Bijapur Important information

 Bijapur

Bijapur, the 'city of domes and minarets' was the capital of Adil Shahi's and is known as a 'treasure house of Islamic architecture'. The Chalukyan  rulers   of Kalyana   originally founded Vijayapura or the 'city of victory', which came under the reigns of Bahmani rulers of Bidar in 1347. Yusuf Adil Shah, the Governor of Bijapur declared independence in  1481   and established the Adil  Shahi dynasty. The Adil Shahi's were great builders and Bijapur became a centre for architectural activity. The town has about 50 mosques, 20 tombs and numerous palaces and it is one of the' classic tourism' destinations of India.

Tourist Acctration in Bijapur 

• Gol Gumbaz
• The Fort
• Jama Masjid
• Ibrahim Rauza
• Asar Mahal 

Gol Gumbaz : It was built in 1626 -1656, by Mohammed Adil Shah, as a mausoleum for himself and is recognised as "one of the finest structural triumphs of the Indian builders". The four minarets have four stair cases, leading to the top of the enormous dome, measuring 44 mtrs. in diameter. It is regarded as the second largest dome in the world, unsupported by pillar. A circular 'Whispering Gallery' underneath is famous for its amazing acoustical system, where a faintest whisper is echoed 9 times. On a raised platform in the centre of the hall are the replica tombs of Mohammed Adil Shah and his family, while the actual tombs lie in a crypt below. The gallery around the dome affords a fine view of the city.

The Fort : The huge fort built by Yusuf Adil Shah-I, has relics of palaces and pleasure gardens. Gagan Mahal was built in 15 61, as a royal residence as well as Durbar Hall. The Sat Manzil, the seven storeyed palace of Mohammed Adil Shah and the Jala Manzil are noted for its architectural beauty. Another attraction is the Malik-i-Maidan, a 55 tonne, 4.3 mtrs. long cannon of Adil Shahi's, which is perhaps one of the largest bell metal guns m the world. Bara Kaman, located nearby is the incomplete mausoleum of Ali-II and is noted for its graceful arches.

Jama Masjid : This largest and oldest mosque of Bijapur was built by Adil Shah -I betweenl 557 and 1686. The finely proportioned, rectangular mosque is known for its graceful minarets and bulbous domes. Aurangzeb added a grand entrance and painte\ the floor with 2,250 musullahs (space for prayers).

Ibrahim Rauza (2 kms.) : This exquisite group of buildings lie on the western outskir of the city. The palatial mosque and tomb with delicate minarets at each comer i regarded as one of the most beautifully proportioned slamic structures in the country and an inspiration for ; lhe famous Taj Mahal.

Asar Mahal (5kms.) : It was built in 1646 by hammad Adil Shah as 'Hall of Justice' and has Some holy relics  of Prophet Mohammed. Adil shah as Hall of justice and has some holy relics of Prophet Mohammed.

REACHING THERE

Airport: Hyderabad (375 kms.).

Rail : Connected by rail. Convenient railhead Sholapur (99 kms).

Road : Connected by road  Aihole(129kms.),Badami(132 ;c kms.),  Belgaum  (205  kms.), Bangalore (581 kms.).

Bidar Important information

Bidar

The fortified town was once the capital of the Bahamani's  and the Barid Shahi's.  The Bahamani empire broke into four kingdoms and Ahmad Shah I, the 9th Bahamani ruler shifted his capital from Gulbarga to Bidar in 1424. He rebuilt the old Hindu fort and also made beautiful palaces and gardens. The Bahamani's were succeeded by Barid Shahi dynasty, which ruled here from 1487 to 1619, when it was annexed by Bijapur. Aurangzeb, the Mughal emperor captured Bidar in 1656. There are fine palaces and tombs, some of them are great examples of Muslim architecture in the Deccan. It is also an important Sikh and Hindu pilgrim centre.

Tourist Acctration in Bidar

• Bidar Fort
• Chaubara
• Madrasa of Mahamud Gawan
• Nanak Jhira
• Narasimha Jheera

Bidar Fort : This stronghold of the Bahamani Kings in the 14th and 15th centuries was built by Ahmad Shah Bahmani between 1426 and 1432. There are five Darwazas (gateways) of the fort and within its precincts are fine palaces and tombs.

Chaubara : The 71 ft. high watch tower is set in the heart of Bidar town.

Madrasa of Mahamud Gawan : It was built in 1472, by Muhammad III and was a renowned centre of learning, attracting scholars from all over the Muslim world.

