If you want a bit faster option, you can opt for sleeper coach buses with AC. The road condition is good without any curves. We took the onward journey by train and returned to Bangalore by bus. It was all easy-peasy.
5. How to get around in Bijapur
You can explore Bijapur by foot to an extent. It is an excellent way to explore beyond tourist spots.
As it gets hot by noon, switch to autos (Bargain for the price). Some ruins are best explored by Taanga (the horse chariot).
It’s shaded yet open, and the Taangawaala is usually a good storyteller, sharing Bijapur stories not found on the internet. To visit beautiful places in Bijapur outskirts, take an autorickshaws.
As usual, we did our typical thing on the first day – We walked for 14km on the first day. Because we did so, I feel we experienced Bijapur better even when it was hot noons.
Many scooter riders on our way asked if we needed a lift. We happened to see some old monuments tucked away in the alleys of residential areas that don’t surface on the “Bijapur Tourist attraction list”.
6. What is the best time to travel to Bijapur
The best time to visit Bijapur is during India’s winter- October to January end. That is when the sun shows little mercy on you. The summer, February to June is burning hot, reaching upto almost 45*C. So don’t plan your trip to Bijapur in summer.
How many days to spend in Bijapur?
Allocate two days to explore Bijapur fully. Day trips often cover only the famous spots like Gol Gumbaz, Ibrahim Rauza, and Barah Kaman.
But Bijapur got more than these three famous places to visit – And a day trip doesn’t let you spend time with locals at Shastri market.
7. Accommodations
Bijapur, known for its beautiful monuments and delicious food, has limited tourism amenities.
Finding a place to stay is not a struggle, but you won’t encounter luxury hotels typical of booming tourist destinations. It is best you opt for hotel rooms priced between 2,000 and 3,500 rupees per night for better hygiene.
Luxury hotels are scarce, so paying 3,500 Rs might get you the priciest accommodation in town!
Recommended places to stay in Bijapur.
The Fern Residency – My parents stayed during their trip to Bijapur and had a very comfortable stay.
Kyriad hotel : This is where we stayed and was worth the money with decent breakfast. The room was clean, comfortable. Ask for r rooms that don’t face road to avoid noisy surroundings.
The staff were of not great help when we asked if they knew any guides. They asked, “What is Bidar” when we told them we wanted to go Bidar.
This is just one example of how border areas of Karnataka are neglected not only by the state government but also by its citizens.
VOV Vijayapura By Fidato Hotels – Cheaper than the above two and a decent option to save money (suggested by a friend from Bijapur)
8. Best things to do in Bijapur.
Here is a list of things to do and places to visit in Bijapur. We have divided this into Day 1 and 2.
Places to visit in Bijapur on Day 1
1. Watch Sunrise at Gol Gumbaz.
Visiting Gol Gumbaz is the main reasons why tourists travel to Bijapur – They are absolutely right. But if you don’ go in the morning – You are going to miss out something magical.
The city has a different vibe as it gears up for the morning. WIthout the vroming buses, the wide highway is mostly empty. Middle-aged people jog along the highway, many heading towards the world-famous Gol Gumbaz premises.
Residents enjoy free entry for their morning jogging, and you’ll spot groups doing yoga and laughter clubs on the well-maintained lawn.
At the monument entrance, the museum building looks like the holder of Gol Gumbaz’s bulbous dome. Moving ahead, greeted by joggers with smiles, you spot a wide building with arches puncturing the wall.
You will realise the museum has flat roof and hot nothing to do with the mighty Gumbaz. The archway reveals the 51m tall monument with excellent stucco work and a wooden-panelled doorway with turrets at the end.
If this moment excites you, wait? the best part is yet to come.
At the Terrace
The 40m turrets on either side are difficult to climb using the spiral staircase.
You take multiple long breaths with high rises, but you must make it to the terrace to witness the magic of smaller domes and a huge one lined with Petals at the bottom.
With hardly any tourists at 6 am, the entire complex may be yours. To say a Hi, the sun who exactly looks like bright orange fruit rises behind the couple domes
This is the moment to be enthralled and rejoiced looking at the town below and surrounded by tiny domes where Green parrots have made home. Trust me; three hours on this terrace flew like 3 minutes for us.
2. Listen to tourists at Whispering gallery at Gol Gumbaz.
Due to the simple principle of sound reflection and smooth surface of the 44m wide dome, the echo in the mezzanine floor that can be accessed only from the terrace is a phenomenon to witness in Gol Gumbaz.
Even a small whisper or finger snap sound can be heard across 44m. Trying it in your own voice is good. But by 10 am, when the tourist crowd arrives, their main aim is to make weird and funny sounds to see how it gets echoed.
