Bidar, the tiny district, is steeped in history and rich culture. The capital of the Bahamani kingdom and later the Barid Shahi dynasty, Bidar has many places of architectural and historical interest. The Bidar Fort welcomes you with five darwazas (gates) that lead into a little town settled cozily within the ramparts. Historically, Bidar was a part of the Bahamani Kingdom, which comprised of Bijapur,
Gulbarga, Bidar, Golconda, and Birar. The ruler of Bidar was Barid Shah. The Nizams of Hyderabad later ruled Bidar. Bidar witnessed the "religious revolution" under the Lingayat Reformist Basavanna.
Bidar was the capital of the Bahmani kingdom from 1428 to 1489. It was besieged by Aurangazeb in 1656 and remained under a series of Mughal governors until 1724 when the Nizams swallowed it up. Bidar is famous for Bidriware, a distinct and exquisite craft of this district
Air: The nearest airport is Hyderabad.
Rail: Bidar is connected by rail with Bangalore, Bombay and Hyderabad
Road: Bidar is connected by road to: Hyderabad (136 kms), Bangalore (669 kms), Bijapur (246 kms), Gulbarga (110 kms), Basavakalyana (73 kms). KSRTC Buses ply from Bidar to Bangalore, Bijpur, Gulbarga, Raichur and Sholapur.
Local Transport: Auto Rickshaws, Taxis and City Bus Service.
Attractions in and around Bidar
The tombs on the plains outside the town are magnificent. Bidar fort is the most attractive monument of the town. It has five Darwazas and it is entered through a massive double gateway. Entering from the Gunbad Darwaza will lead you to the Rangin Mahal. The royal residence has elaborately carved wooden pillars, Persian couplets engraved in encaustic tiles and exquisite mother-of-pearl in lay work.
Not to be missed are the Gagan Mahal, the Diwan-E-Am where the fabulous turquoise throne once rested, the Takhat Malal, the Royal Pavilions, the Hazar Kothari, the Nubat Khana and the Bahamani Tombs at Asthur. Right in the heart of Bidar town stands the Chaubara, a 71 feet tower. You can have a splendid view from the top of the Chaubara.
The Madrasa of Mahamud Gawan is another important building in Bidar. This university was once a renowned center of learning. Attracting scholars from 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 wad through water. The ancient town of Basavakalyana - 80 Kms away became the center of education in Bidar and an abode of spiritual wisdom. Basavakalyan is remembered to date for the great and learned saints who made this city their home.
52 kms from Bidar, is a famous pilgrim Centre. It attracts thousands of devotees during the Veerabhadreshwara jatra, held for 7 days during January–February.
