Gol Gumbaz in Bijapur
· Summer: March-May (22°C - 43°C)
· Winter: December-February (15°C - 35°C)
· Monsoon: June-September
Best time to visit:
October-March
Opening Time: 08:30 a.m.
Closing Time: 05:30 p.m.
Weekly Holiday: Friday
Entry Fees for Indians
Adults: INR 5
Children:
N/A
Cameras: N/A
Video Camera: INR 25
Entry Fees for Foreign Nationals
Adults:
INR 100
Children:
N/A
Cameras:
N/A
Video Camera:
INR 25
An example of how a simple structure can be converted into an architectural marvel, Gol Gumbaz or Gol Gumband (Round Dome) is the mausoleum of Sultan Mohammed Adil Shah. Built in 1656, the monument boasts of a cubical structure with a huge hemi-spherical dome at the top. Its dome and the single inner chamber are counted among the largest of their kinds in the whole world.
Each corner of the monument has a 7-storey octagonal tower with a round gallery at the top, offering some great views of the surroundings. The inner periphery of the dome is known as the whispering gallery. Because of its interesting acoustics, the gallery echoes every loud sound nearly 10 times and even the slightest sounds in one part can be heard in the other.
Intersecting arches, captivating carvings and mesmerizing scrollwork enhance the monument’s magnificence. Apart from the grave of Adil Shah, it also houses the graves of many of his relatives. Within the complex are some other worthwhile structures like a mosque and a state archaeological museum. A Persian style garden surrounding the structure complements its unbeatable beauty.
Connectivites
Road:
Located in Jadar Galli, the monument is easily accessible from various roads like Bijapur Ring Road, M.G. Road, Gulbarg-Bijapur-Hubli Highway and Solapur-Mangalore Highway. Taxis and auto-rickshaws as well as cycle-rickshaws are available for local transport.
Railway:
Only about 1.5 km. from the monument is Bijapur’s railway station which is connected to a number of cities by regular trains. From here, one can walk to reach the place or hire an auto-rickshaw or a cycle-rickshaw.
Airway:
Belgaum Airport is the closest airport to the monument, located about 205 km. away. The best mode of transport from the airport would be taxis that can easily transfer you to the monument.