Evil laughter, someone saying “I love you Chinnu”, singing a sad song or even shouting names – Tourists have utmost fun here.
You sit either on the terrace outside the whispering gallery or inside- Listening to crazy echo sounds is the fun.
3. Wander in old residential areas.
Established in the 10th-11th century, Bijapur has witnessed constant changes under various rulers.
Despite modern urbanization, some old houses still stand strong. On Shivaji Road in the Uppal Buj area and near the poorly maintained Taj Bawdi, you’ll find many of these 200-year-old houses.
Some are active, some are locked. Most houses feature stone walls and cast iron railings, with smaller windows showcasing triangular shades and cornice designs typical of old affluent homes.
In the middle of these ancient houses, you can spot ACP cladded ugly commercial buildings – Locals are selling their heritage homes for better life!
4. Relish on Persian influenced cuisines.
One of the points in my Bijapur travel plan was to meet or know about the descendants of Adil Shah’s family in Bijapur. I asked many locals and the reply was “we don’t know.
The Jama Masjid caretaker, humorously responded, “What do you want with them? We don’t know anyone related to Adil Shah.”
Though I haven’t found the living lineage, a local friend recommended Qaswa Hill restaurant.
They claim the owner’s lineage links to Adil Shah kings’ tax collectors, offering unique cuisines from that era, reminiscent of Ashrith’s experiences in Iran.
Ashrith says, Qaswa hills’ chicken based”Persian Delight” with rice tasted like the Persian dish Koofteh. Their veg food was decent;
Their drinks, Pista Falooda and Shahi Gulab, was super refreshing. So having lunch at Qaswa restaurant, is really one of the unique things to do in Bijapur.
5. Visit buzzing Shastri Market.
Bijapur’s charm lies in its absence of mass tourism. Shastri Market, buzzing with energy, aroma, and chillies, is really a place where locals go shopping.
Despite our familiarity with bustling Indian markets, Shastri Market had a distinctive charm. Unlike regular shopping complexes in India, this market has something different.
Almost 100m long Shastri market sells pure Bijapur things – Chilli, Wax like dhoop, fryums, Ilkal sarees and most importantly – Tastiest Kadak roti (dried Jowar roti) along with Shenga Chutney.
Castor oils to Chia seeds, Pulses to highly quality jaggery – the aroma in this market is heavenly. The way women bargain with saree sellers here is an art even an Indian like me who is born and brought up here must learn.
I have never seen such a variety of pulses at one shot anywhere else in my home state. That too in small “Not wholesale” shops.
Most parts of the market we wandered were clean except one corner where buyers and sellers treated it as a dumping and spitting yard in the middle of a walkway.
6. Watch the sunset behind tall Shiva statue and Shivagiri.
The architecture, history, market vibe are over for the day and now you move on to some quietness.
Honestly, I’m not into modern buildings, especially religious ones. But this 25m Shiva statue, built-in 2006, is the only contemporary religious spot I liked.
Shiva sits in a meditating pose in an open field with gardens facing East, offering an uninterrupted view of the sunset that looks mystical at twilight.
After a 10+ km walk during the day, this place, where locals hang out with families in the evening, is the best place to unwind in Bijapur.
Take an autorickshaw to Shivgiri and back. Before heading to your room, grab dinner at Qaswa.
Places to visit in Bijapur on Day 2
7. Visit Jama Masjid.
Jama Masjid means “Congregational mosques”. There are plenty of such mosques in India. Bijapur Jama masjid is one of them. It is neither large nor aesthetically wonderful from the outside. Because Adi Shah kings never completed it.
When Mughal king Aurangzeb captured the town, he added one more entrance from the east.
So approach to this via residential areas is interesting. The inside of the mosque is more enticing , with arches interesting to hold the dome on top – which exactly reminded us of Iran.
8 Visit unfinished Barah Kaman
The next famous place in Bijapur to visit is a series of arches on a high stone plinth- Barah Kaman.
Silently crumbling yet graceful arches conceal dark stories. This unfinished monument was intended to be the mausoleum for Ali Adil Shah, the king’s son who constructed Gol Gumbaz.
However, the father, jealous of his son’s creation that beats the magnificent Gol Gumbaz he built for himself, ended up killing his own son. This stopped the mausoleum construction!
All you can see is a dozen arches inclining inwards on a high plinth surrounded by a garden decently maintained by an archaeological survey of India. What is more exciting for Kannadigas is the famous song “Pyaar ge Aag Bittaithe” was filmed here.
9. Eat at Khanavali.
After the visit two most famous places of Bijapur, you would be craving for some local delicacies.
And I show you where you can find the best local food.North Karnataka food differs from the rest of India and tastes heavenly, especially with Jowar roti.
