Bidar
Travel Guide
In the northern-most part of Karnataka lies Bidar - a tiny district steeped
in history. The fort, the cannons, palaces in ruins, the magnificent tombs and
the massive monuments, all combine to make a visit to the one-time capital of
the Bahamani and Barid Shahi dynasties, truly memorable.
The most converient way to begin your sightseeing is from the
Bidar Fort.
Five darwazas (gates) with imposing bastions lead into a little town nestling
within the ramparts.
Enter from the Gumbad Darwaza and steps lead you to the Rangin Mahal. The royal
residence has elaborately carved wooden pillars, Persian couplets engraved in
encaustic tiles and exquisite nother-of-pearl inlay work. Near the palace are
the royal kitchens and the royal baths. Further on are the ladies' apartments
with a sixteen columned prayer hall built in 14323.
The Solah Kambah Masjid as it is popularly known, is the oldest Muslim
building in Bidar and one of the largest in India. Not to be missed are the
Gagan Mahal, the Diwan-E-Am where the fabulous turquoise throne once rested,
the takhat Mahal, the Royal Pavilion, the Hazar Kothari and the Naubat Khana.
Once the exhaustive tour of the Fort is complete, move on to the
Bahamani
tombs at Ashtur. The interiors of the tombs are adorned with well - preserved
paintings that are excellent examples of medieval Muslim art. The outer walls
are decorated in title work.
Right in the heart Bidar town stands the Chaubaara a 71 foot tower. You can
have a splendid view from the top of the Chubara. The Madrasa of Mahamud Gawan
is anoteh important building in Bidar.
Architecturally similar to the Madrasa at Fez, this university was once a renowned
centre of learning, attracting scholars fro all over the Muslim world. The rock
temple at Narasimha Zarni is also worth a visit. Situated in a big cave, the
temple is carved into the plateau and to approach the deity, you'll have to
wade through water.
While in Bidar, don't forget to visit
Basavakalyan - 80 kms away. Earlier
known as Kalyani, this was the capital of the later chalukayas in the 10th Century.
Embracing a large area, this ancient town.. "Surpassed in beauty and splendour
all other cities in the world". It became famous as a centre of wealth
and prosperity, a seat of learning an abode of spiritual wisdom.
Even today, Basavakalyan is remembered for the saints who made this city their
home - Basaveshwara, Akka-mahadevi, Channabasavanna and Siddharama.
Temples and mathas, mosques and durgahs, and a Fort constructed by the Chalukyas
of Kalyana beckon the tourist at Basavakalyan.
Languages Spoken:
Kannada, Hindi, Urdu, English.
When to go there:
The best time to visit Bidar is between September to February
How to go there:
Road:
Bidari is connected by road to most places in south India. Some of these are:
· Hyderabad (136 kms) · Bangalore (669 kms) · Bijapur (280 kms)
· Basavakalyan (73 kms) KSRTC Buses ply from Bidar at Bangalore, Bijapur,
Gulbarga, Raichur and Sholapur.
Rail:
Bidar is connected by rail with Bangalore, Bombay and Hyderabad.
Air:
The nearest airport is Hyderabad. (136 kms).
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