Karnataka – a state that has so many wonders. If you are someone who is looking for a place that has the ideal combination of natural bliss and historic phenomena, Karnataka is the one for you. Besides some famous destinations, this spectacular state has a hidden gem called Bidar. And when you look for the top places to visit in Bidar, you need the right information.
Once popular as the capital town of the Bahamani Kingdom, Bidar witnessed so many historic events over years. Thousands of travelers visit this outstanding place to learn more about its historic and religious importance. Without wasting time, let’s uncover the mystery of the astonishing Kannada town.
Contents
About Bidar
Perched on the famous Deccan plateau, Bidar shares the borders of Telangana and Maharashtra. As we noted before, this magnificent city has an amazing touch of Islamic history which you can witness while unfolding the historical and architectural attractions.
Bidar is a peaceful city located around 700 km away from the state capital Bangalore. Even though the city has a rich heritage, it was neglected by the government for a long period.
However, Bidar became popular among tourists with time. In fact, Bidar is a popular shooting spot for the Kannada film industry and the second biggest training center of the Indian Air Force. Besides these things, Bidar is also popular for handicraft products.
Top Places to Visit in Bidar
Popularly known as the ‘City of Whispering Monuments’, Bidar is a place where you can find wonders in every corner. In short, it’s the ideal destination where you can find peace strolling around through silent ruins. Keep exploring as we cover the top places to visit in Bidar in the following list:
1. Bidar Fort
Drenched in Islamic history, Bidar Fort is the iconic landmark of this city. The architectural marvel stands tall to reflect the rich history of this region. Well, the foundation history of this fort is still unclear.
As per reports, Sultan Ahmed Shah Wali rebuilt this fort which was established by the Bahmani dynasty during the middle age. Some popular monuments of Bidar Fort are the Tarkash Mahal and the Rangin Mahal.
Bidar Fort is located around 2.5 km away from the railway station. The fort is open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. There’s no entry fee needed.
2. Gurudwara Nanak Jhira Sahib
Dedicated to Sikh Guru Nanak Dev Ji, Gurudwara Nanak Jhira Sahib is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Bidar. The construction of this gurudwara started in 1948. The phenomenal view of the surroundings attracts tourists more.
The gurdwara has a Diwan Hall, Langar Hall, and Darbar Sahib. Plus, it’s open all day. You can take a cab from the railway station as it’s located around 2.5 km from there.
3. Narasimha Jhira Cave Temple
When we are talking about discovering the hidden gems of Bidar, Narasimha Jhira Cave is exactly what you need to know about. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu’s fourth incarnation Narasimha. The iconic cave temple has a 300m tunnel under the Manichoola hill range.
In short, the temple is unique because of its natural beauty. You have to walk through the long tunnel with the stream of water. Narasimha Jhira Cave Temple is open from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM. It’s located 5 km away from the town area.
4. Bahmani Tombs
Bahmani Tomb is one of the most significant tourist places in Bidar. This place is a cluster of 12 Bahmani sultan tombs in the same complex. The tomb of Ahmad Shah-Al-Wali is the largest one here. Keep strolling around the complex and discover the beautiful paintings on the wall.
Bahmani Tomb is located in Ashtur village which is located around 6 km away from the Bidar railway station. The place is open from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. You don’t need an entry fee here.
5. Papnash Shiva Temple
As Bidar is a religiously important place, you need to visit the marvelous Papnash Shiva temple. According to legends, this ancient temple has the Shivling which was added by Lord Rama himself.
Many people visit this place during Shivratri when the whole city celebrates this festival together. Papnash temple is located around 20 km away from the city center and it’s open every day.
Best Tips to Visit Bidar
You can see Bidar is packed with ancient marvels. So that means you have to follow some crucial tips, especially when you are visiting for the first time. In the following list, we will share some useful tips that you can follow:
- Make sure you have all the information about the historic buildings. In this case, you can even hire a local guide.
- If you are visiting this place during winter, make sure you carry extra winter clothes.
- Exploring Bidar requires a lot of walking. So, make sure you carry a pair of sports shoes.
- Book your hotel in advance, especially when you are visiting during the peak season.
How to Reach Bidar
Being an important city in Karnataka, Bidar is well-connected with other big cities. The best part is you can reach Bidar by air, rail, and road. Let’s find out how:
By Air: The nearest airport to Bidar is Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, Hyderabad which is located around 148 km away. You can take a cab from Hyderabad airport to reach this tourist place.
By Rail: As Bidar is a well-known tourist destination, it is well-connected by rail. Well, rail service is available from Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, and Hyderabad.
By Road: Alternatively, you can also reach Bidar by road. In this case, hiring a cab is the best option. You can’t get regular buses on this route.
Best Time to Visit Bidar
The best time to visit this magical tourist destination is from September to March. In short, you will enjoy visiting this place during the winter months. So, try to avoid summertime.
Conclusion
Bidar is an ideal place for all those people who want to uncover offbeat gems. Each building of this ancient town tells a different story. So, make sure you study before exploring Bidar. In fact, you can get help from a local guide.
Ruchira is the founder of India Travelpedia, a writer by passion and profession. Besides writing, she’s a travel buff, foodie, and culture enthusiast.