Nanak Jhira : This Sikh pilgrim site is associated with a miracle of Guru Nanak, the first guru of the Sikhs. He is said to have visited here during a severe famine and created ajheera (spring) of crystal clear water. The sacred site is marked by a huge gurudwara.

Narasimha Jheera : It is the only subterranean stream of Karnataka. The cave with waist deep water has an image of Lord Narasimha. Papanaash, the sacred shrine of Lord Shiva is visited by a large number of devotees.

REACHING THERE   

Airport   :   Hyderabad (136 kms.).

Rail: Connected by rail.

Road: Well Connected.

Around Badami Important information

Tourist Acctration in Around Badami

• Aivalli (Aihole)
• Temple of Durga
• Banashankari Temple
• Pattadkal

Aivalli (Aihole) (43 kms.)

Aivalli,   the   'Cradle   of  Indian   Temple Architecture' on the banks of river Malprabha, was the capital of Chalukyas between the 4^th and   7th   centuries.   The   Chalukyas experimented here with the idea of building temples and one can see temple architecture from its  nascent  stage  to  more  complex edifices. There are over 140 exquisitely carved temples, most of them are dedicated to Lord Vishnu.

Temple of Durga : This 7th century shrine is the largest and finest monument of Aivalli. s semi-circular apse surrounded by an open colonnade and remains of curvilinear Slkhara are quite unique. The main figures at the shrine are - Chamunda Devi trampling e buffalo demon, Narasimha and aspects of Lord Shiva. There is a small museum ehind the Durga temple, exhibiting works of Chalukyan sculptors.

Banashankari Temple (5 kms.)

It is one of the most ancient temples of Karnataka. HarishchandraTeertha, a large sacred P°nd in front of the shrine is a fine example of Chalukyan temple architecture.

Pattadkal (20kms.)

attadkal, the second capital of Badami Chalukyas, set on the banks of river Malaprabha is yet another grand show case of Chalukya style of architecture. The   cluster   of magnificent temples at the foothills    has been listed by UNESCO as a 'World Heritage Site'. Most of the shrines date back to 7^th and 8th centuries, but the earliest temples were built here during 3rd and 4th centuries. These temples represent the evolution of South Indian style of temple architecture. There are 10 main temples and the largest among them is the Virupaksheshvara temple. It has a huge gateway with intricate inscriptions depicting scenes from Ramayana and Mahabharta. In front of the temple is a 2.6 metres high sculpture of Nandi.

Badami Important information

Badami

Badami, the beautiful capital of early Chalukyas from 540 to 757 AD., nestles in a spectacular gorge surrounded by gold-rust sandstone cliffs. It is indeed a treasure house of architecture and sculpture and has some of the earliest and finest examples of rock cut caves and free standing temple architecture.

Tourist Acctration in Badami

• Caves
• Jambulinga Temple
• Buddhist Temple
• North Fort
• Archaeological Museum

Caves : The famous four cave temples carved into a cliff on the southern side are full of splendid sculptures. The 6th century Cave-1, dedicated to Lord Shiva is the oldest and has sculpture of 18 armed Natraja, the dancing Shiva. There are also figures of Ardhanarishvara, Harihara, Nandi, Parvati and Garuda etc. Cave No. 2 is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is simpler in design. Some of the fine sculptures here are of Varaha, the boar incarnation of Lord Vishnu, Naga and Trivikrama. The large and beautiful Cave No. 3 is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and enshrines an enormous four armed figure of Lord Vishnu seated on his serpent couch. Cave 4 carved during 7th - 8th centuries is the only Jain temple in Badami.

Jambulinga Temple : The ancient temple complex in the heart of the town dates back to 699 A.D. There are shrines of Lord Shiva, Vishnu and Brahma, which open into a common mandapa.

Buddhist Temple : It is located in a natural cave near the ancient Bhutnath Lake.

North Fort : Within the fort are temples, relics of agranary, a treasury and a watch tower providing an insight into the history of Badamii

Archaeological Museum : It houses specimens from Badami, Aivalli and Pattadkal. 

REACHING THERE    

Air port : Daboiim  (Goa) . (290 kms).    

Rail head : Connected by rail.   

Road: Well connected.   

Around Bangalore Important information

Tourist Acctration in Around Bangalore

• Whitefield
• Bannerghatta National Park
• Hesaraghatta Lake
• Devarayanadurga
• Nandi Hills
• Nriryagrama
• Muthyala Maduvu (Pearl Valley) 

Whitefield (16kms.)

It is famous for the ashram of world renowned saint philosopher Sri Satya Sai Baba. The International Tech Park, one of the most modern and successful software tech parks of the country is also located here. This export oriented software centre has contributed immensely in making Bangalore the 'IT Capital'or the 'Silicon Valley of India'.

