It is the treasure-trove of some of the finest specimens of the Mughal architecture and is often referred to as “the Agra of the South”. Full of mosques, palaces and forts, the striking monument of Gol Gumbaz is a must-see here.

In fact, begin your trip of this historical city with the Gol Gumbaz. An imposing mausoleum of Mohammed Adil Shah, the central dome stands unsupported by pillars. What will appeal to you most is the Whispering Gallery where a sound is echoed eleven times over. You

must reach there before the crowd of people gather, such that you can hardly hear yourself breathe. Further in the city, you must watch out for the Ibrahim Rauza. Built on a single slab of bed-rock, the architect has attained a perfect balance on the site, with the mausoleum on the left and the prayer hall to the right.

A must-see in the city is the Malik-e-Maidan, a colossal bell metal gun which is placed in the walls of the city. The most unique feature of this gun is that it is cool to touch even under a blazing sun and when tapped gently it tinkles like a bell.

All in all, Bijapur has monuments which you will not find in their original shape, but are well worth the look.

The origin of Bijapur dates back to the early medieval period. The Chalukyan rulers of south India, between the 10th and 11th centuries laid the foundation of Bijapur. At that time, it was called as Vijayapura (the City of Victory). Ala-ud-din Khilji, the Sultan of Delhi, captured it and made it a part of his empire at the end of the 13th century. Khilji could not hold on to Bijapur for long and it became the part of the Bahamani Empire in 1347. The golden period of Bijapur started with the decline of the Bahamani rulers, when, in 1489, Yusuf Adil Shah, one  of  the  nobles  under  the  Bahamani  rulers, laid  the