The meals are super healthy, featuring lots of pulse curries, veggies, and curd.
The Lingayat community excels in making Jowar roti meals and operates small eateries called Khanavalis. Yediyur Siddhalingeshwara Bhojanalaya near Barah Kaman is the most renowned place in town.
We had two meals here and it was delicious. So have your local Bijapur food at Yediyur Siddhalingeshwara Bhojanalaya.
10. Take a Taanga ride and enjoy the vibe.
Taanga rides AKA horse-drawn carriage aren’t fun everywhere It can’t go in a narrow lane; the clip-clop sound is loud that you can’t talk to the person sitting next to you. – I didn’t like it a bit in Bruges and I loved it in Vienna.
So Taanga ride is really one of the fascinating things to do in Bijapur. It lets you see Bijapur streets away from monuments.
The coachmen living here since birth know a lot about their town. So talking to them is fun.
Stops at smaller monuments and open markets to buy food for horses, coachmen’s views on the city is super fun. So make sure to go on a Tanga ride when you travel in Bijapur.
11. Wonder what is Jod Gumad.
Jod means couple- So this is a place that got two tombs in a Dargah with one dome on each. The shape of the domes are similar to that of Ibrahim Rauza.
It sounds simple, but this place has a different seeing. And is rarely visited by tourists.
The Dargah entrance has shops selling Chadar, flowers, and incense for the saint’s tomb. Inside, you find people of multiple religions!
While a holy place for Muslims, we saw Hindus meeting Muslim friends. Overheard conversations ranged from crop prices to a woman on the phone yelling about money.
The Dargah exterior feels religious, but the premises act more like a Public Plaza than a Mausoleum.
A part of the complex looked like a temporary shelter, and some has made this their forever home. This is the most bizarre mausoleum I have ever seen where people pray and live next to it.
12. Picnic with local residents at Gagan Mahal
At Gagan Mahal, you’ll find just one wall with some arches and stucco works. A giant trees covers it partially with it’s crown spread and hanging routes.
This looks mystical! It’s hard to believe this was once a royal residence of Ali Adi Shah and a Durbar hall.
The vast lawn in front is a picnic spot for people of all age groups. Kids run around with bubble guns, while adults buy chats from one of the many street food carts beside the Gagan Mahal wall.
Munching on delicious packed snacks, they sometimes forget to use the dust bin. A whistle from the watch guard reminds them to keep the place cleaner.
The man, with a mouthful of Gutkha, quietly picks up all plates used by his family and puts them in the bin without shouting back at the guard
Watching all this against the backdrop of a 1560s ruin feels like Bijapur can take you on a time travel journey, yet keeping you in the present!
13. Spend the evenings at Ibrahim Rauza.
Apart from Gol Gumbaz, another popular place tourists visit in Bijapur is Ibrahim Rauza.
It’s an architectural wonder of 1625 AD – A combination of the mausoleum (king’s tomb) and a small mosque on an elevated terrace in a vast open area. Stone benches on the sides are perfect for people-watching.
You can’t help but admire, the highly detailed stucco works and brackets supporting the roof overhangs.
The ribbed vaults and domes inside the roof evoke memories of Iran. Expect crowds due to its fame, but being here at sunset elevates the experience, even with the crowd.
Good lighting, great architecture, and the dawn light attract local models for photoshoots. Watching them is a fun way to end your Bijapur Trip.
Found our Bijapur travel guide with list of things to do useful? Let us know in the comment section below.
Thanks for the article and no offense, but as a white person this city is unbearable and scary as!
We get harrassed, threatened, scamed, offended, chased, laughed at, the people shit on streets, water smells, dirt everywhere, poor walkways, boring restaurants: a real shame to what (as you mentioned too) it was- back in history 🙁
I will never ever place any foot again in this, literally spoken, shithole of a city and will never ever recommend any, especially not a white/western person, to do so (maybe !but even maybe! except driving in a safe bus passing Gol Gumbaz, Ibrahim Roza and Jama Masjid and then leave asap). Dangerous af!
Hello Anja. I’m truly sorry that you experienced this in my home state. No traveler should ever have to endure such situations. I hope and pray that people here will bring about change. I completely understand your frustration, and I appreciate your honest opinion. Bijapur has a long way to go in terms of public hygiene and maintaining good walkways. This is why many people don’t enjoy visiting Bijapur. It’s important for people to develop civic sense and understand the importance of living in a clean city. While I understand your frustration, I kindly request that you use less aggressive language, as Bijapur is home to thousands of people. Could you please clarify what you mean by “Boring Restaurants”?
A beautiful description from all angles. Planning to visit this museum like city once again.
I am sure you will enjoy it 🙂