Monuments in Bidar-Karnataka Tourism

Monuments in Bidar

By Meenakshi Gupta

Bidar is the land of incredible history, often called ‘The city of Whispering Monuments’, and has over 60 monuments from the glorious historical past. Referred as the crown of Karnataka, Bidar lies in the most northern part of the state of Karnataka. The prominent and historical part depicts that Bidar was ruled by many rulers like Chalukyas, Kakatiyas, Tughlaqs, Rashtrakutas, Bahamani Shahi, and even Hyderabadi Nizams. The monuments in Bidar illustrate the significant rich history of the district and the state. The marvelous architecture of monuments in Bidar is an interesting blend of Hindu, Turkish and Persian styles. Bidar is known for its several architectural, religious, and historical sites of great importance. The city has a prominent place on the archeology map of India due to its affluent heritage.
Of all the over 60 monuments in Bidar, the most famous and historic ones are worth visiting again and again.

Bidar Fort

Bidar fort

Bidar Fort

Known for its Islamic architecture and water supply system, Bidar Fort is one of the most-visited monuments in Bidar. The ruins of a glorious and a grand fort speak a thousand words. Bidar Fort was built by Ahmad Shah Wali Bahman in the 14th Century as Bidar was the then capital of the Bahmani Kingdom. Later in the 15th century in1427, the fort was renovated by Sultan Ahmad Shah-I when he shifted his capital from Gulbarga now Kalaburagi to Bidar. There are over 30 Islamic monuments inside the Bidar Fort premises making way from seven entrances to the fort. Bidar fort depicts the Islamic and Persian architecture with 37 bastions hosting metal shielded cannons. The main citadel housed mahals, mosques, and royal palaces.

Travel Tip:

There is no entry fee to the fort.
Photography is allowed.
You will need at least 2 hours to see the fort.
Fort timings are 9 am to 5 pm. ( kindly check the timings with local authorities before proceeding)

Bahmani Tombs

bahmani tombs

Bahmani Tombs – Ashtoor

Beautifully adorned domed mausoleums and a unique cluster of 12 Bahmani tombs in Ashtoor is a must-visit in Bidar for every traveler, history enthusiast, and who has a keen interest in archeology and ancient architecture. Built by Ahmad Shah Al-Wali, these tombs embrace magnificent domes, niches, and arches. The main attraction of these tombs is the fascinating walls engraved with the verses from the Quran written in golden colour. It also highlights the Swastika symbol which is so unusual in the Islamic style of architecture. These tombs stand tall in grandeur showcasing beautiful floral designs, religious texts, spectacular painted ceilings, artistically painted tiles, and much more. Ashtoor or Bahmani Tombs attracts travellers from all segments.

Travel Tip:

The Bahmani tombs are located in Ashtoor village and are around 5 km from the railway station.
You need at least an hour plus to see these tombs.
The tombs are open from 9 am to 6 pm. However, timings may differ on special days. Check the timings with local authorities before reaching Ashtoor.

Madrasa of Mahmud Gawan

madrasa of mahmud gawan

Madrasa of Mahmud Gawan

Mohamud Gawan Madrasa is the ruins of an Islamic College built in the 1460s is a three-storied heritage property decorated with intricate tile work and verses from Quran. This landmark piece of heritage has a special place in the list of monuments of national importance.
Madrasa once housed a mosque, a library, lecture halls, professor residences, and student cubicles. Students were taught Arabic, Persian languages, philosophy, astronomy, theology, and mathematics. The students were privileged with free education, boarding, and lodging facilities. One of its kinds in India, the Madrasa of Muhamud Gawan building suffered a lot of damage due to a gun powder explosion in 1695. However, due to its strong built and marvelous architecture, it still retains its glory.
The Madrasa attracts history enthusiasts, literature lovers, and travelers for many reasons including the façade made of colourful tiles in green, yellow, and white colours, a massive library with more than 300 volumes of manuscripts, artwork, and architectural excellence with quotes from Quran.

Travel Tip:

Madrasa is closer to Bidar Fort and Chaubara.
It is just 2 km away from the railway station. tombs.
You need to spend at least an hour seeing the monument.
The tombs are open from 9 am to 6 pm. However, timings may differ on special days. Check the timings with local authorities before reaching the place.
Wear comfortable footwear as there is a lot of walking.
There is no entry ticket to the monument.

Basavakalyana

Basavakalyana

Just 80 km away from district Bidar, Basavakalyana once was the capital of the Kalyana Chalukya Empire. Basavakalyana was once the center of wealth and prosperity in the region. Known for its fort, temple, lake, anubhava matapa, and Parusha Katte (Philosopher’s stone) this monument was a large metropolitan city. Famous for its cultural heritage, Basavakalyana was the karmabhoomi of Basveshwara, the most celebrated religious reformer of the 12th century. The iconic place of the time was the learning epitome of spiritual wisdom. The complex also hosts some Islamic monuments like Moti Mahal, Hydari Mahal, and Peeran Durga. Constructed by Chalukyas and later under the Nizam’s rule, the museum in the fort has an immense collection of historic valuables and Jain idols from the 10th and 11th Centuries.

Travel Tip:

There is a nominal entry fee for Indian travellers and a little higher fee for foreigners.
The timings for the monuments if from 9 am to 5 pm
Buses and cabs ply from Bidar. You can also reach Basavakalyana by train.
It takes about an hour and 20 minutes to reach Basavakalyana.

How to reach Bidar:

Being the district headquarters, Bidar is well connected by rail, road, and air. The biggest town closest to Bidar is Hyderabad in Telangana state. Hyderabad is about 150 km from Bidar. Bengaluru, the Karnataka state capital is about 690 km away.

By Air

Bidar has an airport under the UDAAN scheme and is connected to Bengaluru. The closest domestic and international airport is Hyderabad which is 149 km from Bidar city. Bidar is well connected via road and rail from Hyderabad.

By Rail

Being district headquarters, Bidar has a well-connected railway station. Trains from various parts of the country connect to Bidar. The nearest and biggest railway junction is Wadi Junction which is about 140 km.

By Road

Any city or town can be best traveled to the last mile by road. Bidar is well connected via the state-run transport system, KSRTC by bus from Bengaluru and other major cities in North Karnataka. To explore Bidar city one can hire a taxi either from Bidar or Hyderabad.

Best time to visit

Being in North Karnataka, Bidar is a comparatively hotter district than other districts in the state. The best time to visit Bidar is post-monsoon i.e. from September until February. Monuments in Bidar become cooler and it is comfortable to walk around in the town too.

What to buy

The native of Bidar, Bidriware with GI (Geographical Indication) tag was developed in the 14th century C.E. during the Bahmani Sultans’ rule. The popular metal handicraft from Bidar is one of the most prominent handicrafts in India. The white brass that is inlaid with silver with intricate craftsmanship forms exquisite artifacts, home décor, and jewelry. Bidriware is a must-buy from this heritage city.
Historical ruins and monuments in Bidar reflecting Islamic and Hindu architecture are a paradise for pilgrims and history lovers.

bidriware