Bannerghatta National Park (22 kms.)

The beautiful park covers an area of 104 sq. kms. amidst thickly wooded hills. It is inhabited by bison, elephant, panther, wild boar, jackal, lion tailed monkey etc. There is also a lion and tiger safari, a crocodile and snake farm and a mini zoo.

Hesaraghatta Lake (25 kms.)

The beautiful lake set amidst lush fertile landscape is famous for its boating and wind surfing facilities. The region teems with orchards, poultry and sheep farms. An Indo -Danish dairy project has also been established here.

Devarayanadurga (71 kms.)

The beautiful hill resort is famous for Namada Chilume, a natural water spring, said to be created by Lord Rama. The Namada Chilume Sanctuary is about 10 kms. from Devarayanadurg amidst thickly forested landscape.

Nandi Hills (60 kms.)

It was the summer resort of Tipu Sultan, who strengthened the existing fortifications on the hills in 18th century. Later on, it became a favourite resort of the British. There are two ancient temples dedicated to Lord Shiva and Amrita Sarovar Lake.

Nriryagrama (28 kms.)

This unique experimental village is dedicated to the gurukula tradition of learning to revive the Indian classical dance and music. It is a winner of rural architecture award. Vasantha Habba, the annual festival celebrated here attracts a large number of visitors.

Muthyala Maduvu (Pearl Valley) (40 kms.)

The scenic site is named after the small pool created by the waterfalls, which looks like a 'pond of pearl'. There is also a small temple over here.

Bengaluru Important information

Bengaluru

autiful  Bengaluru,   the   capital   of trnataka is one of the prettiest and cleanest cities of India, it is popularly called as the  'Garden City' and has earned several other epitaphs like an ‘Air-conditioned City', for its salubrious cimate throughout the year; the 'Silicon valley' of India, for its rapidly growing software market and the'City of Draught Beer' etc. The foundation of the present day Bangalore was laid in 1537, by Kempe Gowda, a Magadi chieftain, owing allegiance to the king of Vijayanagar. The cantonment area of Bangalore was developed by the British in early 19th century, after  fall of Tipu Sultan.

Tourist Acctration in Bengaluru

• Vidhan Soudha
• Attara Kacheri (High Court)
• Lalbagh Botanical Gardens
• Cubbon Park & Museums
• Visweswaraiah Industrial & Technological Museum
• Shiva Statue & ISKCON Temple
• The Fort
• Tipu Sultan's Palace
• Maharajah's Bangalore Palace
• Karnataka Folk Art Museum
• Javvaharlal Nehru Planetarium
• Dodda Ganapathi Temple
• Sri Gavi Gangadhareswara Temple
• Dharamraja Temple (Nagarathpet)
• Basavangudi or the Bull Temple
• St. Mary's Basilica
• Venkataramanaswamy Temple
• Ulsoor Lake

Vidhan Soudha : This majestic structure towering over the Cubbon Park, houses both the Secretariat and the State Legislature, as well as several other State government offices. The magnificent edifice built of granite in the neo - Dravidian style of architecture is one of the most spectacular buildings of India. The four storeyed building avering a total plinth area of over 5,00,000 sq. ft. was conceived and executed by kengal Hanumanthaiah, the former Chief Minister of Karnataka in 1956. The structure is  beautifully illuminated on Sunday evenings.

Attara Kacheri (High Court) : The magnificent two storeyed building housing the ligh Court of Karnataka was built in 1867. It lies in front of the Vidhan Soudha and was riginally built to house the Secretariat.

Lalbagh Botanical Gardens : The Beautiful garden was laid out in 1760, ly Haider Ali and later developed by lis son Tipu Sultan. It sprawls over an irea of 240 acres and is one of the most beautiful botanical parks of the country, n 1840, an excellent glass house was juilt resembling the famous Crystal Palace of London.

Cubbon Park & Museums :

The park designed by Lt. Gen. Mark Cubbon, in 1864, covers an area of over 300 acres in the heart of the city. It is studded with some splendid sculptures and red Gothic buildings, which house the Public Library, the High Co»rt, the Government Museum and the Technological & Industrial Museum. The Children's Park inside the garden is exclusively for kids. The Jawahar Bal Bhavan here has a children's centre. ^ The Government Museum & Venkatappa Art Gallery It was established in 1886, and is one of the oldest Airport: Linked by air. museums of India. The art gallery here has paintings and £fl(-/. \yen connected, sculptures done by K. Venkatappa, a renowned artist from Road: Bangaluru lies on the the royal court of Mysore. junction of N. H. 47 and 48.

