Officially known as Kalaburagi, Gulbarga is a beautiful city situated in the state of Karnataka. This city was incorporated into the state of Karnataka in 1956. There are quite a few fascinating places to visit in Gulbarga for people of all ages. Known as the Sufi City, Gulbarga is home to numerous Islamic religious sites that attract pilgrims and tourists from across the country. Once part of the Bahmani Kingdom, many historical buildings from the time adorn Gulbarga till date.
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The history of this wonderful city can be traced back to the 6th Century. Over the course of history, Gulbarga was ruled by the Rashtrakutas, the Chalukyas, the Kalyani Kalachuris, Yadavas of Devagiri, Hoysalas of Dwarasamadra, Kakatiyas of Warangal and the Delhi Sultanate.
There are numerous tourist places in Gulbarga that pique interest among locals and tourists alike. Let us take a look at some of the top tourist places in Gulbarga.
10 Places to Visit in Gulbarga
- Gulbarga Fort
- Buddha Vihar
- Dargah Hazrat Khwaja
- Shree Sharana Basaveshwara
- Saigiri Water park
- District Science Centre
- Appa Garden and Boating
- Shor Gumbaz
- Government Zoo
- Jamia Masjid Quila E Hasham
Gulbarga Fort
This Fourteenth Century fort is one of the oldest structures in Gulbarga. Over the centuries, Gulbarga Fort has earned a name for itself as one of the most prominent attractions in the city. Al-ud-din Hasan Bahmani commissioned a major renovation and enlarged the Gulbarga Fort in 1347. Major additions like tombs, monuments, and palaces were later made within this magnificent fort. Gulbarga Fort is definitely one of the most important places to visit in Gulbarga.
The Gulbarga Fort is home to the world’s longest cannon. The length of Bara Gazi toph, a Turkish made cannon, is 29 feet (8.83 meters). After cutting ties with the Delhi Sultanate, an independent kingdom of Bahmani was established around the Gulbarga Fort. This magnificent fort was completely destroyed by the emperor of Vijayanagar. Gulbarga Fort was then rebuilt by Yusuf Adil Shah once he defeated the Vijayanagar Emperor.
Famous For: Bara Gazi toph, the longest cannon in the world
Tickets: INR 25
Opening Timings: 09:00 AM to 05:00 PM
Ideal Duration to Explore: 1 Hour
Exact Location: Off SB Temple Road near the Kalayan Nagar Park
How To Reach: Bus, two-wheeler, four-wheeler, auto-rickshaw
Buddha Vihar
This Buddhist temple situated in the heart of Gulbarga was established in 2009. The architecture of this stunning building is inspired by Sanchi, Sarnath, and Ajanta that are popular Buddhist pilgrimages in India. This iconic religious landmark was inaugurated by Pratibha Patil, the former President of the Republic of India. The domes and the whitewashed buildings of Buddha Vihar reflect traditional Buddhist architecture.
Spread across a total area of 18 acres, Buddha Vihar features a meditation centre, the main building and a temple dedicated to Lord Buddha Chaithya. People from across the world come here to meditate and live a life of discipline. By meditating at Buddha Vihar, you can get in touch with your spiritual side. Buddha Vihar is an ideal spot for religious sightseeing in Gulbarga.
Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday from 09:30 AM to 01:30 PM, Monday to Sunday from 04:00 PM to 06:00 PM
Major Attractions: The Buddha Chaithya Temple
Ideal Duration to Explore: 1 to 2 Hours
Things to do: Pray and meditate
Dargah Hazrat Khwaja
Dargah Hazrat Khwaja is a shrine dedicated to the legendary Sufi saint Bande Nawaz who is also known by the name of Muhammad bin Yousuf Al Hussaini. This magnificent Dargah is a popular shrine that is visited by devotees and tourists from across the country. Painted in all white, this shrine is one of the most spectacular architectural gems in Gulbarga. The intricate carvings on the dome add to its overall charm.
Bande Nawaz settled in Gulbarga at the request of Taj ud-Din Firuz Shah, the Bahmani emperor. While at Gulbarga, Bande Nawaz wrote many books and preached love, religious harmony, and peace to his followers. Dargah Hazrat Khwaja is one of the best religious places to visit in Gulbarga.
Shree Sharana Basaveshwara
Shree Sharana Basaveshwara is a temple dedicated to lingayat religious teacher and philosopher Sharana Basaveshwara. This iconic temple is home to the samadhi of Shree Sharana Basaveshwara. The lake adjacent to this temple is beautiful. The shimmering waters of this pristine lake offer a mesmerising view capable of impressing absolutely anyone. This is one of the must-visit places in Gulbarga.
The annual jatra and the car festival are the most celebrated occasions at Shree Sharana Basaveshwara. During the car festival, devotees get a chance to take a glimpse of the cover used for keeping the linga. This cover is known as the Linga Sajjike. The Linga Sajjike is made using sandalwood. The farmers in the village have been donating a portion of their harvest to this temple for years. This harvest is used to feed the devotees visiting.
Best Time to Visit: During Jatra and Car Festival
Major Attraction: Architecture
Ideal Duration to Explore: 1 Hour
Things to do: Seek blessings and offer prayer
Saigiri Water Park
Saigiri Water Park is the place to beat summer blues while in Gulbarga. The many pools here are ideal for soaking and chilling on a hot summer day. Saigiri Water Park is home to numerous exciting water slides that offer a thrilling experience for people of all ages. Saigiri Water Park is one of the top places to visit in Gulbarga.
The reasonable ticket price makes it possible for you to have fun without burning a hole in your pocket. During your visit here, you will find kids and adults having fun alike. Saigiri Water Park is sure to bring out the child in you. This exciting water park was first opened to the public in 2017 and since then has become a popular attraction among locals and tourists.
Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday from 11:00 AM to 06:00 PM
Major Attractions: Pools and water slides
Ideal Duration to Explore: 4 Hours
District Science Centre
Galleries on Maths, mirror maze, planetarium, 3D shows, dinosaur park, and science park are some of the major attractions at the District Science Centre. The planetarium here is among one of the best in the country. This extraordinary attraction was first opened to the public on 6th January 1984. The first exhibition at the District Science Centre was known as the Wealth of Kalaburagi. This is the place to be for curious souls who wish to learn something new along with have fun.
The District Science Centre operates a mobile science exhibition bus that goes into rural areas around Gulbarga and makes people aware of science and its benefits. There is no better place in Karnataka to peek into galaxies beyond. This iconic science park is managed by the National Council of Science Museums, Ministry of Culture, Govt. of India. This is an excellent place to learn about various things in a fun and interactive way. This is one of the most famous places in Gulbarga.
Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday from 10:00 AM to 06:30 PM
Major Attractions: Planetarium
Ideal Duration to Explore: 2 Hours
Things to do: Learn and have fun
Appa Garden and Boating
Appa Garden and Boating is the place to be while in Gulbarga to enjoy scenic views and get in close proximity to nature. The garden here features lush greenery. The well-manicured grass and the many trees offer the perfect setting to relax and breathe in the fresh air on a lazy afternoon. This popular tourist attraction features a play area with swings and slides where kids can play their hearts out.
The boating here is a must-try for people of all ages. Appa Garden and Boating are one of the best places to visit in Karnataka for couples. You will also find here a ferris wheel and various joyrides. This is without a doubt a haven for kids making it a must-visit for families while in Gulbarga.
Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday from 06:00 AM to 07:00 PM
Major Attractions: Boating and the well-manicured gardens
Ideal Duration to Explore: 2 Hours
Shor Gumbaz
Situated to the west of the Gulbarga Fort, Shor Gumbaz is situated on a hill making it visible from a long-distance away. The fine architecture and its historical significance make it one of the most important tourist destinations in Gulbarga. The intricate carvings and the geometrical designs of Shor Gumbaz are alluring and capable of captivating interest.
Shor Gumbaz features typical Indo-Islamic architectural features like domes and minarets. From the rooftop of the Shor Gumbaz, you can enjoy sweeping views of the city. Once you enter inside the Shor Gumbaz, you can explore the walls that have witnessed history. Shor Gumbaz served as a watch tower during the Bahmani empire and is popular for its whispering gallery where you can experience the echoing of the sounds.
Best Time to Visit: Throughout the year
Major Attraction: The architecture and the whispering gallery
Ideal Duration to Explore: 1 Hour
Government Zoo
Government Zoo in Gulbarga is the place to be for wildlife enthusiasts. Although small in size, this continues to be one of the top attractions in Gulbarga. Due to its small size, it is often referred to as a mini zoo. The Government Zoo is also home to a small children’s park where kids of all ages can play their hearts out and make friends. Spotted deer, black buck, sambar, jackal, and civet cat are some of the animals that call this zoo their home.
Established in 1988, this zoo welcomes over one lakh visitors every year making it one of the top tourist places to visit in Gulbarga. Silver Pheasant, Red Jungle Fowl, Kite and White Necked Stork are some of the birds that you can spot at this zoo. A wide range of reptiles like crocodiles, tortoises and pythons can also be found here.
Opening Hours: Monday from 09:30 AM to 05:30 PM, Wednesday to Sunday from 09:30 AM to 05:30 PM
Major Attractions: Phyton, Spotted Deer and Black Buck
Ideal Duration to Explore: 2 to 3 Hours
Jamia Masjid Quila E Hasham
One of the most prominent mosques in South India, Jamia Masjid Quila E Hasham is situated inside the Gulbarga Fort. The unique fact about this mosque is that unlike most of the mosques in the region, Jamia Masjid Quila E Hasham does not have minarets. The interiors of this iconic mosque are similar to that of the Spanish Mosque of Hyderabad and Great Cathedral–Mosque of Córdoba in Spain.
The arches inside Jamia Masjid Quila E Hasham are a popular attraction that piques the interest of visitors. The beautifully aligned arches create a visual treat. The giant archway at the entrance of the mosque is built in Moorish style. The architecture of Jamia Masjid Quila E Hasham is one of the best examples of Bahmani architecture. The construction of this mosque was completed in 1367 AD. Jamia Masjid Quila E Hasham is one of the most beautiful places in Gulbarga.
Opening Hours: Monday to Friday from 09:00 AM to 05:00 PM, Sunday from 09:00 AM to 05:00 PM
Major Attractions: Archway at the entrance and the arches inside the mosque
Ideal Duration to Explore: 1 Hour
Gulbarga is a Sufi city in Karnataka that has plenty to offer. While exploring this beautiful city, the many historical landmarks and significant attractions will keep you hooked. From the architecture of Dargah Hazrat Khwaja and Jamia Masjid Quila E Hasham to the wild animals at the Government Zoo, there are many things to explore while in this wonderful city.
FAQ
How many days are enough to explore Gulbarga?
A total of 3 to 5 days are enough to explore Gulbarga. It is also possible to stay for a longer duration if you wish to experience the culture and the lifestyle of Gulbarga while living like a local.
Are Kalburgi and Gulbarga the same?
Yes, Kalburgi and Gulbarga are one and the same. Kalaburgi is still the official name of Gulbarga.
What is the special food in Gulbarga?
Jowari roti, hoora hogile, and tahaara are some of the famous local dishes that should not be missed while at Gulbarga.