About Gulbarga Tourist Places Or Places to visit in Gulbarga in Karnataka India
Gulbarga is about 160km northeast of Bijapur, Gulbarga to the visitors is widely known as the home of 14 century Sufi saint Mohammed Gesu Daraz Chisti (also known as Khwaja Bande Nawaz). Bordering Raichur on the south and Bijapur on the west it is drained by the mighty Krishna and the river Bhima forms the natural boundary between Gulbarga and Bijapur.
In course of time, Rashtrakutas ruled over Gulbarga followed by Yadavas of Devagiri, the Bahamanis, the Adil Shahi of Bijapur, the Hyderabad Nizam till its integration with the erstwhile Mysore State in November 1956.
Gulbarga is easily approachable on rail route from Bangalore (600 km) and Hyderabad (220km) in neighboring Andhra Pradesh. There are regular bus connections to Bidar (120km), Belgaum(360km), and Bijapur(160km).
Gulbarga City
Gulbarga city rose to prominence under the Bahmani dynasty founded by hasan Gangu. It is the oldest field of Gondwana plateau which broke up to become the Deccan Peninsula. The town is associated with beautiful synthesis of two cultures. Raja Gulchand originally built a Hindu city before the Muslim conquest, the fort of Gulbarga was originally built by Raja Gulchand. It has a harmonious blend of both cultures, with 15 towers and 26 guns witnessing several battles. Jumma Masjid is a huge mosque built by Feroze Shah on the lines of the great mosque of Cardova in Spain. the tomb of the great Sufi Saint Khawaja Syed Mohammad Gesu Daraf, popularly known as Khwaja Banda Nawaz is an exquisite monument. A mosque, a Sarai and a college are located near the tomb. Situated near a vast tank is the shrine of Sharana Basaveshwara, which has become a famous pilgrim centre attracting thousands of devotees and visitors. The saint came to Gulbarga in the 18th century when the city was under a grip of famine. He engaged himself in feeding the poor.
Gulbarga Sightseeing
The Gulbarga Fort originally built by Raja Gulchand and later fortified by Alauddin Bahamani is in ruins, with only its mosque and tombs being the notable remains worth a visit.
The Khawja Bande Nawaz Dargah is one of the chief tourist attractions and both Muslims and Hindus attend an annual Urs lasting for a fortnight during the month revered mosques in south India. The Dargah's beautiful interior blends Persian friezes, inscriptions and a canopy of mother of pearl inlaid with mirrors. The Chor Gumbad built in 1429 is known for its unusual miniature corner cenotaphs. The 19 century Sharana Baasaveshwar Temple is dedicated the saint poet Shri Sharana Basaveshwar.
Around Gulbarga
Gulbarga is about 16km, the village of Martur is known for the author Vijaneshwara of Mitakshara, a treatise on law compiled 10 centuries ago and nearly a millennium old baobab tree. Gangapura is about 40km west of Gulbarga. Gangapura is the confluence of rivers Bhima and Amreza. It is site of Sri Narasimbha Saraswati Math. The annual jatra in February attracts a large number of devotees from several parts of Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra.
Sannathi is about 60km south. It is an important pilgrimage centre on the banks of the river Bhima known for its Chandralamba Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. The inner courtyard of the temple has 12 dwadasha lingam and idols of Mahakali, Mahalakshmi and Saraswathi. Another temple dedicated to Markandeya and the Samadhi of Vishwambara Dikshita are other revered sites. Recently some remains of Buddha stupas, sculptures and a few inscriptions in Prakrit and Kannada have been excavated indicating that Sanathi was once an important Buddhist centre.
Afzalpur is about 69km southwest. It is visited for the tomb of Afzal Khan a 16km from here is the 800 years old temple of Bhagyavanthi at Phattaragi.
Shorapur, 100km, draws visitors for its motley mix of temples, mosques, palaces, and old colonial bungalows.
Ganagapur
Ganagapur is about 38km from Gulbarga City. A small village on the banks of Bhima river whichis famous for the worship of Dattatreya who is considered as the incarnation of Vishnu or the all powerful Trinity, Brahma, Vishnu and Maheshwar. In the shrine, the Nijaguna Paduka is worshipped. The river Amarja confluences with Bhima near this place and the Sangama has a sacred fig tree Audumbara Vriksha representing the Dattatreya. Thousands of devotees visit the place from all parts of Karnataka and Maharashtra.
Shorapur
Shorapur is about 42km from Gulbarga City. Surrounded by hillocks on all sided, it is a historical places. Meadows Taylor, the renowned novelist lived here and his bungalow called Tayalor Manzil is preserved as a guest house. The landscape around this hillocks in enchanting. Very near is the Jaladurga water falls and Narayanpur Dam where the river Krishna cascades into the ravine below. A beautiful picnic centre, it attracts many holiday seekers. Sonthi is another pilgrim centre on the banks of Bhima river which has the famous Chandralamba temple.
How to reach Gulbarga City
Gulbarga is connected by rail and road from Bangalore, Mumbai and Delhi. A number of buses from Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra operate in these routes. Very good lodging facility is available in Gulbarga, which can be made as the base for visiting the places around. Autorickshaws and tongas are available for local transport.