Taj Bawdi, Bijapur - Timings, History, Architecture, Best Time to Visit

At a distance of 4 km from Bijapur Railway Station, the Taj Bawdi is an ancient step well located in the walled city of Bijapur. It is one of the many monuments of Adil Shahis that one must visit as part of Vijayapura tour packages.

Taj Bawdi was constructed by Ibrahim Adil Shah in 1620 to honor his wife, Taj Sultana. It stands as the largest step-well in the Bijapur Sultanate and is considered a primary water source during the Adil Shahi reign. The step-well served the needs of a significant population during the eras of Ibrahim Adil Shah II and Mohammad Adil Shah.

Renowned for its distinctive architecture, the step-well reaches a depth of 52 feet and covers an area of 223 square feet, flanked by two octagonal towers on the front and east sides. The eastern and western wings were designed as rest houses for visitors. A small platform accessible from the archway provides entry to the well, with staircases on either side leading down to the water. Inside, a narrow gallery runs along the four walls, adorned with arches, and connects to spacious rooms featuring lancet-shaped windows on three sides, excluding the front. A local legend suggests that a stone thrown forcefully from one end of the well will never reach the opposite side, a belief that has persisted since its construction.

The exquisite architecture and detailed ornamentation of Taj Bawdi have made it a favored destination for tourists in Vijayapura. The well remained in use until the construction of the Bhutnal tank in the 20th century, after which it was used as a garbage dumping site for many years. Acknowledging the historical significance of this site, the NSI designated it as a protected monument and allocated approximately 800,000 rupees in late 2005 to clear the debris and restore the well by refilling it with water.
Timings: 6 AM - 6 PM

Entry: Free