Tourist Places
Almatti Dam
The Almatti Dam, also known as Lal Bahadur Shastri Dam, is built on the Krishna River in North Karnataka and was completed in July 2005 in less than 40 months. It is the main reservoir of the Upper Krishna Irrigation Project. The dam generates 713 million kilowatts annually through a 290 MW power plant with five 55 MW and one 15 MW vertical Kaplan turbines. Initially estimated at ₹1470 crores, the project was completed by KPCL at a reduced cost of ₹520 crores.
Almatti Picnic Spot is 60 km from Vijayapura and features Mughal Garden, Rock Garden, Japanese Garden Lake (boating facility), and a Musical Fountain.
Gagan Mahal
Surrounded by strong fort walls and a wide moat, the citadel once housed the Durbar Hall, royal palaces, and pleasure gardens of the Adil Shahi rulers. Today, most structures lie in ruins, but some impressive remains still stand. The finest is Gagan Mahal, built around 1561 A.D., which served as both a royal residence and Durbar Hall. Its most striking feature is a massive central arch spanning 60 feet 9 inches. Historically significant, it was here that Aurangzeb summoned King Sikandar Adil Shah in silver chains after capturing the city. Though now roofless, the monument remains a popular attraction set within a beautifully landscaped garden.
Asar Mahal
The Asar Mahal was built around 1646 by Mohammed Adil Shah as a Hall of Justice. It also preserved sacred hairs from the Prophet’s beard. The upper rooms feature beautiful frescoes, and a square tank stands in front. Women are not allowed inside. An annual Urs (festival) is held here.
In front of the hall are three tanks, the central one about 15 feet deep. Behind the Asar Mahal are remains of the old citadel and, about a kilometer away, an ancient mosque built on the citadel wall with an arched entrance and inscribed stones. The site is maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India.
Upli Buruz
Built around 1584 by Hyder Khan, is an 80-foot-high (24 m) tower standing to the north of Dakhani Idgah in Vijayapura. This is a spherical structure with stone steps winding round the outside. Top of the tower offers a commanding view of the city. This is also known as “Hyder Burj”, “Upli Burj”. On top of Upli Burj there are two guns of huge size. The parafeet this tower which was used for monitoring purposes has been fenced now. One needs to climb the circular stairs to reach the top. However except for this tower there is very little evidence of the citadel wall in this area due to rampant construction.
Bara Kamaan
Located near the city centre of Vijayapura, northwest of the citadel, Bara Kaman is the unfinished tomb of Ali Adil Shah II (1656–1672). Built in dark basalt and started in 1656, it was planned to rival his father Muhammad Adil Shah’s Gol Gumbaz. The structure stands on a 20-foot-high platform with a massive 215-foot square base, larger than Gol Gumbaz’s 158-foot base. The central platform holds the tombstones of Ali Adil Shah II and his family, while the actual graves lie in a crypt entered from the east. Though never completed, it remains a grand monument surrounded by a well-maintained garden.
Shivagiri
The 85-foot (26 m) tall statue of Lord Shiva installed by the T.K. Patil Banakatti Charitable Trust in Vijayapura at Shivapur on Sindagi Road is gradually developing as a pilgrimage place.1,500 tonnes statue considered as the second biggest statue of Lord Shiva in the country was prepared by sculptors from Shimoga for more than 13 months and the civilian design was provided by Bangalore-based architects. The statue weighs around 1,500 tonnes. A small idol of Shivalinga is installed beneath the big statue. “Shiva Charite” will also be inscribed in Kannada on the inner walls of the temple to help the devotees learn the mythological stories related to Lord Shiva.
Ibrahim Rouza
Located on the western outskirts of the city, the Ibrahim Rouza complex features the tomb of Ibrahim Adil Shah and a beautiful mosque. Known for its elegant minarets, fine stone filigree, and detailed carvings, it is considered one of the most perfectly proportioned Islamic monuments in India and is said to have inspired the Taj Mahal. The mosque has five grand arches decorated with carved medallions and hanging stone chains. Built on a high stone terrace and surrounded by formal gardens, the monument is open daily from 6 AM to 6 PM IST.
Gol Gumbaz
Gol Gumbaz is the most famous monument of Vijayapura and the tomb of Mohammed Adil Shah (1627–1657). It features one of the world’s largest unsupported domes, second only to St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome. The central chamber is known for its unique acoustics, where sounds echo multiple times. The Whispering Gallery allows even a pin drop to be heard from about 37–38 meters away. The complex also includes a mosque, Naqqar Khana (now a museum), ruins of guest houses, ornamental gardens, and an archaeological museum.
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