Situated in north Karnataka, Kalaburagi (formerly Gulbarga) town is the headquarters of the eponymous district. The region has seen the rules of several well-known dynasties, from the Rashtrakutas and Chalukyas to the Bahmanis. However, the district&rsquos many tourists attractions are still not very known outside the state. This winter, if you want to go off the beaten track, why not travel to Kalaburagi The town is the gateway to many interesting destinations, including forts, temples and mosques, dams and trekking trails, etc. You may start your city tour with a visit to the Government Museum which will acquaint you with the history of the region.
Things to see and do
Gulburga Fort
Located on a plateau, the ruins of this sprawling fort speak volumes about its former architectural splendour. It is said an existing fort was strengthened and enlarged to give its present shape by Ala-ud-Din Bahman Shah, who founded the Bahmani dynasty in the 14th century. Visit early in the day of you want to see the entire fort because it is quite a walk. An example of Indo-Persian architecture, you will find looming bastions, cannons, rooms and corridors with pillars and arches, etc.
Jumma Masjid
It is said that this 14th century mosque built by Ala-ud-Din Bhamani, inside the fort complex drew inspiration from the Moorish architecture of the mosque in Cordaob, Spain. The central large dome over the mihrab and the surrounding big and small domes were added later by Feroze Shah Bahmani.
Khwaja Banda Nawaz Dargah
Dedicated to Sufi saint Syed Muhammad Hussaini, better known as Hazrat Khwaja Banda Nawaz Gesu Daraz (1321 - 1422), who was a disciple of Hazarath Khwaja Pir Naseeruddin Mahmood (Chirag of Delhi). Khwaja Bande Nawaz played an important role in preaching Islam in India during the 14th Century. Built in Indo-Saracenic style, it houses a library which contains over 10,000 books in Urdu, Persian and Arabic on diverse subjects.
Shor (Chor) Gumbaz
At first glance, this hill-top monument will remind you of Gol Gumbaz, largely because of its arched corner towers and the high dome. According to local guides, it was originally called Shor (Noise) Gumbaz because you could hear the noise of the passing horses. Over time, the word &lsquoshor&rsquo got changed to &lsquochor&rsquo. Visitors never tire of hearing the seven echoes reverberating through it.
Buddha Vihar
About 6km away from Kalaburagi town is the Buddha Vihar noted for its Buddha temple and meditation hall. The marble dome of the Vihara is said to be 70 feet high and 59 feet in diameter.
Aland
About 45 km from Kalaburagi, this town is known for its temples dedicated to Hingul Ambika and other divinities.
Chandrala Parameshwari Temple
This ancient temple is located in Sannati town (about 75 km from Kalaburagi) on the Bhima River. Said to be built during the rule of the Rashtrakutas and later expanded by the Chalukyas, the temple has a richly carved gopuram. Interestingly, in 1986, when the Kali temple inside the complex collapsed, the Archaeological Survey of India discovered four Ashokan edicts on the foundation stone of the temple and other things like tablets, terracotta items, etc. A Maha Stupa was also discovered.
Chandrampalli Dam
Located about 87km from Kalaburagi town, this dam on the Bhima River is surrounded by verdant hills. It is a popular trekking zone.
Getting There
Although Kalaburagi has its own airport, it is more convenient to connect through Hyderabad (about 200km by road fromKalaburagi). It is well connected by road with the rest of the state while Wadi Junction is a convenient rail head (about 40km from Kalburagi by road). The best time to visit is winter.
