Bijapur
Often called the 'Taj Mahal of the Deccan', the Ibrahim Rauza is in many ways more intimate and arguably more beautiful than its more famous cousin. Built in 1627 as the tomb of Ibrahim Adil Shah II, this Deccan Sultanate masterpiece features exquisitely pierced stone windows, richly carved minarets, and a perfect symmetry between its mosque and tomb that reportedly inspired the architects of the Taj. The garden setting and surrounding silence make it profoundly atmospheric.
The pierced stone screens (jaali) are best photographed with the afternoon sun behind the building — the light streaming through the carved patterns is stunning.