Said to have originally been built by Raja Gulchand of Warangal, Gulbarga Fort was later strengthened by Alauddin Hasan Bahman Shah, the ruler of the Bahmani dynasty. Kalaburagi fort, occupying an area of 20 acres with a circumference of 3km, has a double fortification with a 30ft moat between the walls and reflects a blend of West Asian and European military architecture. The fort has 15 bastions with some 26 guns. One of the canons is about 25 ft long.
Bahmani Sultans had the longest rule in Kalaburagi between 14th and 16th century.
Over time Kalaburagi fort has been under the rule of Rashtrakutas, Chalukyas, Kalachuris of Kalyani, Yadavas of Devagiri, Vijayanagara Empire, Hoysala Kingdom, and Sultanate of Delhi. Bahmani Sultans had the longest rule over Kulaburagi.
Major attractions inside Kalaburagi Fort
- 15 watchtowers
- 26 cannons including world’s longest cannon, Bara Gazi Toph made of 5 metals
- Beautiful courtyards
- Jamia Mosque- only one if its kind, earliest and biggest mosque in India and resembles Cordoba mosque in Spain
- Tomb of Khaja Bande Nawaz
How to reach Gulbarga (Kalaburagi): Kalaburagi is 575 kms from Bengaluru. Kalaburagi has an airport, 15 kms from city centre, with 3 times a week flight from Bengaluru. Bidar is another airport 110 kms from Kalaburagi. Kalaburagi has a railway station and good bus connectivity from various parts of Karnataka.
Stay: Kalaburagi town has budget and mid range hotels.