2. If you enjoy a city tinted in the shade of past and glorified with rich culture
and heritage, then Bidar is just your kind of place. Situated in the state of
Karnataka, Bidar is a city with great historic significance.
Once considered to be the most flourishing cities of South India, especially
between the 11th and 16th century, today Bidar is packed with specimens
of great architectural marvels adding charm to the city. Being the center of
power of many great kingdoms such as Chalukyas, Allauddin Khilji,
Muhammad bin Tughluq etc. has enriched the city that showcases the
architectural legacy of their rulers. Apart from this, Bidar is also packed
with variety of flora and fauna along with Godavari and Krishna River
gurgling through the city. Presence of temples, mosques and tombs also
glorifies the spiritual aspect of the city making it popular among pilgrims.
All in all, Bidar is a wholesome package for vacationers and holiday
makers providing all the core ingredients for an amazing trip.
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4. Bidar Fort stands tall with pride of
historical significance and
architectural brilliance in the city of
Bidar in Karnataka. A favourite tourist
spot in the state, the majestic fort is
one of the nostalgic throwbacks to the
opulent past of India. People come to
visit this place to witness a glimpse of
the mighty South Indian dynasties that
ruled over Deccan. Now a deserted
place, it still boasts of its intimidating
bastions, fortifications, moating and
the colourful royal palaces and
museums which the visitors can
witness to have a taste of the past.
Entry is free for all and photography is
allowed so you can capture the
experience of your walk down the lane
of history forever.
5. A famous cave temple popularly
referred to as Jharani Narasimha Cave
Temple is dedicated to self manifested
deity of Narasimha Dev. To worship
the deity of the temple, devotees have
to pass through the cave which
comprise of a continuously flowing
stream of water.
The water in the cave is about at the
waist level with bats hovering at the
ceiling. Although sounds bit spooky,
the place will definitely leave you
enchanted with the spiritual aura it
creates.
6. Apart from being packed with the umpteenth number of tourist
attractions, Bidar is also a shopping paradise. The place is
famous for its Bidri handicrafts, wood carving work, silver
inlaid work, sandalwood products, etc. Bidar is famous for
Bidriware, which originated here itself. The items involve
inlays of gold or silver on the base of an alloy of copper and
zinc. The art beautifies the objects like paan boxes, trays,
platter, hookah, and goblets. The Bidriware artifacts can be
great mementos for your Karnataka Tour.
Among the popular markets here are the Bahmani Bidri Works
Showroom, Khadi Gramodyog Sangh, Sandalwood Craft,
Tarkari Market and Gandhi Gunj Adat Market. Shopping in
Bidar is all about getting your hands on the great Bidriware
artifacts. These artifacts are so exquisite that they are even
displayed at the Louvre Museum in Paris.
Bidriware is iconic of Bidar and forms the core of its identity
outside India as well. Also, the products made out of
sandalwood are no less creative. Toy animals, abstract
sculptures, utility items and knick knacks, all made from the
fragrant wood are readily available.
7. A cluster of 12 tombs located in Ashtoor are what
is known as Bahamani Tombs. The tombs comprise
of large mausoleums adorned with lofty domes,
arches and niches.
However, the most sought after tomb is that of
Ahmad Shah-Al-Wali which best known for its
fascinating walls engraved with verses from Quran
in gold colour. The paintings on the wall of the
tomb are quite spectacular. The salient feature of
the tomb is the swastika symbol that adorns the
wall of the mausoleum. Another popular tomb is of
Sultan Allauddin Shah-II featuring beautiful tile
panels and arched with carved borders.
8. Located inside the Bidar Fort complex,
Rangin Mahal is an architectural wonder
that is one of the best preserved
monuments till date. A perfect epitome of
craftsmanship of mid 16th century, the
palace is situated near Gumbad Gate.
Adorned with beautiful wooden carvings
and incredible Persian tile work on the
inside rooms, one can also witness the
verses of Quran on the entrance arch.
9. Papnash Shiva Temple is one of the most
popular temples of the city. It is believed
that Lord Ram while returning from Lanka
installed a Shivalingam in this temple.
Owing to its importance, the temple is
always flocked with devotees from all over
the country especially during the festival of
Shivratri. The surroundings of the temple
are also quite captivating with a natural
spring flowing into a pond Papnasha. A
cycle-rickshaw or an auto-rickshaw is one
of the best medium of commutation to the
temple from city center.
10. Situated in the heart of the city,
Chaubara is a 22m high old
cylindrical tower. One can
witness the spell-binding views
of the whole plateau from the
top of the tower, the building
serving as a watchtower.
11. Displaying the relics of the past, Solah
Khamba Mosque is a popular structure also
known as Zanana Masjid. Constructed
between the years 1423 and 1424 by Qubil
Sultani, the name of the mosque is derived
from 16 pillars erected in front of the
complex.
Displaying the beautiful artwork in form of
arches, domes and columns, the mosque is
one of the largest in the country. A large
well can also be found behind the southern
wall of the structure.
12. Located in the old part of the city
Bidar, Mohamad Gawan Madrasa is
actually the remains of a building
that was once the theological
college. Established in year 1472 by
Gawan, an exile from Persia and a
scholar of Bahmai court, the madrasa
apart from the place of imparting
knowledge is also a specimen of
great artwork.
Once served as a huge hub of Islamic
learning, today one can witness the
three storied complex enriched with
intricate tile work, inscription of
verses from Quran. The college once
comprised of a mosque, library,
lecture halls, laboratory as well as
the teachers quarters and hostels for
students.
13. Dedicated to first Sikh Guru Nanak Devji,
Gurudwara Nanak Jhira Sahib was
established in year 1948. It is situated at
the foothill of Bidar; it is hardly 2 km
away from railway station covered easily
by auto-rickshaw.
The gurudwara is comprised of different
sections including darbar sahib, Langar
Hall and Diwan Hall. The holy book of
Guru Granth Sahib is placed in the
Sukhaasan Room while there is also a
separate room for donations for which
receipts are also given their called
Likhari Room. It is believed that a dip in
the tank of holy water in front of the
gurudwara stairs will cleanse your body
and soul of all the sins.
14. Located at a distance of 4km
from Bidar, Chaukhandi is a
tomb created in the honor of
Hazrat Khalil Ullah, the
spiritual advisor of Mughal
emperor Ahmad Shah.
The tomb is in itself a
magnificent structure featuring
a two storied octagonal shaped
tomb adorned with stone work
and beautiful calligraphy. It
also features granite pillars
with incredible carving.