Kalaburagi : A Hidden Gem of Karnataka (Updated in 2023)
Introduction
Kalaburagi, also known as Gulbarga, is a historic city in the Indian state of Karnataka. In the northern part of the state, Kalaburagi serves as the administrative headquarters of the Kalaburagi district. With a captivating history dating back to the 6th century, the city was once the capital of the Bahmani Sultanate and has been ruled by various dynasties over the centuries.
Kalaburagi is renowned for its numerous historical monuments and attractions, including the Gulbarga Fort, the Jama Masjid, the Tomb of the Bahamani Sultans, and the Khwaja Bande Nawaz Dargah. The city is also known for its vibrant culture, diverse cuisine, and a calendar full of festivals and events
History
Kalaburagi’s roots can be traced back to the 12th century when it was a part of the Chalukya Empire. In the 14th century, the city became the capital of the Bahmani Sultanate, one of the most influential empires in India at the time. The Bahmani Sultans left a lasting legacy in Kalaburagi, evident in the impressive structures they built, such as the Gulbarga Fort and the Jama Masjid.
Following the decline of the Bahmani Sultanate in the 16th century, Kalaburagi came under the rule of different dynasties. In the 18th century, it became a part of the Hyderabad Nizamate, remaining so until India gained independence in 1947.
Post-independence, Kalaburagi became a part of the state of Mysore, now known as Karnataka. Over the years, the city has experienced rapid growth and has emerged as a major commercial and educational hub.
Geography
Located in the northern part of Karnataka, Kalaburagi boasts a strategic location. Its topography varies from arid plains to lush greenery, with the Bhima River flowing through the region. Let’s delve into the geographical features that make Kalaburagi a unique destination.
Climate
Kalaburagi experiences a semi-arid climate characterized by hot summers and mild winters. The average summer temperature hovers around 35 degrees Celsius, while the average winter temperature is around 20 degrees Celsius. The city receives an average annual rainfall of 600 mm.
Demographics
Kalaburagi is home to a population of approximately 560,000 people. The majority of the population practices Hinduism, followed by Muslims and Jains. The official languages of Kalaburagi are Kannada and English
Historical Monuments
- Khwaja Bande Nawaz Dargah: This 14th-century Sufi shrine is one of the most important religious sites in Kalaburagi. Dedicated to Hazrat Khwaja Bande Nawaz Gesudaraz, a revered Sufi saint, the dargah showcases exquisite Indo-Islamic architecture, featuring a central mosque, tombs, and a courtyard.
- Gulbarga Fort: Constructed in the 14th century by the Bahmani sultans, Gulbarga Fort stands as one of the largest forts in India. Surrounded by a moat and three layers of fortification walls, the fort houses several notable structures, including a mosque, a palace, and imposing gateways.
- Haft Gumbaz: This 15th-century necropolis serves as the final resting place for seven Bahmani sultans and their families. The tombs, built in the Tughlaq architectural style using sandstone and basalt, are nestled amidst a beautiful garden, attracting numerous visitors.
- Jama Masjid: Constructed by the Bahmani Sultanate in 1367 AD, the Jama Masjid is a grand rectangular structure featuring a central dome and four smaller domes. The sandstone walls are adorned with intricate carvings, creating a unique blend of Indian and Persian architectural styles. The mosque can accommodate over 2,000 people and serves as a testament to the rich history and culture of the Bahmani Sultanate.
- Chor Gumbaz: This historical mausoleum, built in the 14th century, is an important architectural and historical site in Kalaburagi. It stands as a testament to the region’s rich heritage.
- Malkhed Fort: Once the capital of the Rashtrakuta dynasty in the 10th century, Malkhed was a thriving center of trade and culture. Today, it stands as a popular archaeological site, adorned with ruins of temples, forts, and other intriguing structures.
Religious Temples
- The Sharana Basaveshwara Temple: Dedicated to Sharana Basaveshwara, an 18th-century Lingayat saint, this temple is a prominent Hindu pilgrimage site in the Gulbarga region.
