Bidar is up north in Karnataka, almost bordering Telangana and Maharashtra. It's not usually on the usual Karnataka travel routes. Everyone usually goes for Hampi, Mysuru, or Coorg and misses out on Bidar. It has one of the best-kept medieval forts in the Deccan. Plus, a walled old city with Sufi shrines and a college that taught astronomy and medicine way before it was common. If you're driving through north Karnataka or coming from Hyderabad it is a must stop place to enjoy around.
Book Your Bidar Taxi NowA Capital City With a Long Memory
Bidar used to be the capital of the Bahmani Sultanate, and then the Barid Shahi dynasty after that. You can still sort of see it in the city today. The Bidar Fort, built on this red rock, is pretty big, around 1.2 kilometers long. It's got a triple moat, which I guess surprises people because they expect just a ruin and not this huge, still-functioning fortress. Inside, you'll find palaces, mosques, and halls they used for meetings. Some of them still have bits of the colored tile work they were known for.
Beyond the Fort Walls
The Mahmud Gawan Madrasa, an Islamic university opened in 1472, is still there near the old city, even after a gunpowder explosion and just, you know, time took its toll and part of it fell away. A bit further, you find the tombs of the Bahmani and Barid Shahi rulers. They're in two separate places, and they're way less crowded than other similar spots in India. You've got time to really check them out, not just sprint through. Bidar is also a big deal for Sikhs because of Gurudwara Nanak Jhira Sahib. They think Guru Nanak stopped there. Pilgrims come from all over India for it. There's also Bidriware, a neat metal craft with zinc, copper, and silver inlay. Just walking around the local markets there is kind of a thing on its own.
How to Reach Bidar by Taxi and Local Transport
It's about 140 kilometers from Hyderabad and 120 from Gulbarga. Bidar has its own train station on the Hyderabad route. The closest big airport to the town is Hyderabad's Rajiv Gandhi. Gulbarga also has a smaller airport near Bidar. The historical places are spread out between the old city and the edges so most people just book a taxi for the day to explore places. You can't really rely on public transport if you want to see the fort, the madrasa, the tombs, and the gurudwaras all in one go. Many cab booking platforms offer Bidar cab bookings and packages. They offer airport pickups from Hyderabad then take you to Kalaburagi and Bidar. You can also do half/full day tours with a driver who knows monument times and the best routes between them to save time and avoid queues. Booking a taxi in advance, especially for October to February can confirm your booking and save money. This way you can avoid the hassle of arguing with drivers at each place.
Book a Bidar TaxiPlanning the Visit
You really need about two days to do Bidar right. One day for the fort and the old city stuff, and then another day for the tombs, the gurudwara, and maybe grabbing some Bidriware if you like that. It gets super hot and dry in the summer, so winter is way better for walking around those old walls and open tomb places. Some helpful tips for better experience
- Just wear something comfortable and modest as you'll be going to a lot of religious places.
- Take water as well with you.
- There are not many places to sit in the shade inside the fort.
- You can also get a guide at the main entrance if you want all the history and stories instead of just reading signs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many days are enough for Bidar?
One full day covers the highlights nearby and the second day can be used to explore the fort at very relaxed pace. You can also visit different tombs, madrasa and gurudwara nearby and enjoy a wholesome trip.
What is the best way to reach Bidar from Hyderabad?
A direct cab booking from Hyderabad takes roughly three hours and is generally faster than combining a train with local transport. As the private taxi will drops you at each monument directly.
Is Bidar Fort open every day?
The fort is open on all days of the week during daylight hours. You can also check the current timings before travelling to confirm best hours. There are chances that they can shift around public holidays.
What should I buy in Bidar?
Bidriware handicrafts are the most popular souvenir from Bidar. You can buy anything including vases, plates and jewellery boxes with silver inlay work. These are the city's signature souvenir and are widely sold near the old city market.
