Located in North Karnataka, Bijapur district is bordered by the rivers Bhima on the north and Krishna on the South. It represents a stark landscape of red, rocky hills, long stretches of treeless fields and gigantic boulders strewn in groups over the rolling plains. The most popular attraction of the district is the historic city of Bijapur, the one – time capital of the Adil Shahi kings. It is dotted with mosques, mausoleums, palaces, fortifications, watchtowers, imposing gateways, graceful minarets; and mile of ruins steeped in history. Apart from these monuments, Bijapur is also home to famous temples like Siddeshwara and Shri Prasanna Ganesh.

Golgumbaz

The gigantic mausoleum dominates the landscape of Bijapur for miles around. At the centre of the mausoleum are the tombs of Muhammed Adil Shah, his wife, daughter, grandson and favourite court dancer. It houses the world's second largest dome unsupported by pillars, after St. Peter's in Rome. The dome forms a highly sensitive echo-chamber with the remarkable Whispering Gallery around the base of the dome. This Gallery distinctly echoes the faintest whisper eleven times. One can have a fabulous view of the town from the Gallery. Built in 1659, the buildings most arresting features are the seven-storied octagonal spires at the four corners and the heavy bracketed cornice below the parapet.

Jumma Masjid

Set in a sprawling ground covering 1,16,300 sq.feet, the Jumma Masjid is often described as one of the finest mosques in India. With its graceful arches, aisles, halls, intricate designs and large crowning onion dome, it is said to be the jewel of Adil Shahi architecture. Aurangzed later added a grand entrance and painted the floor with 2250 squares, one for each worshipper. What makes it even more special are the verses of the Quran beautifully inscribed in letters of gold in the mihrab.

Ibrahim Roza

On the western outskirts of the city, stands the Ibrahim Roza. There are two buildings here on a common platform, surrounded by gardens on three sides. One houses the tombs of Ibrahim Adil Shah II and his family, and the other, a palatial mosque. The tomb is noted for its striking symmetry of proportion, elaborately decorated walls, slender minarets, cupolas, parapets and cornices. The Ibrahim Roza is considered an inspiration for the Taj Mahal at Agra. The carved decorative panels, with crosses, lotuses and wheels highlight the various religious influences during the rule of the Adil Shahi dynasty.

Malik-E-Maidan

On a bastion (Lion Gate) named for its ornamental stone lions, stands the Malik-e-Maidan or ' Lord of the Plains ' – reputedly the largest medieval cannon in the world. The 14ft long cannon weights 55 tons and is perched on a platform. The head of the cannon is fashioned into the shape of a lion's head with open jaws trying to devour an elephant. Legend has it that if you touch the gun and make a wish, it will come true.

Gagan Mahal

It was built by Ali Adil Shah I around 1561 to serve the dual purpose of a royal residence and durbar hall. There are three magnificent arches. The central one being the widest. The ground floor was the Durbar Hall and the first floor, now in ruins, was the private residence of the royal family.

Asar Mahal

It is believed to contain relics of Prophet Mohammed. It was constucted around 1646 by Muhammed Adil Shah. There are landscape paintings and desins on the walls and ceiling of the hall on the upper storey, and the front is graced with a square tank.

Mehtar Mahal

The Mehtar Mahal, to the east of the citadel, is not a palace as its name suggests. It was supposed to have been built for the sweepers of the royal household. The Mahal has an ornamental gateway, embellished by a profusion of carvings in the form of brackets supporting the balconies and stone-trellis work in Hindu style. The gateway leads to a mosque and a garden.

Uppali Buruj

A 24m high, 16th century watchtower built on high ground with its long cannons formed part of the military defence of Bijapur. From the top of the tower, one can get a bird's eye view of the city and plains.

Jod Gumbaz

Located in the southwest part of the city are the twin tombs with their bulbous domes. The gardens around them are a popular picnic spot.

Bara Kaman

An elegant structure with 12 graceful arches, it is an incomplete mausoleum of Ali Adil Shah II.