The Historical Vijayapura (or Bijapur )

Vijayapura or the City of Victory, formerly Bijapur, is the district headquarters of Bijapur District of Karnataka state. It is rich in historical attractions, mainly related to Islamic architecture, especially those of the Vijayapura Fort.Vijayapura is a town blessed by scattered ruins and still intact gems of the 15th to 17th century Muslim architecture. It was the capital of the Adil Shahi dynasty (1489-1686), one of the splinter states formed when the Bahamani Muslim kingdom broke up in 1482. The town is dotted with mosques, mausoleums, palaces and fortifications.

Best Time to Visit Vijayapura is October to March (During Winters).

Some of the must visit places:

Gol Gumbaz

Gol Gumbaz is the most famous monument in Vijayapura. It is the tomb of Mohammed Adil Shah (ruled 1627–1657). It is the second largest dome ever built, next in size only to St Peter's Basilica in Rome. A particular attraction in this monument is the central chamber, where every sound is echoed seven times. Another attraction at the Gol Gumbaz is the Whispering Gallery, where even minute sounds can be hear clearly 37 metres away. Gol Gumbaz complex includes a mosque, a Naqqar Khana (a hall for the trumpeters) (now it is used as museum) and the ruins of guest houses. Its vast dome is said to be the Second Largest Dome, unsupported by pillars, in the world, after St. Peter's in the Vatican City of Rome.It is constructed in such a way that even a pin drop can be heard distinctly from across a space of 38 m, in the Whispering Gallery. The acoustics here are such that any sound made is said to be repeated 10 times over. In the surrounding ornamental gardens is an archeological museum.

Ibrahim Rauza

The Ibrahim-Rauza, built by Ibrahim Adil Shah II (1580-1627), consists of his tomb and mosque within a square compound, both rising face to face from a common raised terrace, with a tank and fountain between them. The mosque has a rectangular prayer-chamber, with a facade of five arches, shaded by the chhajja and a slender minaret at each corner. Enclosed within a square fenestration rises the bulbous dome with a row of tall petals at its base. The square tomb with double aisles around it, the inner one pillared, has similar features but is finer in proportions. Two narrow arches, next to the ones at each end, break up its facade. On the interior, each wall has three arches, all panelled and embellished with floral, arabesque or inscriptional traceries. The tomb-chamber has a low curved ceiling made of joggled masonry, with empty space between it and the dome.

The Mysore Royalty

There is a touch of beauty in everything concerning Mysore, the Karnataka city. The city is one of the major tourist destinations in India thanks to its rich cultural heritage and historic importance. Magnificent palaces, stunning gardens, colorful festivals and exceptional craftsmanship are some of the special features that make Mysore unique and a much sought holiday destination. If you have already decided on Mysore for your forthcoming holiday tour, here are the most important 8 places to visit in Mysore, to justify your trip to Mysore.

Mysore Palace

Mysore Palace, also known as Mysore Maharaja Palace is one among the largest palaces in India. It is situated in the city’s center. The palace was built in the year 1897 using wood, which was damaged due to fire. It was later reconstructed in the year 1912. The architecture is a blend of Hindu, Islam, Gothic and Rajput styles. The stunning interior is a display of intricate craftsmanship. While it is a feast to your eyes during daytime, you will be completely mesmerized by the sight of the palace illuminated by over 98000 bulbs in the night.

Karanji Lake

Karanji Lake is situated at the foot of the famous Chamundi Hills. King of Mysore constructed the lake. The 90-acre water body is amongst the biggest lakes in the state of Karnataka. The lake is behind Mysore Zoo and under its control. Karanji Lake encourages migratory birds and you can find over 90 species of birds here. There is a picturesque park around the lake. The park has a huge enclosure for birds and it is considered the largest of its kind in the country. This gives you the opportunity to closely observe the birds.

Chamundi Hills

Chamundi Hills is 1065 meters above the sea level. It is just 3 kms from Mysore. The Chamundeshwari temple on top of the hill belongs to 11^th century. It was renovated in 1827. Half way up the hill, you will find and idol of bull, called Nandi. The specialty of the 5-meter tall statue is that it was sculptured out of a single rock in 1659. You need to climb 1000 steps to reach the Chamundeshwari temple.

