Tourist Places in Bidar

Bidar lies in the northeastern region of the Indian state of Karnataka, and it serves as the headquarters for the Telangana and Maharashtra adjoining Bidar district. The city is part of a vast Metropolitan region, rapidly urbanising. The city has numerous significant architectural, historical, and religious attractions.

The Bidar fort, which is beautifully positioned on the Deccan plateau, has existed for more than 500 years and is still standing. The state government has long ignored it because it is the furthest away from Bangalore, the state capital, at about 700 kilometres (430 mi). However, the city is prominently displayed on the Historical Map of India because of its rich past.

According to the department's book "Bidar Heritage," around 30 of the 61 monuments listed by the state Department of Archaeology, Museums, and Heritage are tombs found in and around Bidar city, giving rise to the nickname "City of Whispering Monuments." In recent years, aside from the Kannada film industry, the historical sites in and near Bidar have become primary interests for filming.

The second-largest training facility for the Indian Air Force is located in Bidar. Bidar is well-known for its handicrafts made by the Bidri people and its lengthy history, and Sikhs see Bidar as one of their holiest locations. In contrast to neighbouring regions, Bidar is the coldest and wettest place in north Karnataka. Bidar was named fifth cleanest in Karnataka and 22nd among the cleanest cities in India for the academic year 2009-2010. Bidar is located along SH4, and a four-lane road connects the entire city.

History

Ahmad Shah Bahman (1423-1436 AD), a member of the Bahamani dynasty, built the foundations for the Bidar fort, and it was under his leadership that Bidar gained fame. Ahmad Shah Bahman built a new city close to the existing castle and gave it the name Ahmadabad-Bidar due to the scenery and climate in Bidar. The Barid Shah dynasty ruled Bidar after the Bahmani dynasty fell in 1538, which resulted in five autonomous sultanates.

Bidar was briefly taken over by the Bijapur Sultanate in 1619, but the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb retook control of it in 1686. From 1724 to 1948, Bidar was ruled by the Nizam of Hyderabad. From 1948 to 1956, it was a component of the former Hyderabad state before being divided based on linguistic differences. Following the division, Bidar was brought into Karnataka.

Tourist Attractions in Bidar

Some of the best tourist places in Bidar, Karnataka, are:

1. Narasimha Jhira Cave Temple

A well-known cave temple known as the Jharani Narasimha Cave Temple is devoted to the Narasimha Dev self-manifested god. Devotees must pass through the cave containing a continuously running stream of water to worship the temple's patron.

The cave's water is roughly waist deep. Although it may sound a little scary, the location's mystical aura will captivate you. Please be aware that the sanctuary can only hold eight people at once. As the devotee must crawl over pools to enter the caves, there is an option for changing rooms.

2. Bidar Fort

The splendid fort, a popular tourist destination in the region, offers an insight into India's rich past and the powerful South Indian dynasties that ruled over the Deccan. Although it is now deserted, it is proud of its enormous bastions, fortifications, moats, and vibrant royal residences and museums. Over 30 buildings can be found inside the fort walls.

Everyone is welcome to enter, and photography is permitted so you can never forget your trip down history lane. Like many other old forts in India, Bidar Fort's real roots have been lost to time. According to legend, Vidur, the Pandavas' uncle from the Mahabharata, lived in the ancient city of Bidar.

As the capital and home of the Bahmani dynasty, it had prosperity throughout the middle ages. According to that legend, the magnificent fort has a colourful past and has witnessed the rise and fall of several South Indian royal families. Some of their more well-known names include Satvahanas, Chalukyas, Rashtrakutas, Kakatiyas, and Yadavas. Later, it was captured by the Sultanates, Mughals, and Nizams, and over time, it underwent renovations, development, and enrichment to preserve and enhance its architectural beauty.

3. Rangin Mahal

Rangeen Mahal, an architectural wonder and one of the most delicate structures to present, is a part of the Bidar Fort complex. The palace is close to Gumbad Gate and is a fine example of mid-16th century construction.

The inside rooms of this building are decorated with magnificent wooden carvings and excellent Persian tile work, and the central arch has phrases from the Quran.

4. Bahamani Tombs

A collection of 12 graves known as the Bahmani Tombs may be seen in Ashtoor. The tombs are enormous mausoleums with complex niches, arches, and domes. The tomb of Ahmad Shah-Al-Wali, which is the most looked at adequately, is distinguished by its fascinating walls engraved with gold-coloured Quranic phrases.