- Dattatreya Temple: Located in Kalaburagi, the Dattatreya Temple pays homage to Lord Dattatreya, a combined form of the Hindu trinity of Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva.
- Chandrala Parameshwari Temple: Situated in the village of Sanati near Kalaburagi, this temple is dedicated to the goddess Chandrala Parameshwari, a manifestation of Shakti.
- Ghattargi Bhagamma Temple: Located in the village of Ghattargi in the Gulbarga region, this temple reveres the goddess Bhagamma, another form of Shakti.
- Kalagi Kaleshwara Temple: This Hindu temple in Kalagi, Gulbarga district, is dedicated to Lord Shiva and stands as one of the oldest temples in India.
- Nagavi Yellamma Temple: Situated in the village of Nagavi, this temple pays homage to the goddess Yellamma, a form of Shakti.
- The Uttaradi Matha: Situated in Kalaburagi, Uttaradi Matha is one of the three main monasteries (mathas) founded by Madhvacharya in the lineage of Padmanabha Tirtha and Jayatirtha.
- Buddha Vihar: Constructed in 2007 near Gulbarga University, the Buddha Vihar stands as one of the largest Buddhist monasteries in South India. These vihars serve as places of worship, meditation, and the study of Buddhist teachings while also acting as important cultural and educational centers.
Tourist Attractions
- Chandrampalli Dam: Located in the Chincholi taluk of Kalaburagi district, this dam stands as one of the largest in the region. It offers picturesque views and recreational activities such as picnicking, boating, and fishing.
- Yata Pota Waterfall: Also known as Chincholi Waterfall, Gottam Gutta, this stunning waterfall in the Chincholi taluk is another popular tourist spot, particularly during the monsoon season. The falls, encompassed by rocks and boulders, plunge from a height of approximately 50 feet. Visitors can relish a swim in the inviting pool at the base.
- Dhab Dabi Falls: Also known as Hornet Falls, this captivating waterfall in the Gurmitkal taluk is a major attraction, especially during the monsoon season. Surrounded by lush green forests, the falls cascade down from a height of about 100 feet, creating a mesmerizing sight. Visitors can enjoy swimming in the pool at the falls’ base or embark on a trek through the enchanting surroundings.
- Sanati Buddhist Museum: This museum in Kalaburagi showcases various exhibits that shed light on different aspects of Buddhist art and culture. It houses an extensive collection of Buddhist statues, inscriptions, manuscripts, and artifacts, along with a library housing numerous books and journals on Buddhism.
- Government Museum: As a treasure trove of artifacts, the Government Museum offers insight into the rich history and culture of the region. Visitors can explore sculptures, paintings, coins, inscriptions, and other fascinating relics from prehistoric to more recent periods. The museum also features a natural history section, showcasing the region’s flora and fauna.
- District Science Centre, Kalaburagi: Established in 1990, this science museum aims to promote scientific knowledge and awareness, particularly among students. It boasts interactive exhibits covering physics, chemistry, biology, and mathematics and even houses a planetarium.
- Appa Lake, (Sharana Basaveshwara Lake): This man-made lake is one of the largest in Kalaburagi and attracts visitors with its scenic beauty and abundant birdlife. It offers a perfect retreat for birdwatching and photography.
- The Vaishno Devi Temple : is a magnificent replica of the famed Vaishno Devi Temple in Jammu and Kashmir, dedicated to the worship of the goddess Shri Shakambari Devi. Devotees must climb 125 steps to reach her shrine. Inside the temple, Shri Shakambari Devi can be seen in five forms.
- Brahma Kumaris Amrit Sarovar : a beautiful and spiritual place, is located about 10 kilometers from the city of Kalaburagi. The Brahma Kumaris organization established the meditation center in the 1980s, which conducts programs on yoga, meditation, and spirituality. The center is world-famous, and thousands of people visit it every year.
The Best Things to Eat in Kalaburagi
- Jolada Rotti: This traditional North Karnataka flatbread made from sorghum (jowar) flour is a perfect accompaniment to spicy curries or chutneys.
