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Saat Manzil

Bijapur, Karnataka, India
Details: Saat Manzil, which literally means "Seven Stories," was a grand palace built by Ibrahim Adil Shah II in 1583 AD. It served as a royal residence and a pleasure pavilion within the high-security Arkilla (Citadel). Although it was originally seven stories high, only five stories remain standin g today, with the upper two having collapsed over time. The building is unique for its verticality in a city known for its horizontal expanse. Each floor was designed for different purposes—some for private living, others for entertaining, and the topmost floors to catch the cool breeze. The palace was once lavishly decorated with gold leaf, murals, and intricate stucco work. Legend says the Sultan could view the entire city and even distant monuments from the top floor. Interestingly, the building was connected to a sophisticated water system that supplied water to ornamental baths on various levels. Today, it stands as a slightly dilapidated but imposing structure, offering a hauntingly beautiful silhouette. It is currently used for some government offices, so entry to the interiors is often restricted, but the exterior view is a highlight of the Citadel tour. It represents the height of luxury and the architectural ambition of the Adil Shahi dynasty before the decline of the Sultanate.

General information

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    Ideal Duration:
    30 Minutes
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    Place Type:
    Heritage / Palace
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    Entry Fees:
    Entry Fees: Entry is Free to view from the outside. The building is part of the public Citadel area. ...
    Entry Fees: Entry is Free to view from the outside. The building is part of the public Citadel area.
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    Timing:
    Timings:

    Regular

    Timings:
    6:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

    Ideal Visit Time: Early morning for the best natural light on the facade. ...
    Timings:

    Regular

    Timings:
    6:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

    Ideal Visit Time: Early morning for the best natural light on the facade.
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    Special Events:
    Special Event: Not a venue for events, but a key stop during heritage walks conducted on World Heritage Day (April 18). ...
    Special Event: Not a venue for events, but a key stop during heritage walks conducted on World Heritage Day (April 18).
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    Best Photo Spots:
    Photo Spots:

    The Side View: To capture the verticality and the five remaining stories in one frame.

    Contrast Shot: Take a photo with the lush green lawns of the Citadel in the foreground.

    Read More
    Photo Spots:

    The Side View: To capture the verticality and the five remaining stories in one frame.

    Contrast Shot: Take a photo with the lush green lawns of the Citadel in the foreground.

    Detailing: Zoom in on the arched windows of the fourth floor.

Photo Gallery

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Darjeeling
Queen of Hills • Tea Gardens

Things To Do

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    Things to Do:

    Exterior Observation: Walk around the building to see the different architectural layers of each floor.

    Photography: It is a great subject for black-and-white photography due to its weathered look.

    Historical Comparison: Compare its design with the nearby Gagan Mahal to understand royal vs. public spaces.

    Learn about the Murals: Read up on the lost paintings that once adorned its walls.

    Evening Walk: The area around Saat Manzil is perfect for a quiet stroll at dusk.

    Identify the Water Channels: Look for the stone cisterns at the base of the building.

    Visit the Museum: The nearby Archaeological Museum has artifacts r...

Resturants

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Information

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    Why Famous:
    Why Famous: It is famous for being the tallest residential structure of its time in Bijapur. Its vertical design is a departure from the usual low-slung palaces of the Deccan. ...
    Why Famous: It is famous for being the tallest residential structure of its time in Bijapur. Its vertical design is a departure from the usual low-slung palaces of the Deccan.
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    Architecture:
    Architecture: A vertical palace structure with arched openings on every level.

    Dimensions: The remaining structure is about 97 feet high. Each floor has a series of rooms connected by narrow corridors and stairs. The base of the building i...
    Architecture: A vertical palace structure with arched openings on every level.

    Dimensions: The remaining structure is about 97 feet high. Each floor has a series of rooms connected by narrow corridors and stairs. The base of the building is reinforced with thick walls to support the height. Traces of the "Chini Mahal" (China Palace) can be found nearby, which was part of this royal residential complex.
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    How To Reach:
    How to Reach:

    By Air: Hubli Airport is the best option.

    By Train: Bijapur Station is a short auto ride away.

    By Road: Located in the center of the fort area.

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    Near Tourist Places:
    Gagan Mahal (0. 1 KM), Pani Mahal (0. 2 KM), Anand Mahal (0. 1 KM), Gol Gumbaz (2 KMS), Jama Masjid (1. 5 KMS), Bara Kaman (1. 2 KMS), Taj Bawdi (1. 8 KMS), Malik-e-Maidan (1. 5 KMS), Upli Burj (1. 7 KMS), Jod Gumbaz (2. 2 KMS)

Tourism Tips

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    Tourism Tips:

    Permissions: Check with the guards if you want to enter the premises, as it houses some offices.

    Walking: The ground is uneven, so wear sturdy shoes.

    Health: Ke...

Reviews

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Information provided here in good Faith and for reference only.

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