The one-time capital of the Adil Shahi kings Bijapur is dotted with mosques mausoleums palaces fortifications watchtowers and strong gateways with the massive Gol Gumbaz dominating the landscape for miles around. The Ibrahim Roza Mehtar Mahal Gagan Mahal Jala Manzil and Jami Masjid summarise everything that is aesthetically emotive about Islamic architecture.

This is one of the finest examples of Persian architecture outside of Ancient Persia.

The Golgumbaz:-

This magnificent mausoleum of Muhammed Adil Shah in Bijapur houses the worlds second largest dome unsupported by pillars - an acoustic and architectural wonder. Built in 1659 its most arresting features are the seven-storied octagonal spires at the four corners and the heavy bracketed cornice below the parapet. The Gol Gumbaz is an enormous cube of stone and masonry capped by a gigantic dome.

The Golgumbaz's appeal lies not so much in its impressive size and structure but in the aural effect of its dome. The dome contains a whispering gallery which distinctly echoes the faintest whisper eleven times is an unforgettable experience. A climb up to the balcony inside the dome can be rewarding. Any sharp sound like a clap echoes back in an explosion of noise. However one must listen in silence to understand the true power of the Golgumbaz. Sounds inaudible ordinarily suddenly become amplified and one enters a different dimension. The best time to get here is early in the morning before the hordes of schoolchildren arrive and unleash their juvenile exuberance.

Ibrahim Roza:-

The sheer beauty of the Ibrahim Roza is said to have inspired the Taj Mahal in Agra. This palatial mosque and tomb in Bijapur is sheer poetry in stone. Perfect domes are topped with crescent moons surrounded on four corners by symmetrical minarets that manage to combine structural simplicity with intricate stonework doorways with the distinctive pointed arch lead into cool high-ceilinged chambers sheltering the tombs from the sweltering outside world.

However the jewel of Adil Shahi architecture is the Jami Masjid with its graceful arches aisles halls intricate designs and large crowning onion dome. What makes it even more special is the priceless Koran written in letters of gold that is carefully preserved here.

The Mehtar Mahal Gagan Mahal Jala Manzil Bara Kaman Upli Buruj and Taj Bawdi are all impressive and add the final touches to a fairy-tale experience.