- Yennegai: A popular North Karnataka dish, Yennegai features small brinjals stuffed with a flavorful spice mix and cooked in a peanut-based gravy.
- Jowar Roti and Shenga Chutney: Jowar Roti paired with the spicy groundnut (peanut) chutney known as Shenga Chutney is a local favorite.
- Holige (Obbattu): Holige is a sweet flatbread made from lentils and jaggery, often enjoyed as a dessert or during festive occasions.
- Kalaburagi Chicken Biryani: This aromatic biryani made with chicken and a blend of spices is a popular dish in Kalaburagi. Served with raita and salad, it tantalizes the taste buds with its rich flavors.
- Kalaburagi Mutton Biryani: Similar to its chicken counterpart, this biryani features succulent mutton cooked with aromatic spices, creating a mouthwatering dish that is often enjoyed with raita and salad.
- Malpuri: This sweet dish is made with deep-fried dough soaked in sugar syrup and is a popular dessert for special occasions
Kalaburagi’s Top Shopping Destinations
- The Orchid King of Malls: This expansive mall offers a diverse range of shopping options, including clothing, electronics, and home goods. With its food court, movie theater, and amusement park, it provides a comprehensive shopping experience for families.
- City Center: Another popular mall in Kalaburagi, City Center houses a mix of national and international brands. It also features a food court.
- Asian Mall : Asian Mall is a well-known shopping destination with a variety of stores catering to different needs.
- Shradha Mall : is a multi-story shopping mall located in the heart of the city. It opened in 2009 and houses a wide variety of shops, restaurants, and entertainment facilities
- Vishal Mart : Vishal Mart is a renowned chain of hypermarkets in India, offering a wide selection of products, including groceries, clothing, electronics, and home goods. The Kalaburagi branch is located near My Medical, Station Area.
- DMart, Kalaburagi: DMart is a popular supermarket known for its extensive range of products. It is a one-stop shop for all your essentials.
- Khadi Bhandar : For those interested in purchasing Khadi products, the Khadi Bhandar in Kalaburagi offers a wide array of traditional handspun and handwoven fabrics.
- Saraf Bazaar : This bustling jewelry market in Kalaburagi is well-known for its exquisite collection of jewelry.
- Chappal Bazar : Known for its extensive selection of chappals and shoes, this market is a paradise for footwear enthusiasts. It offers a wide range of options for men, women, and children, catering to various styles and budgets.
- Local markets : There are a number of local markets in Kalaburagi where you can find fresh produce, vegetables, spices, and other items. These markets are a great place to experience the local culture and find unique items at good prices.
- Handicraft shops : There are a number of handicraft shops in Kalaburagi where you can buy traditional handicrafts, such as bidriware, wood carvings, and stone carvings. These shops are a great place to find souvenirs and unique gifts
Tips for Planning a Trip to Kalaburagi
- Best Time to Visit: The ideal time to visit Kalaburagi is during the winter months (October to March), when the weather is pleasant. Summers (April to June) can be scorching, while the monsoon season (July to September) brings heavy rainfall.
- How to Reach: Kalaburagi is well-connected by air, rail, and road. The nearest airport is Kalaburagi Airport, located approximately 10 kilometers from the city center. The city also has several railway stations, including Kalaburagi Railway Station and Malkhed Railway Station. It is easily accessible by road from major cities such as Bengaluru and Hyderabad.
Aerial View of Kalaburagi
Conclusion:
Kalaburagi, a city with a vibrant tapestry of culture, history, and natural beauty, is a must-visit destination for travelers from all walks of life. With its ancient temples, majestic forts, and bustling markets, Kalaburagi offers a truly immersive experience.
Whether you’re seeking spiritual solace, cultural enlightenment, or culinary adventures, Kalaburagi has something to offer everyone. So, embark on a journey to this enchanting city and discover its hidden gems and timeless charm. Click here to see more blogs on kalaburagi