Bijapur Travel - Queen of Deccan :

Travel to Bijapur, the ancient town, dotted with mosques, mausoleums, palaces and fortifications, was the capital of the Adil Shahi Dynasty. Once the capital of the Adil Shahis, it was a city that "exceeded anything of its kind in Europe". Even today, it retains its dignity and royal grandeur. Still strongly Muslim in character, Bijapur has many places of historical, cultural and architectural interest. Even though many of the structures were damaged by Aurangazeb, Bijapur remains a must-see town.


Prime Attractions :

Gol-Gumbaz - The tomb of Mohammed Adil Shah, the seventh ruler of the Adil Shahi dynasty, Gol Gumbaz boasts of the second largest dome in the world.

Malik-e-Maidan - 'Malik-E-Maidan' meaning the 'lord of the battlefield' is the largest medieval cannon in the world, fourteen feet long and weighing about 55 tons. Perched on a platform especially built for it, the cannon's nozzle is fashioned into the shape of a lion's head. In 1854 AD, the cannon was auctioned for Rs. 150 but the sale was cancelled in the end.

Jumma Masjid - Jumma Masjid, one of the main attractions of the city has been called one of the first mosques in India. Still used for worship, it holds an exquisite copy of the Quran, written in gold. Also dating back to the period of Adil Shah, this is the largest Masjid in the region.

Ibrahim Roza - On the western outskirts of the city lies the mausoleum of lbrahim Adil Shah II- Ibrahim Roza, said to have inspired the Taj Mahal in Agra. Embracing 1,16,300 square feet is the Jamma Masjid - "one of the finest mosques in India". The Ibrahim Roza is a beautiful tomb with artistically laid out corridors and interconnecting buildings with richly decorated walls and perforated stone windows. At the centre of the town are large arches signifying the forts and its beauty in moonlight.

Anand Mahal - The palace of delights was built by Adil Shah II in 1589 AD. The two-storeyed building, which once housed the ladies of the palace, has in its precincts today, a Gymkhana Club, an Inspection Bungalow, several offices and the residential quarters of the Assistant Commissioner.

Mehtar Mahal - Supposed to have been built by a sweeper, it is the ornamental gateway leading to a mosque and a garden. Meaning the 'Sweeper's Palace', this gateway has a flat stone roof supported by stone brackets of delicately carved birds and rows of swans.

Asar Mahal - To the east of the citadel, the Asar Mahal was built by Mohammed Adil Shah in about 1646AD to serve as a Hall of Justice. The rooms on the upper storey are profusely decorated with frescoes, many of them using foliage and flower motifs, some portraying male and female figures in various poses. The front of the building is graced with a square tank still fed by conduits from Begum Tank. Women are not allowed inside the main structure.

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Excursions :

Aihole - 110 kms away from Bijapur. Famous as the 'Cradle of Indian Temple Architecture', Aihole has over 125 temples, all intricately carved and rich in detail. The Hutchmalli Temple, the Ravalphadi Cave Temple, The Konti Temple Complex, The Uma Maheshwari Temple, The Jain Meguthi Temple and the two-storeyed Buddhist Temple are the other attractions at Aihole.

Pattadakal - 134 kms from Bijapur. A world Heritage Centre, Pattadakal has 10 major temples representing early Chalukyan architecture. The biggest temple dedicated to Virupaksheshvara has a huge gateway and several inscriptions. In front of the temple is a majestic 2.6 m high statue of Nandi. The Mallikarjuna and Papanatha Temples, and the Jain Temple from the Papanatha Temples and the Jain Temple from the Rashtrakuta period are well worth visit.

Kudala Sangama - It is a tiny hamlet overlooking the sacred confluence of the rivers Malaprabha and Krishna. On the riverbank, stands the renowned temple of Sangameshwar. Built in the Chalukyan style, this temple has a porch, a 'Navaranga' and the main shrine containing the famed linga, Sangamanatha. It is in these surroundings that Basaveshvara is believed to have become one with god.

Badami - 120 kms from Bijapur. Picturesquely situated at the mouth of a ravine between two rocky hills, Badami was the capital of the early Chalukyas. It has four rock-cut cave temples, the largest being the third cave dedicated to Vishnu. The Bhutanatha Temples and the Museum set up by the Archaeological Survey of India, are the other attractions.

Basavana Bagewadi - 43 kms from Bijapur. Basavana Bagewadi is a quaint town famous as the birthplace of Saint Basaveshwara. There are several important temples here.


How to get there ?

Air - The nearest airport is Belgaum (205 kms.).

Rail - Bijapur is connected by rail to Bangalore , Bombay, (via Sholapur), Hospet (via Gadag) and Vasco da Gama (via Hubli and Londa).

Road - Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation buses ply from Bijapur to Badami, Bangalore, Belgaum, Hubli and Sholapur.

Bijapur is connected by road to - Aihole (129 kms) Bombay (486 kms.) Badami (132 kms) Hampi (254 kms.) Bangalore (81 kms.) Pattadakal (148 kms.) Belgaum (205 kms).

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About Coorg :

Easily one of the most attractive regions in India, Coorg or Kodagu is an enchanting expanse of natural tourist spot that nestles amid the hills and valleys of the picturesque Western Ghats. The Kodagu people have always stood apart handsome, brave and hospitable. A distinguished martial tradition has given the Indian Army several Generals and Brigadiers.

