Officially known as Kalaburagi, this city is famous for its historical monuments, temples, tombs and delectable cuisine. Located at a distance of 623 kms from Bangalore, Gulbarga, the administrative headquarters of Gulbarga is laid out with rich cultural heritage dating back to the 6th century. The city thrives on architectural marvels of those ages while being an important religious centre of Sufism.
The stark architecture and monuments of the area, with Hindu and Muslim influences in equal measure, look stunning and serene. The forts, in particular, are a must-visit. With a busy tourist season, budget accommodation options and colourful festivals, Gulbarga promises an enjoyable time for its visitors. If you’re looking for a healthy dose of cultural beauty, heritage and breathtaking locations, Gulbarga is just the place for you.
Places to Visit
Khwaja Bande Nawaz Dargah
To witness a unique confluence of religious diversity, visit the Khwaja Bande Nawaz Dargah. This is the tomb of the famous Sufi mystic Khwaja Bande Nawaz. Home to a vast library composed of more than ten thousand books of Urdu, Arabic and Persian languages, this mausoleum is one of the most visited sites of Gulbarga. The Persian, Indo-Saracenic and Arabic influences on the building are evident from the dome and towers that surround the tomb. Even today, the Darga stands as a testament to the unity of various religions of the region. People believe that all wishes come true to earnest devotees who step foot in the mausoleum, regardless of religion. The neem tree built on the grave of the saint’s daughter is said to have healing powers too.
Budhha Vihar
Nestled amidst arrant tranquillity and serenity, Buddha Vihar is the place to be if you are someone who enjoys peace. Situated within the Gulbarga University, the monument is a significant Buddhist pilgrimage center constructed in the conventional Buddhist styles of India. The Vihar is located in Gulbarga, a city also popularly referred to as Kalaburagi. Formally inaugurated by the spiritual leader of Tibet, Dalai Lama, Buddha Vihar stands as a shrine hailing non-violence and world peace. Keep in mind that the site is closed between 12 noon and 4:00 PM every day.
Gulbarga Fort
Arguably the most popular tourist attraction at Gulbarga, this fort was built in the twelfth century by the Kakatiya king Raja Gulchand. This granite monument imposes a stunning façade which exhibits a beautiful blend of Persian and Indian architecture. Renovated by the Bahmani rulers two hundred years later, the Fort was expanded to strike a formidable barrier to invaders. Boasting of 15 towers, the structure is sure to make you marvel at the glory of the rulers of yore. The Jama Masjid located inside warms the soul with its spires and columns. You can picnic with your loved ones inside the ruins of the fort too!
Sharana Basaveshwara Temple
Sharana Basaveshwara Temple also known as Sabhamandapa, is located in Gulbarga. It is a sacred place dedicated to Saint Basaveshwara, who is identified as a teacher, philosopher, and enlightened being who made several significant contributions to society, under the wing of Hinduism. Built-in the twelfth century by the Lingayat saint Sharana Basaveshwara, this temple is a marvel of Hindu stone carvings.
The pillars, walls and towers of the site are covered with intricate carvings of Hindu gods, goddesses, demigods, damsels, animals and events from local lore. The temple stands out because of its characteristically unique style of construction that was not common at the time. The Car festival of the Sharana Basaveshwara Temple is a must-visit. The silver cover of the deity and the sandalwood artefacts of the temple are taken out on the procession, giving you an exceptional insight into the various practices of the region. The temple also serves free meals to all pilgrims irrespective of religion – enjoy the local delicacies as you partake in this celebrated tradition!
Chandrampalli Dam
The Chandrampalli dam is located in Karnataka, in the district of Gulbarga. It is one of the primary dams constructed on the bed of river Bhima (during 1973). The dam is surrounded by the thick covers of Gottam Gotta forest. There is an island located on the Dam which has attracted various tourists and visitors. The Dam is about 28.65 meters high and 926 meters long. The pleasant weather on the dam is accompanied by the beautiful scape of the two mountains that are connected through the Dam. The region has emerged as an ideal location for trekking and camping.
