Located on the Deccan Plateau, Bidar is situated in the North-East
region of Karnataka. Famous for monuments and temples, Bidar rivals the North
in architectural beauty and splendour. This city is best known for historical
monuments dating back to the Bahmani era. This historical city also has
temples, Masjids and monuments from an array of Kingdoms and ruling emperors
including the Adil Shahi, Pre-Kaktiya, Bahamani, Tughlaq, Nizam and Mughal periods. This city is popular for
fusion architecture where Hindu, Turkish and Persian craftsmen have created
architectural marvels with elements of different architectural styles to offer
visitors breathtaking structures, exclusive to the city. Bidar offers tourists
and pilgrims ample proof of its rulers' architectural prowess.
One can reach this destination via road,
rail or air with the nearest airport at Hyderabad. Karnataka state transport
offers buses that ply from major cities in the state to Bidar. Those
travelling by train can alight at Hyderabad, which also has the closest
railway station.
Outlined below are important tourist
destinations in Bidar.
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Bidar Fort
Attraction: Battle-station and an aesthetic
structure
Bidar Fort is one of the most formidable and
robust forts in the country. Built on the brink of the Deccan plateau, the
fort served as a battle-station for warriors protecting the city. Bidar fort
has five gateways for entry into the fort. Reliable historical sources reveal
that several engineers and eminent
architects were employed to design and build the fort.
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Bahamani Tombs
Attraction: Mausoleums at Ashtoor
Tourists travelling to Bidar must visit the famous Bahamani tombs,
huge sepulchres and mausoleums located at Ashtoor, about 4 kilometres east of
Bidar. These are grand structures built
in honour of the departed rulers and warriors of yesteryear, to honour their
years in service or as a ruler. There
are twelve tombs placed in a row making for an impressive sight. These are
massive structures with grand arches, lofty domes and niches. The interior of
these monuments is well decorated with beautiful paintings.
Jharani Narasimha Cave Temple
Attraction: Temple with a canal
One of the ancient Hindy temples, this cave
temple is dedicated to the revered Lord Narasimha. The temple has been
excavated in a tunnel, an architectural marvel and a rare structure in all of
India. According to legend, the Lord Vishnu slew the giant Jharasura after
destroying Hiranyakashyap. To visit the deity, one must wade through a canal
that is 91 meters long, with a continuous water flow, a depth of about 1.4
meters. The temple attracts devotees from all over the world.
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Solah Khamb Mosque
Attraction: Largest mosque in India
This mosque is the largest in the country
with magnificent columns, domes and arches. Also called the Zanana Masjid,
this edifice is located in the Zanana enclosure of Bidar. It is supported by
16 grand pillars in the front, making for a beautifully designed structure.
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Papnas Temple
Attraction: Holy pilgrim centre housing a large cistern
Papanash is Kannada signifies the annihilation of all sins and
evil. This temple is a popular pilgrim spot, built to destroy evil in the
South. At its foot is a cistern measuring 16 feet by 14 feet, fed by a natural
spring throughout the day. To the North of the temple is a small tank, believed
to be in existence since the Ramayana times.
Bidri Ware
Attraction: Rare art form in Bidar
Bidri ware is an integral part of the Bidar
Heritage. This signifies a special style of work called
"Damascending"in Silver. This fantastic art form was developed in
Bidar, after its introduction to the city from Iran around 1422 AD. The art
involves a sharp contrast between a black oxidized background and lustrous
silver carving in-laid to lend a rare beauty to Bidri Ware. Articles
traditionally crafted using this art form include hookahs, water jugs, candle
sticks, wash basins, crockery, dishes, cosmetic boxes and flower vases.
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Entry Fee :
No entry fee.
Visit Bidar for a wonderful trip filled with fun and frolic with
your family and friends.
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