The tomb's wall is covered in beautiful artwork, and the swastika emblem painted on the mausoleum's wall is the tomb's most notable feature. Another famous tomb is Sultan Allauddin Shah- II's, which has lovely tile panels and is domed with carved borders.

5. Chaubara

Chaubara is a historic, 22-meter-tall cylindrical tower located in the city's centre. The building, which serves as a watchtower, offers breathtaking views of the entire plateau from its apex. At the intersection of two significant metropolitan thoroughfares, the majestic Chaubara tower is anchored.

Many tourists are looking at this pre-Islamic item. It is packed and bustling because it is located in the middle of the city. This tower was constructed by Ahamed Shah Wali and renovated by his successors, and it was created before Islam's arrival. This watch tower was similarly built to the town's other barriers to transmit information quickly.

6. Mahmud Gawan Madrasa

The Mahmud Gawan Madrasa, situated in Bidar's historic centre, is truly the remains of the city's former theological institution. The madrasa, founded in 1472 by Gawan, a scholar of the Bahmani court and a Persian exile, is not only a location for teaching but also a fine example of ancient art.

Today, one can see the three-story complex that once housed a sizable centre of Islamic learning and is accessorised with complex tile work and Quranic verse inscriptions. A mosque, bookstore, classrooms, a lab, quarters for the teachers, and dorms for the students previously made up the college.

7. Gurudwara Nanak Jhira Sahib

The first Sikh Guru, Nanak Devji, is honoured in the 1948-founded Gurudwara Nanak Jhira Sahib. It is located at the foot of Bidar; the distance from the train station is only around 2 kilometres, which can be conveniently travelled by auto rickshaw.

There are several sections in the gurudwara, including the darbar sahib, the Langar Hall, and the Diwan Hall. The Sukhaasan Room contains the holy Guru Granth Sahib, while the Likhari Room is a separate area for donations for which documents are also provided. A dip in the sacred water tank next to the gurudwara stairs is said to purge your body and mind of all sins.

8. Solah Khamba Mosque

A well-known mosque also known as Zanana Masjid, Solah Khamba Mosque exhibits artefacts from the past. The mosque, which Qubil Sultani built between 1423 and 1424, gets its name from the 16 pillars that stand ahead of the building.

The mosque, one of the largest in the nation, has exquisite artwork in the shape of arches, domes, and columns. Behind the building's southern wall is a large well.

9. Chaukhandi of Hazrat Khalil Ullah

Chaukhandi, a tomb built in honour of Hazrat Khalil Ullah, the patron deity of Mughal ruler Ahmad Shah, lies 4 kilometres from Bidar.

The tomb is a spectacular structure, with a two-storied octagonal tomb decorated with fine calligraphy and stonework. It also has magnificently carved granite pillars.

10. Humnabad

Humnabad is 52 km from Bidar, among the most well-known Hindu pilgrimage sites. The renowned old temple of Lord Veerabhadreshwara is located at Humnabad. Every year, the area has a seven-day festival in January and February.

Throughout Veerabhadreshwara Jatra, tens of thousands of devotees journey to Humnabad. The Solah Kambah Masjid is the collective name for India's largest mosque and the oldest one in Bidar. Other attractions in Bidar include the Gagan Mahal, the Diwan-E-Am, where the majestic turquoise throne once stood, the Takhat Mahal, the royal Pavilion, the Hazar Kothari, and the Naubat Khana.

Shopping in Bidar

Bidar is a retail paradise in addition to being filled with many tourist attractions. The region is well-known for its Bidri handicrafts, woodcarving, silver inlay, and sandalwood items, among other things. Bidriware, which was developed in Bidar, is well-known. The products have gold or silver inscriptions on a copper and zinc alloy foundation. Items like paan boxes, trays, platters, hookahs, and goblets are made more attractive by art. The Bidriware items can create beautiful moments for your trip to Karnataka.

Getting your hands on the fantastic Bidriware artefacts is the primary goal of shopping in Bidar. The Gandhi Gunj Adat Market, Tarkari Market, Sandalwood Craft, Khadi Gramodyog Sangh, and Bahmani Bidri Works Showroom are a few of the well-known markets in this area. Due to their extraordinary quality, these items are also on show at the Louvre Museum in Paris.

The trademark of Bidar, bidriware, also serves as the foundation of its image outside of India. Additionally, sandalwood-based products are just as inventive. The fragrant wood is easily accessible and used to make various products, including toys, abstract sculptures, functional items, and trinkets.