Chikkamagaluru Thrills

Chikkamagaluru

Chikkamagaluru (also known as Chikkmagalur) is a town located in Chikkamagaluru district in the Indian state of Karnataka. Located in the foothills of Mullayanagiri range. The town is known for its coffee and tea estates.

Chikkmagalur situated in south western part of Karnataka, it is nestled in the Baba Budan hills. Chikmagalur literally means, 'The Younger Daughter's Town.' Legend reads that this town had been given as a dowry to the younger daughter of Rukmangada, the famous chief of Sakrepatna. Chikmagalur is a calm, serene town full of scenic surprises. Hills, valleys, streams and snow-white coffee blossoms are all here to woo. In and around Chikmagalur there are beautiful hill stations and places of picturesque beauty. The district is strewn with many holy spots and proliferates legends associated with stories from the epics of Ramayana and the Mahabharata.

Some of the best places to visit in Chikkmagalur:

Kemmanagundi

It is situated at a height of 1434 m above sea level; Kemmanagundi is at a distance of 55 km from Chikmagalur. The main attraction of the hill station apart from the places to visit is the absolutely enamouring climate. It remains the same throughout the year. The places to visit in Kemmanagundi are Hebbe falls, Kallathi falls, Rose Garden and Raj Bhavan.

Kudremukh

Kudremukh is a great spot for excursions from Chikmagalur. Situated at a distance of 95 km from Chikmagalur and nestling at an altitude of 1894 m above sea level, it is a hill station apt for trekking. 'Kudremukh' means 'Face of a Horse'. It is named so, because the peak is in the shape of a horse face. Rich in both flora and fauna, most parts of the hill station are still unexplored.

The Baba Budan Giri

The Baba Budan Hills are named after the Muslim saint, Baba Budan, who took up residence here in the 17th century. The Baba Budan Shrine is revered by both the Hindus and Muslims and thousands of devotees throng the shrine for the blessing of the peer. A complex of three caves can be found here, believed to have been sanctified by three revered siddhas, whose icons and 'gaddinges' (tombs) are located in the caves.

The Bangalore Adventure

Bengaluru

Bangalore, now known as Bengaluru, is the capital city of Karnataka in south India. Bangalore is a city of salubrious climate, and always bubbling with life and energy, representing a potpourri of people and culture. One of India's largest cities, it's earned several names such as Silicon Valley of India, Pub Capital of India, Air Conditioned City, and City of Gardens. Bangalore was known as Pensioners' Paradise, prior to the IT revolution. Now, the city is a wonderful blend of past and present.

Vidana Soudha

Built in 1954, Vidana Soudha is a landmark of Bangalore. This enormous building is a massive example of neo-Dravidian architecture, with four domes on its four corners. It houses the Legislative Chamber of Karnataka Government, as well as accommodates many government departments. It's stunningly illuminated at night.

Attara Kacheri (High Court) and Surroundings

This two-storied building, built in 1867 under the reign of Tipu Sultan, is painted in red with Corinthian columns in Gothic style architecture. It's located at the entrance to Cubbon Park, and houses the High Court and many lower courts.

Close to the Court is the State Central Library building, which has the "Pompeian red" color and architectural style of stone and fluted pillars, with walls finished in lime plaster. Nearby, the Government Museum houses many exotic collection of coins, sculptures, inscriptions, and old paintings. Adjacent to the Museum is Venkatappa Art Gallery, displaying famous paintings, plaster of Paris works and wooden sculptures of the well known artist Venkatappa, and of other contemporary artists.

Lalbagh Botanical Garden

This enchanting garden is set on 240 acres with a rare collection of tropical and sub-tropical trees and plants, and a majestic glasshouse built on the lines of London's Crystal Palace. The garden was made in the 17th century -- started by Hyder Ali, and later completed by his son Tipu Sultan. It derives its name "Lal Bagh" from a collection of red roses that bloom throughout the year there. The glasshouse, which was constructed in the year 1889 to commemorate the visit of the Prince of Wales, is the jewel of this garden.

Lalbagh takes on a festive look during India's Independence Day and Republic Day, with a captivating show of over 200 varieties of flowers. The show also features an exhibition of hybrid vegetables.

Glass House, Lalbagh