Visit Bijapur Fort: One Of The Best Tourist Places To Visit In Karnataka (2024)
History of Bijapur Fort
The Majestic Bijapur fort was built by Yusuf Adil Shah. It was built in the year 1566. Built during the Adil Shahi dynasty, the Bijapur Fort contains a Citadel within it. Yusuf Adil Shah’s son, Ibrahim Adil Shah had strengthened the Fort and built the Jama Masjid inside it. Various Constructions have been done in and around the Bijapur Fort as the Adil Shahi dynasty found new successors. Bijapur Fort is one of the best tourist places to visit in Karnataka.
Reasons to Visit the Bijapur Fort in Bijapur, Karnataka
If you are in two minds about visiting the Bijapur Fort then the following paragraph will help you sort your dilemma. The Bijapur Fort has a total of five entrances – from the East (Allahpur Gate), West (Makka Gate), North (Bahmani Gate), Southeast (Fate Gate), Northwest (Shahpur Gate).
The Bijapur Fort has a total of 96 bastions each of which vary in design. There used to be numerous strategically placed cannons guarding the Fort at all times. Within the Bijapur Fort there are some magnificent constructions which are mentioned below.
- Ibrahim Roza: The Ibrahim Tomb is the burial ground of Ibrahim Adil Shah II and his queen Taj Sultana as well as the architect of the tomb Malik Sandal. It looks like a twin building with intricate architecture. There is a garden within the tomb. It spreads over an area of 140 metre square. Image Source
- Mehtar Mahal: This is another construction within the Bijapur Fort built in Indo Saracenic style. It houses the Mehtar Mosque – a three-storey mosque with minarets carved with swans and birds. Image Source
- Gagan Mahal: The palace is today in a state of ruins but it once was really a Heavenly Palace. It is two-storey Mahal. The entrance of the Gagan Mahal has three arches. The entire ground floor was used as a Durbar while the private rooms were located on the first floor. Image Source
There are plenty of other architectural wonders within the Bijapur Fort like the Jamia Masjid, Barakaman, Malik-e-Maidan, Sat Manzil or Seven Storey, Asar Mahal, Taj Bawdi and such others.
Bijapur Fort Timings
You can visit Bijapur Fort on any day except on public holidays as it remains closed on all public holidays. You will require a total of 2 to 3 hours if you plan to cover all the architectural wonders within the Fort. A minimum fee of INR 15 is required if you are a citizen of India or the SAARC countries, or BIMSTEC countries. Tourists from other countries will have to pay an entry fee of INR 200. Bijapur Fort has the following timings:
- Monday – 10.00am to 6.00pm
- Tuesday – 10.00am to 6.00pm
- Wednesday – 10.00 am to 6.00 pm
- Thursday – 10.00 am to 6.00 pm
- Friday – 10.00am to 6.00pm
- Saturday – 10.00am to 6.00pm
- Sunday – 10.00am to 6.00pm
How To Reach The Bijapur Fort?
Reaching Bijapur is not much of a difficult task as it is well connected by road and rail to major cities
By Road: There are numerous bus services to the Bijapur bus stop. It is well connected to Aiholi, Badami, Hubli, Hampi, Bangalore and other important cities by the MG Road.
By Rail: Though Bijapur has a railway station of its own there are not many trains stopping at the station. Despite this drawback, Bijapur is connected to the cities of Mumbai, Hyderabad, Pune, Varanasi, Bikaner and others. Thus reaching the Bijapur station should not be much of a hassle. The Bijapur Fort is very close to the railway station. You can avail a Tonga to reach the Bijapur Fort.
By Air: Government plans are underway to construct an airport in Bijapur to boost the tourism over here. Presently the closest Airport is the Sambre airport which is located around 213 kilometres away from Bijapur at Belgaum. The Sambre Airport is well connected to Bijapur by Rail and Road Transport. Since the distance between Bijapur and Sambre is quite huge, this would not be a feasible means of transport at least for now.
Best Time To Visit The Bijapur Fort in Bijapur
If you’re planning to get soothing weather then the best time to visit the Bijapur Fort would be between September and February. During this period of time, the climate remains pleasant. It is not very cold during this time. It is best to avoid visiting Bijapur Fort in the summer months as the climate remains too hot for a pleasant visit.
Best Places To Stay At The Bijapur Fort, Bijapur
Bijapur being an important tourist destination, there are a number of hotels and resorts scattered through the city. Mentioned below are a few of them.
- Sabala Heritage Home – Sabala Campus, NH-13 near Ganesh Nagar, next to New Shodha Toyota Showroom, Bijapur 586101 India
It is located at a distance of 3.7 km from Bijapur Fort, Bijapur. Hotel Kanishka International – Station Road, Bijapur 586104 India. It is located at a distance of 1.5 km from Bijapur Fort, Bijapur. Image Source - Hotel Basava Residency – Hotel Basava Residency Station Road, Bijapur 586104 India. It is located at a distance of 1.3 km from Bijapur Fort, Bijapur. Image Source
- Shashinag Residency Hotel – Nh – 13, Bijapur 586103 India. It is located at a distance of 5.2 km from Bijapur Fort, Bijapur. Image Source
Different Places To See Near Bijapur Fort in Bijapur?
- Uppali Buruz: The tower was built by Hyder Khan. It is located close to the Bijapur Fort. The tower is 80 feet high. It was built in the year 1584 AD. This tower was built very strategically for battles. There are artillery, emergency water storage units within the tower. This is a very high tower and gives a panoramic view of the city. Image Source
- Jod Gumbaz: The Jod Gumbaz was built for Khan Muhammad and Abdul Razzaq Qadiri in 1687. This tomb is locally known as the dargah of Abdul Razzaq Qadiri. Image Source
- Almatti Dam: The dam was opened for public use in the year 2005. It was constructed to curb problems of irrigation and electricity. This majestic dam attracts a lot of tourists in the months of monsoon and winter. There are provisions for water sports and boat rides. Image Source
This is a perfect place to visit for all those who enjoy travelling to places of historic significance. The intricate design and architecture of the Bijapur Fort will mesmerize anyone. There are a large number of places to see in and around Bijapur. Bijapur Fort is one of the best places to visit in Karnataka. This place should definitely make it into your bucket list.