The Chandrampalli dam is an earthen dam and hence is built of sand, loam, clay and other materials. The Dam has 6 spillway gates, located at the southern end of the dam. The dam can hold a water level up to 496.21 meters. It has a storage capacity of 34.19 mcm. It also has a pathway, broad enough for walking or driving across the dam. The dam is 962 meters long and 28.65 meters high. The flow of the river Bhima at the dam rises during monsoons and dries up during the summer. The area around the dam is not densely civilized because of which tourists can enjoy the natural beauty of the place. This has also contributed to the emergence of this place as a beautiful tourist place.
Jama Masjid
Jama Masjid is a 14th-century mosque in the Gulbarga City of Karnataka. It is a part of the Gulbarga Fort complex which marks the establishment of the Bahmani Kingdom in the Deccan. The mosque is considered one of the first to be built in South India. Jama Masjid Gulbarga along with the Spanish Mosque of Hyderabad (built inside Paigah Palace) are the two only Indian mosques that reflect the essence of Spanish architecture. They both have interior similar to the Great Cathedral-Mosque of Cordoba, Spain.
Haft Gumbaz
Also called ‘Saat Gumbaz’, this is a series of seven tombs of Bahmani military leaders built side-by-side in Gulbarga. While the actual tombs are out-of-bounds to visitors, you can visit the outer structure. The tombs are laid out in a neat, structured way, with sprawling gardens. The aura is calm and peaceful. Haft Gumbaz is perfect for a relaxing evening as you contemplate life and enjoy the Persian-style monuments.
Koranti Hanuman Temple
This temple is the newest addition to the tourist attractions of Gulbarga. Less than a hundred years old, the significance of this temple lies in the massive statue of the Hindu God Hanuman at the entrance. The imposing idol of the monkey-faced Lord knees as two royal elephants flank him. Locally called ‘Guarantee’ Hanuman, this deity is believed to grant all wishes. Ram Navami festivities are held with great pomp and joy here.
Government Zoo
The Government Zoo, primarily known as the Mini Zoo, is one of the tourist attractions in Gulbarga district. Though it doesn’t lie in the list of the must-see destination, it still manages to capture the attention of numerous visitors from different corners of the city. This zoo is a great place to enjoy a good quality time with kids due to the presence of the various mammals.
Vaishno Devi Temple
It is believed that the goddesses blisses only those who truly intend to seek her blessings from their hearts. An earnest desire will not go unfulfilled inside the doors of Mata Vaishno Devi.
Mata Vaishno Devi is believed to confer to the strength to the weak, sight to the blind, wealth to the poor, bless childless couples with children.
It is believed that all three Goddess Lakshmi, Goddess Saraswati and Goddess Kali together became Mata Vaishno Devi in order to kill Mahishasura.
Day by Day Devotees are increasing in big numbers to this Temple. And when it’s come to architecture they built like cave. Reason to build like cave is Mata Vaishno Devi is usually meditating in the cave so that is the reason Temple built like a cave.
Must Try Food in Gulbarga
1. South Indian Food at New Gurudatta Bhojanalaya
2. Vegetarian Restaurant SHA
3. JDP Family Restaurant
4. Kababish Restaurant
5. Ashraya Bar & Restaurant
6. South Indian Food at Hotel Sapthagiri Orange
7. North Indian Fod at Kartik Family Restaurant
8. South Indian Restaurant The South Udipi Hotel
9. Maharashtrian Cuisine at Shivaji Maratha Khanavali
10. Biryani at Nabi’s Emporia Restaurant
How To Get Here
By Air
The nearest international airport is the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, which is around 4-5 hours away. This airport is connected to all major national destinations including Delhi, Chennai, Mumbai, Kolkata, Cochin, Bangalore, Jaipur and Coimbatore.
By Road
Gulbarga is best reached through bus from Bangalore and Hyderabad. Both journeys take around 10-12 hours. Both government and private buses are available. You can avail air-conditioned sleeper buses too. Charges range from INR 400 – 800.
By Train
Gulbarga is connected to most cities in the southern states of Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Kerala and Tamilnadu by rail. Northern cities like Delhi and Mumbai are also connected to Gulbarga. There are two railway stations in the vicinity – Gulbarga and Martur. Shatabdi Express, Konark Express, Chennai Mail, Lokamanya Express, Coimbatore Express, Rajkot Express, Udyan Express and Shirdi Express are a few major trains that halt at Gulbarga.