Bijapur travel guide

History

The Chalukyas who ruled over Bijapur were overthrown in the late 12th century. In the early years of the 14th century the Delhi Sultans took it for a time until the Bahmanis, with their capital in Gulbarga, ruled through a governor in Bijapur who declared Independence in 1489 and founded the Adil Shahi Dynasty. Of Turkish origin, they held power until 1686.

The canon, which weighs 55 tons, was employed against Vijayanagar. Ali Adil Shah I, whose war it was, was at least somewhat chastened at the destruction his marauding Muslim armies had wreaked on the Hindu empire at Hampi. By way of atonement, and in a show of the inordinate riches that had fallen into his lap by supplanting Vijayanagar, he did his communal civic duty and built the exquisite Jama Masjid. It was his nephew Mohammed, he of the giant Gol Gumbaz, who later commissioned the rich Quaranic calligraphy that so sumptuously gilds the western wall.

Getting around

It is easy to walk or cycle round the town. There are also autos and tongas; negotiate for the ‘eight-sight tour price’.

Ins and outs

Getting there

Bijapur is connected by train with Bangalore (Bengaluru), Hyderabad and Mumbai. The railway station is just outside the east wall of the fort less than 1 km from the Gol Gumbaz. Long-distance buses draw in just west of the citadel. Both arrival points are close enough to several hotels.

Bijapur

Bus

A service runs between the station and the west end of town. Horse-drawn carriages ply up and down MG Rd; bargain hard.

From the bus stand, T08352-251344, frequent services to Bidar, Hubli, Belgaum and Solapur (2-2½ hrs). Buses to Badami 3½ hrs. For Hospet, travel via Gadag or Ikal. Reservations can be made on the following daily services to Aurangabad: 0600, 1830, Hospet, Bengaluru (Bangalore): 1700, 1800, 1930, 2130 (12 hrs), Ultra fast at 1900, 2000; Belgaum: 0630, Hubli: 0900, 1400, 1600, Hyderabad: 0600, 1800; Deluxe at 2130, Mumbai (CT): 0800, 1600, 1700, 2030, Mumbai (Kurla): 1900, 2000, 2100, Mysore: 1700, Panaji: 1900 and Vasco de Gama: 0715. Several private agents also run services to Bengaluru (Bangalore), Mangalore, Mumbai and Pune (7 hrs).

Train

Computerized Reservation Office open 0800-2000, Sun 0800-1400. Solapur: 0945, 1635 (2½ hrs). Gadag: 5 trains daily for long distance connections. Buses more convenient.

Banks

State Bank of India in the citadel, Canara Bank, north of market, best for exchange.

Internet

Cyber Park, 1st floor, Royal Complex, opposite GPO, 0930-2300 fast connection.