Bijapur, Karnataka City Guide: Where To Go, Stay, Eat, And shop in India’s best city. [Updated-2025]

Bijapur, Karnataka City Guide: Where To Go, Stay, Eat, And shop in India’s best city.

Bijapur (Vijayapura), Karnataka – The City of Monuments

Bijapur, officially known as Vijayapura, is a historic city in the northern part of Karnataka, India. It is famous for its Islamic architecture, forts, domes, and heritage sites from the Adil Shahi dynasty, earning it the title “The City of Monuments.”

🏛 Historical & Cultural Significance

• Founded by the Kalyani Chalukyas and later ruled by the Adil Shahi dynasty (1489-1686).
• A major center for Deccan Sultanate architecture, featuring Indo-Islamic and Persian influences.
• Conquered by the Mughals under Aurangzeb in 1686, and later became part of the Maratha Empire and British India.

🌆 Tourist Attractions in Bijapur

1. Gol Gumbaz – The second-largest dome in the world, famous for its whispering gallery.
2. Ibrahim Rauza – Often called the “Taj Mahal of the Deccan,” a stunning tomb and mosque.
3. Malik-e-Maidan (The Monarch of the Plains) – One of the largest medieval cannons in the world.
4. Bara Kaman – An unfinished mausoleum with impressive stone arches.
5. Jama Masjid – A grand mosque built by Ali Adil Shah I.
6. Gagan Mahal – A royal palace and durbar hall from the Adil Shahi era.
7. Upli Buruj (Hyder Burj) – A watchtower offering panoramic views of Bijapur.
8. Narasimha Temple & Basavana Bagewadi – Important pilgrimage sites related to Lord Shiva and Basaveshwara.

🌍 Economy & Industries

• Agriculture-based economy, with major crops like sugarcane, grapes, and pulses.
• Bijapur is famous for its grape production and winemaking industry.
• Growth in handicrafts, tourism, and small-scale industries.

🍛 Cuisine & Specialties

• Jolad Roti & Ennegai – Traditional North Karnataka dish made of millet and stuffed eggplant.
• Kunda & Mysore Pak – Popular sweets of the region.
• Bijapur Biryani – A unique, flavorful biryani with local spices.
• Mandakki Oggarane – A spicy puffed rice snack, common in North Karnataka.

🚆 Transport & Connectivity

• Rail: Well-connected by Bijapur Railway Station, linking to Bangalore, Pune, and Hyderabad.
• Road: Connected via NH-50, with bus services to major Karnataka cities.
• Air: The nearest airport is Belgaum Airport (180 km away); a new airport in Vijayapura is under development.

🎓 Education & Development

• Home to BLDE University, a reputed medical and research institution.
• Several engineering, law, and arts colleges serve as educational hubs.
• Bijapur is being developed under Smart Cities Mission, improving infrastructure and tourism.