Any visitor to this bewitching place goes back with evergreen memories. In this lush land live "Kodavas", the inhabitants o Kodagu, having their own richly diverse typical taste, creed, colour, language and dress code, whose deeds have been immortalized in history. Kodavas are known for their beauty, ornate jewelley, bravery and hospitality. This district has given many a army generals, sports persons, bureaucrats, men of quality to the fourth estate and so on.

Situated at 1,525 m elevation, the town is great for walking around, surrounded by rolling which offer execellent trails for hikes. Tadiyendamol is the tallest peak here, waiting to be climbed. One can have a distant glimpse of the Arabian Sea from this peak. There is a fort, which houses a temple, a chapel, the prison, a small museum & assorted government offices, were built in 19th century. Raja's seat is a promontory with breathtaking view. It is said that for centuries the Kodagu royals came here in the evenings to watch the spectacular sunsets.

The important crop of Kodagu is coffee along with pepper and Cardamom. The taste of mandarin oranges lingers long in the taste buds. Kodagu is also famous for producing the tastiest honey. The birth place of "River Cauvery" the life line of Karnataka, the luck line of Tamil Nadu is in Kodagu at the feet of Brahmagiri Hills known as Talacauvery which is the famous pilgrimage centre. For traditional hospitality, food and exchange the unique culture of this tiny district, hundreds of Home Stays have opened their doors to guests. Houses, rooms, cottages in amidst lush green coffee estates are the memorable time of the tourists in recent years.

Known by their special variants of wearing the saree, the Kodagu women are graceful and beautiful. Kodagu district has several tourist spots of historic, epic and natural importance. Kodagu has three taluks- Madikeri, Virajpet and Somwarpet. Steep hills, valleys and gorges with countless streams that gurgle through them, beckon intrepid trekkers and rock climbers.

Main Attractions :

Coffee - Coffee, the pause that refreshes is grown extensively in Kodagu on plantations that dot most of the hillsides, with coffee, orange, black pepper and cardamom at the bottom of the slopes, under canopies of huge trees. Well maintained with modern curing and irrigation, these plantations exude a heady fragrance in April, when the coffee bushes blossom. Coffee picking time is from November to March.

Cauvery - Lifeline of the south, Cauvery bubbles up from Talacauvery and reaches ground level at Bhagamandala, 39 kms to the west of Medikeri. One of the seven major rivers of India, Cauvery is the ' Dakshina Ganga' or ' Ganga of the south'.

Bhagamandala - It is a shrine of Bhagandeshwara. It is here the Cauvery merges in joyous and divine form with the rivers Kannike and Sujyothi to form a 'Triveni Sangama'. The Bhangandeshwara Temple built in Kerala style on the bank of the Sangama.

Nagarahole National Park - One of the well-maintained game sanctuaries in the country is located closeby, 100kms from Madikeri, 64 kms from Virajpet & 94 kms from Mysore via Hunsur & Murkal. ItGaur, Chital, Sambhar & Barking Deer, Sloth Bear, Langur, Crocodile and over a hundred species of birds and the elusive cats - the Leop is home to herds of Elephant, ard and the Tiger.

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Madikeri - District headquarters of Kodagu, and a walker's delight, is located at a height of 1,525 metres from the sea level. Winding lanes disappearing into green mountains promise tall delight.

Raja's Seat - Hill ranges, clad in green, rising upto play with silken clouds of myriad hues that is the view from Raja's Seat, literally meaning the " Seat of the king. " It is here that the kings of Madikeri enjoyed nature and unforgettable sunsets. Feast your eyes on an endless expanse of sun-kissed greenery.

Omkareshwara Temple - Built by Lingaraja in 1820 AD and dedicated to Lord Shiva, this temple is a quaint mix of Islamic and Gothic styles. The gold leaf inscription atop, accessed through a narrow flight of interesting steps used by the king to survey his Kingdom, the fishes in the pond which leap in symphony to gobble food offered to them, are all worth noticing. The annual 'Teppothasava' or "Boat Festival" is a memorable event.

Madikeri Fort - A 19th century fort that witnessed several heroic battle, this Fort now houses a temple, a chapped and a small museum. The view of Madikeri is, quite simply, stunning. The beautiful now houses Govt. Offices of the District Administration

Nalkunadu Palace - Built in 1792 AD by Dodda Veerarajendra, this beautiful palace is close to Tadiyendamol. To get here, you have to travel 32 kms from Madikeri through Napoklu and Kakkabbe. Buses too, are available.

Abbey Falls - 7 kms from Madikeri amid a valley in a coffee- cardamom plantation, where water drops from 70 ft. You can have a great splash of a picnic.

Iruppu Falls - 48 kms from Virajpet on the banks of the pristine Lakshmanatirtha River, which descends in joyous leaps, to salute the Shiva Temple believed to have been consecrated by Lord Rama himself. A wonderful getaway spot, on the way to Kutta from Gonikoppal.

Nisargadhama- Harangi - An island surrounded by the Cauvery river, Nisargadhama is a picturesque picnic sport that offers elephant rides, deer prancing about and boat rides. There are well equipped, thatched cottages, 3 kms from Kushalnagar. The nearby Buddhist refugee camps at Bylakuppe offer prayerful silence in expansive halls with beautiful 40 feet high idols of the Buddha and Padmasambhava, his disciple.

How to get there ?

Air - No direct air connection.

Rail - Kodagu is the only district in Karnataka without an inch of rail track.

Road - Kodagu is accessible only by road. Many buses operated by SKRTC. Pass through Madikeri enroute to Mangalore. KSTDC organises regular package tours.

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