Bijapur is well known for its great architectures, mainly Islamic masterpieces. It was a city of importance during the Adil Shahi dynasty. Although arriving at the small, dusty train station did not have a good first impression, upon entering the city and visiting your first site, you will be astounded. I highly recommend renting a personal taxi and guide to tour the city and the nearby sites in Karnataka and Maharashtra. There are many wonderful attractions within the city.

Gol Gumbaz - the Gol Gumbaz is the mausoleum of Muhammed Adil Shah II. The dome is almost 40 meters in diameter (37.9 to be exact) and it is the second largest dome in the world that is unsupported by pillars. In it, you can go upstairs to the dome, whose accoustics make it a whispering gallery where even the smallest sound can be heard on the opposite side.

Ibrahim Rauza - the tomb of Ibrahim Adil Shah II, the fifth king of the dynasty. It is said to be the inspiration for the Taj Mahal.

Malik-e-Maidan - the largest medival cannon in the world. It is 4 meters long, 1.5 meters in diameter, and weighs 55 tons. It took 400 oxen, 10 elephants, and hundreds of men to bring it back as a trophy of war in the 17th century. It is located on Sherza Burj, the Lion Gate, on a special platform.

Gagan Mahal - literally meaning Sky Palace, it has four wooden massive pillars and a majestic central arch. It is the site of a historic surrender in the 17th century.

Barakaman - meaning 'twelve arches', it is an incomplete monument and mausoleam of Ali Roza. It was meant to be his 12th monument, with twelve stories of twelve arches each. Although the tomb still carries the graves of him, his queens, and eleven of their attendants, it currently only has 7 arches. The monument was never completed, and all levels of arches above the first that were completed have been destroyed.

There are many more fascinating sites to see along with way in Bijapur.