Visweswaraiah Industrial & Technological Museum : This interesting museum is dedicated to Sir M. Visweswaraiah, the architect of modern Karnataka.

Shiva Statue & ISKCON Temple : The beautiful Hare Krishna shrine on the hillock is a fine blend of modern technology and spiritual harmony. It affords a fine view of the surroundings. A65 ft. tall Shiva statue is one of the new attractions of the city.

The Fort : It was originally a mud brick structure built by Kempegowda in 15 3 7. Haider Ali and Tipu Sultan rebuilt the structure in the 18th century. Most of the fort was badly damaged during the wars with British.

Tipu Sultan's Palace : The construction of the palace was started by Haider Ali and completed by his son, Tipu Sultan in 1791. The wooden building resembling the Daria Daulat Bagh at Srirangapatnam and houses a museum.

Maharajah's Bangalore Palace : The magnificent granite palace built in 1887, by the Wodeyar's of Mysore resembles the famous Windsor Castle in England.

Karnataka Folk Art Museum : It displays a wide range of folk arts, costumes, toys and extensive recorded music collection.

Javvaharlal Nehru Planetarium : The modern planetarium was built in 1989. An attractive Musical Fountain with dancing waters is set opposite the planetarium.

Dodda Ganapathi Temple : It is one of the oldest temples of Bengaluru. There is a huge monolithic statue of Lord Ganapathi, which attracts a large number of devotees.

Sri Gavi Gangadhareswara Temple : The Shiva temple built by Kempe Gowda is famous for a unique event at sunrise on 'Makar Sankranti' (14th Jan.). The sun rays pass through an arch between the horns of the of Nandi bull outside the temple and illuminates the idol of Lord Gavi Gangadareshwara inside the main shrine.

Dharamraja Temple (Nagarathpet) : It enshrines fine images of Lord Krishna and Sri Dharamaraja Swami, the hero of epic Mahabharta. The sacred shrine is also associated with the famous Karaga festival celebrated in March / April.

Basavangudi or the Bull Temple : It was built by Kempegowda on the Bugle Hill in Dravidian style. A large monolith of Nandi, the celestial bull measuring 4.57 metres in hgight and 6.10 metres in length is breathtaking.

St. Mary's Basilica : It was originally built in 1818, by Abbe Dubois and was transformed into a huge Gothic style church by Rev. Kleiner in 1882.

Venkataramanaswamy Temple : This ancient temple near Tipu Sultan's Palace was Uilt by Maharaja Chikka Devaraya Wodiyar. It was destroyed during the third Mysore war and was restored by Maharaj a Chikka Krishna Devaraya.

Ulsoor Lake : It is one of the eight lakes built by Kempe Gowda around Bangalore. e' -5 sq. kms. has picturesque tiny islands and boating facilities are available.

REACHING THERE   

Air port : Linked by Air.   

Rail head : Well Connected.    

Road: Bangaluru lies on the junction of N.H 47 and 48

North Goa Beache Important information

Tourist Acctration in North Goa Beache

• Sinquerim
• Candolim
• Calangute
• Baga
• Anjuna
• Vagator
• Chapora
• Arambol (Harmal):
• Querim

Sinquerim : It is 16 kms. from Panaji   and the first among the string of beaches starting from Fort Aguada. Taj Group's Fort Aguada Resorts are located here.

Candolim : The Sinquerim-Candolim beach stretch is dotted with excellent resorts.

Calangute : The 'Queen of Goan Beaches' is the most commercial and busy beach resorts.

Baga: Beautiful Baga is a continuation of Calangute and is bounded by a wooded escarpment in the north and a fresh rivulet merges into the sea here. Baga is 18 kms. From Panaji and 10kms.west of Mapusa.

Anjuna: The most interesting and exciting part of Goa's Vagator coastline begins beyond the Baga river from Anjuna onwards. Cool waves washing the white sands of the shores, lined with palm trees presents one of the most fascinating views.

 Vagator : The beautiful beach is about 22 kms. from Panaji. Its northern half faces a bay, which curves from the headland to the hillock crowned by the Chapora Fort.

 Chapora : The beach amidst dense coconut palms is dominated by the Chapora Fort.

Arambol (Harmal): This unique beach is a rocky as well as a sandy beach. There is also a fresh water lagoon, extending right up to the shore. The banks of the lagoon are lined by hot springs.

Querim : Virgin white sand and foamy beach is fringed with fir trees.