Here’s a comprehensive 3-day itinerary for exploring Kalaburagi (formerly Gulbarga), Karnataka, along with a detailed table summarizing the top attractions, their popularity, average time spent, and entry fees.
Day 1: Historical Landmarks & Spiritual Sites
Morning
- 8:00 AM – Breakfast at Venkatgiri Restaurant
Start your day with a hearty South Indian breakfast. - 9:00 AM – Visit Gulbarga Fort
Explore this 14th-century fort built by Raja Gulchand and later expanded by the Bahmani Sultanate. The fort houses several structures, including the Jama Masjid. - 11:00 AM – Explore Jama Masjid
Admire the Indo-Saracenic architecture of this mosque, built in 1367 within the Gulbarga Fort complex. It is one of the earliest Friday mosques in South India.
Afternoon
- 12:30 PM – Lunch at Nisarga Family Restaurant
Enjoy a traditional meal featuring local specialties. - 2:00 PM – Visit Khwaja Bande Nawaz Dargah
Pay respects at the tomb of the revered Sufi saint, known for its historical and architectural significance. The dargah houses a library with over 10,000 books in Urdu, Persian, and Arabic. - 4:00 PM – Explore Buddha Vihar
Experience the tranquility of this Buddhist temple, inaugurated by the Dalai Lama, showcasing traditional Buddhist architecture. The dome is 70 ft in height and 59 ft in diameter, built with marble stone.
Evening
- 6:00 PM – Visit Haft Gumbaz
Conclude your day with a visit to this historical site, known for its unique architecture and serene environment. It houses the tombs of Bahmani rulers. - 7:30 PM – Dinner at Kamat Restaurant
Savor the regional cuisine, perhaps trying dishes like Jolada Rotti or Tahari.
Day 2: Temples, Forts & Scenic Spots
Morning
- 8:00 AM – Breakfast at Komal Café
Start your day with a traditional breakfast. - 9:00 AM – Visit Sharana Basaveshwara Temple
Explore this 12th-century temple dedicated to the Lingayat saint, known for its spiritual significance and serene ambiance. The temple houses the samadhi of Sharana Basaveshwara at the center called the garbha gudi. - 11:00 AM – Explore Malkhed Fort
Discover the remains of this fort, which was once the capital of the Rashtrakuta Empire. The fort has four entrances and 52 bastions.
Afternoon
- 1:00 PM – Lunch at Mohan Restaurant
Enjoy a meal featuring local specialties. - 2:30 PM – Visit Sannati & Kanagahalli
Explore these archaeological sites known for their Buddhist heritage and ancient inscriptions. Sannati is famous for the discovery of Major Rock Edicts of Ashoka.
Evening
- 5:30 PM – Visit Chandrampalli Dam
Relax by the reservoir, enjoying the scenic views and peaceful surroundings. The dam is constructed on the bed of the river Bhima. - 7:00 PM – Dinner at Venkatgiri Restaurant
Savor the regional cuisine, perhaps trying dishes like Jolada Rotti or Tahari.
Day 3: Nature, Temples & Cultural Immersion
Morning
- 8:00 AM – Breakfast at a Local Eatery
Start your day with a traditional breakfast. - 9:00 AM – Visit Koranti Hanuman Temple
Visit this temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman, known for its religious significance. The temple houses a huge idol of Hanuman. - 10:30 AM – Explore Sedam Temples
Discover the rich heritage of historical monuments and Jain Temples in Sedam. Most temples in Sedam were built between the 10th and 12th century AD, during the rule of Kalyana Chalukyas.
Afternoon
- 1:00 PM – Lunch at a Local Restaurant
Enjoy a meal featuring local specialties. - 2:30 PM – Visit Government Museum, Kalaburagi
Explore the museum housed in two Bahmani-era tombs, showcasing sculptures, coins, and artifacts from the region’s history.
Evening
- 5:00 PM – Visit Kesaratagi Garden
Relax in this well-maintained garden within the city, offering a peaceful environment with stretches of lawns and swings. - 7:00 PM – Dinner at Nisarga Family Restaurant
Conclude your trip with a delightful dinner, perhaps trying regional dishes.
Top Attractions in Kalaburagi
| Attraction | Popularity | Avg. Time Spent | Entry Fee (₹) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gulbarga Fort | High | 60–90 min | 25 |
| Jama Masjid | High | 30–45 min | Free |
| Khwaja Bande Nawaz Dargah | High | 30–45 min | Free |
| Buddha Vihar | High | 45–60 min | Free |
| Sharana Basaveshwara Temple | High | 45–60 min | Free |
| Malkhed Fort | Moderate | 60–90 min | Free |
| Sannati & Kanagahalli | Moderate | 60–90 min | Free |
| Chandrampalli Dam | Moderate | 30–45 min | Free |
| Koranti Hanuman Temple | Moderate | 30–45 min | Free |
| Sedam Temples | Moderate | 60–90 min | Free |
| Government Museum, Kalaburagi | Moderate | 30–45 min | Free |
| Kesaratagi Garden | Moderate | 30–45 min | Free |
Notes:
- Best Time to Visit: October to March, when the weather is more pleasant for sightseeing.
- Transportation: Auto-rickshaws and taxis are readily available for local commuting.
- Cuisine to Try: Don’t miss local dishes like Jolada Rotti (sorghum flatbread) and Tahari (a spiced rice dish).
Enjoy your trip to Kalaburagi!