Upli Burj, Vijayapura (Bijapura)

First thing that comes to our mind when we hear burj is the famous Khalifa of Dubai. As you have guessed it is an 80 feet tall tower right in the middle of a busy road in Vijayapura (Bijapura) just 3 kilometers away from Gol Gumbaz.

Probably one in the afternoon was not the best time to see a place like this especially if you are in North Karnataka. Again, one cannot wait only for early morning or evening as that window was quite short. After parking the vehicle we clambered up the circular steps. Have you noticed when the staircase is spiral the climb is tedious. Here however the steps were broad and the distance between each stride is shorter. We counted the steps to be 70.

Standing tall at a height of 80 feet this watch tower was built by Hyder Khan, commander-in-chief of Ibrhim Adil Shah II in 1584. Hence it is also called Hyder burj. The edges of the circular structure was completely stone-fenced, so it is safe for children and acrophobics. Every brick of the tower had been placed into a perfect circle. It was used for military purposes in older times. An old man sitting at a corner said the visibility to a solider stationed here stretched for 50 kilometers. That was hard to believe exaggeration even for an old man, but we were not going to diffuse his irrational theory. Who knows he would have genuinely believed that narration.

There were two imposing cannons, one a little bigger than another. There was a stony platform of circular base and vertical top that separated the cannons. The pillar on the platform holds iron cords that were connected to the hooks of both cannons. We think these were new additions to give balance to these artilleries. One cannon was stationed on stony pulpits while the other on the floor. Both were heavy and massive. 

The tower offers 360-degree angle view of the Vijayapura (Bijapura) town. We spotted Gol Gumaz among others faintly. Though it was blazing sunny, wind was roaring with gust. The walls are strongest standing tall for hundreds of years. If the stones could whisper we get to hear tales of life of bygone era. 

Tips

Best Season: June to February

Best Time: Early morning/evening

Entry: Free

Visitor's Time: 8 am to 5 pm

Nearby Attractions: Ibrahim Rouza, Gol Gumbaz, Bara Kaman, Malik-E-Maidan

Attire and Accessories: Cotton clothes, comfortable shoes, umbrella/cap, sunshades, sunscreen, water bottles