Nestled in Karnataka, Gulbarga (officially Kalaburagi) shines as South India's Sufism nucleus. Beyond its picturesque landscape, the city boasts a treasure trove of historical monuments, tombs, and temples, steeped in centuries-old tradition. From its flavorful cuisine to its architectural marvels blending Hindu and Islamic influences, Gulbarga stands as a testament to cultural richness. This historical tapestry traces back to the 6th century, marked by conflicts between the Chalukyas and Rashtrakutas. Later, the Bahmani rulers laid the foundation of Gulbarga in the 14th century, shaping its vibrant identity. Through the centuries, it endured the rule of the Nizams of Hyderabad, leaving an indelible mark on its heritage and character.
# Khwaja Bande Nawaz DargahOne of the best places where you can see the beautiful confluence of Hinduism and Islam is at the Khwaja Bande Nawaz Dargah. This is where the tomb of the famous Sufi mystic Khwaja Bande Nawaz is located. The complex also houses a huge library that includes more than 10,000 books in Urdu, Arabic, and Persian languages. This mausoleum is one of the most popular and most visited sites in Gulbarga. It is located inside the premises of the famous Gulbarga Fort.
# Buddha Vihar
Located in between utmost serenity and tranquility, Buddha Vihar is the perfect place to visit for those who enjoy peace. This beautiful site is located inside the Gulbarga University, and the monument has today become an important pilgrimage center for Buddhists. The monument has been built in the traditional Buddhist style of architecture.
# Gulbarga FortAnother famous place to visit in Gulbarga is the Gulbarga Fort. The fort was constructed in the 12th century by Raja Gulchand of the Kakatiya dynasty. This imposing granite monument is known for its stunning outside facade, which showcases a beautiful combination of Indian and Persian architecture. Almost 200 years after its construction, the fort underwent a renovation carried out by the Bahmani rulers. During this renovation, the fort was expanded further, and it became a formidable barrier to any invaders.
# Sharana Basaveshwara TempleAlso known as Sabhamandapa, the Sharana Basaveshwara Temple is a beautiful and historical temple you must visit in Gulbarga. This sacred site is dedicated to Saint Basaveshwara, who is known as a philosopher, teacher, and enlightened being who made many notable contributions to society. Constructed in the 12th century by Sharana Basaveshwara, who was a Lingayat saint, this temple is a must-visit in Gulbarga to see the marvel of Hindu stone carvings.
The walls, towers, and pillars of the temple site are covered with beautiful and intricate carvings of Hindu gods and goddesses, damsels, demigods, animals, and various events from the local folklore of the area. The temple is famous for its unique style of construction, which was not very common at that time in this region.
# Chandrampalli DamThe Chandrampalli Dam is one of the major dams that was built on the bed of the Bhima River in 1973. This dam is a major tourist attraction in Gulbarga as it is surrounded by the lush green Gottam Gota forest. There is also an island situated on the dam, which is a popular picnic spot with visitors. The dam is approximately 28.65 meters high and 926 meters long. The dam and surrounding area is the perfect location for camping and trekking.