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India » Bidar
 City Guide
 
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 Fragments of old colourful mosaics, grand old tombs of the Bahmani and Barid kings and an impressive 15th century fort that still encircles the town give Bidar its days-of-yore charm. It is a quiet place and not on most tourist itineraries.
Bidar is famous for being the place where Bidriware, a form of silver filigree art, originated. Bidriware is silver filigree done in Islamic motifs and set against a dark background of blackened zinc, tin, copper and lead to create the most striking ashtrays, boxes, bangles and such.Near Bidar is the town of Gulbarga, which was the Bahmani capital before the honour shifted to Bidar. The old fort at Gulbarga still stands, as do some beautiful mausoleums and mosques. |
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Bidar is well connected by public road transport to many places in South India including Gulbarga (near Bijapur), Bijapur, Bangalore and Hyderabad (the capital of Andhra Pradesh). There are direct trains to Bidar from places on the main Mumbai - Secunderabad - Chennai route (i.e. Bombay-Hyderabad-Madras). There are no direct trains from Bangalore though.
The nearest airport is at Hyderabad, which is 136 km from Bidar. There are direct buses to Bidar from the Hyderabad airport. |
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In the northern-most part of Karnataka lies Bidar - a tiny district steeped in history. As you enter the town, the Bidar Fort welcomes you with five darwazas (gates) that lead into a little town nestling within the ramparts.
Enter from the Gunbad Darwaza and steps lead you to the Rangin Mahal. The royal residence has elaborately carved wooden pillars, Persian couplets engraved in encaustic tiles and exquisite mother - of - pearl in lay work.
The solah Kambah Masjid is the oldest Muslim building in Bidar and one of the largest in India.
Not to be missed are the Gagan Mahal, the Diwan-E-Am where the fabulous turquoise throne once rested, the Takhat Malal, the Royal Pavilions, the Hazar Kothari, the Nubat Khana and the Bahamani Tombs at Asthur.
Right in the heart of Bidar town stands the Chaubara a 71 foot tower. You can have a splendid view from the top of the Chaubara.
The Madrasa of Mahamud Gawan is another important building in Bidar. This university was once a renowned center of learning. Attracting scholars from all over the Muslim world. The rock temple at Narasimha Zarni is also worth a visit. Situated in a Big cave, the temple is carved into the plateau and to approach the deity, you ll have to wad through water.
While in Bidar, don t forget to visit Basavakalyana - 80 Kms away. Embracing a large area, this ancient town?"surpassed in beauty and splendour all other cities in the world." It became a seat of learning and an abode of spiritual wisdom. Even today Basavakalyan is remembered for the saints who made this city their home - Basaveshwara, Akka - mahadevi, Channabasavanna and Siddharama.
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