Bijapur, officially known as Vijayapura, is the district headquarters of Bijapur District of Karnataka state of India. Bijapur city is well known for its historical monuments of architectural importance built during the rule of the Adil Shahi dynasty.
Gol Gumbaz is a fine piece of Islamic architectural style and one of the must visit places in Bijapur. First of all it will impress you with its size, it is really so big! Its circular dome is said to be the second largest in the world after St.Peter'S Basilica in Rome. The most peculiar thing is that the central dome stands without any pillar support. The tomb has 4 minars, each has 7 floors with staircases. One can see an overall view of Bijapur from these minars.
Gol Gumbaz - A Mausoleum of Mohammed Adil Shah, Sultan of Bijapur
Sinhagad Fort is also unknown as “The Lion’s Fort” and most remarkable for the battle of Sinhagad in 1670.It is located at the center of a chain of other forts such as Rajgad, Purandar and Torna Fort. It was strategically built to provide natural protection due to its very steep slopes. The walls and bastions were constructed only at key places. There are two gates to enter the fort, the Kalyan Darwaza and Pune Darwaza which are positioned at the south east and north-east ends respectively.
Thol lake Bird Sanctuary is a shallow freshwater body surrounded by marshes on the edge and scrubby forest embarking the sides. In 1988, officially this Lake was renamed to Thol Bird Sanctuary. Thol name comes from the local village “Thol” situated near the lake. A visual treat to the birdwatchers this place is a home to more than 100 species of birds like cranes, geese, flamingos, pelicans, egret, herons, ducks, whistling teals and many other migratory birds. A visit to this place is highly recommended if you are travelling through the area.
The Great White Desert is one of the biggest salt deserts in the world and one of the best backpacking destinations in the state of Gujarat, which is endless miles of salty and marshy land in the Thar Desert. Rann of Kutch is located between Gujarat in India and the Sindh province in Pakistan and comprises around 30,000 sq. km of land which includes the Great Rann of Kutch, The Little Rann of Kutch and Banni grassland.
