Bidar District, Karnataka
District Headquarter: Bidar city
Distance: 735 km from Bangalore, 111 km from Gulburga, 120 km from Hyderabad
Journey time: 2 and half hours by road from Hyderabad, 16 hours from Bangalore via Hyderabad by road or 20 hours from Bangalore via Gulburga and Bellary.
How to reach there: By train Nanded Link Express from Bangalore, Secundrabad – Manmad Express from Hyderbad, Hyderbad – Aurangabad Express. One can also board Udyan express or KK Express from Bangalore and unboard at Gulburga and take a bus from there (105 km). KSRTC or private buses via Hyderabad.
Route: Bangalore – Anantapur (AP) – Kurnool (AP)- Bidar
Where to stay:
1. Mayura Hotel
Opp: New KSRTC Bus Stand,
Bidar
2. Prince Hotel
Udgir Road
Bidar
3. Kailash Hotel
Mahipal Singh Pawar Complex
Near Old Bus Stand, Bidar
4. Sapna International Boarding and Lodging
Udgir Road, Bidar – 585 401
Karnataka
Ph: 91 08482 220991-4
Fax: 08482 240095
Mobile: +91 9448258256
For high end hotels you can check Hotel Sapana Internationa, Hotel Krishna Regency.
Where to eat:
1. Kamat Hotel
Sapana Complex
Udgir Road Bidar
2. Atithi Bar And Restaurant
Sapana Complex
Udgir Road, Bidar
3. Hotel Mayura Barid Shahi
Udgir Road, Bidar
4. Shama Biryani
Opp.New Bus Stand ,Bidar
Language spoken: Kannada, Urdu, Hindi, Marathi. English is understood to an extent.
Shopping: Bidar is famous for handicraft and art. So you should keep some time for shopping. Below are name and address of few popular shops:
1. Bahmani Bidri Works Showroom
Near Tehsil Office
Bidar
2. Sultan Bidri Works
Kusum Galli, Chaubara road
Bidar
3. Raja Bidri Works
Kusum Galli, Near Govt Junior College
Chaubara Road, Bidar
For handloom:
1. Sandle Wood Craft
T.P office
Bidar
2. Khadi Gramodyog Sangh
General kariyappa circle
Bidar
Bidar has a very rich historical background. It has its mention from the days of Mayura dynasty before 200 BC. Bidar has changed hand many times. It was prominently ruled by Kadambas, chalukya, Rashtrakuta, Vijaynagara empire, Muhammad Bin Tughluq, Bhamini kingdom, Mughals, Nizam of Hyderabad. Due to the influx of various people at various times, one can find people of different race here and different culture. Bidar was a part of the Hyderabad state. After independence of India, during re-organization of states Bidar was added to then Mysore state (Karnataka now).
What to see:
1. Papnash Shiva Temple: It is believed that the Shiva linga (Idol) was installed by Lord Rama on his back from Sir Lanka. Located in a valley, it is around 2 km away from Bidar city.
2. Narshimha Jhira Water Cave Temple: Narshimha Jhira Water Cave Temple is located around 1 km from Bidar city. The deity here is Narashima (Lord Vishnu). Also, know as Jharani Narasimha Temple one has to go through over 3 feet water inside the cave to see the lord. The cave has nocturnal animals like bats and owls keeping you company. The cave is lighted and air conditioned. The temples remains open between 7 am and 6 pm.
3. Dev DeV Vana (Botanical Garden): Dev DeV Vana is botanical garden located 6 km away from Bidar city. It is has a large collection of medicinal plants. Recently, recreational amenities has been constructed for children.
4. Veerbhadreshewar Jatra’s at Humnabad: Large crowds gather during Veerabhadreshwara jatra. This function takes place between Jan and Feb for 7 days.
5. Manik Prabhu Temple at Humnabad: SHRI SADGURU MANIK PRABHU MAHARAJ, a 19th century saint, philosopher, mystic & poet established the Samsthan in 1845 to propogate the message of religious harmony & universal brotherhood. This temple was built after him. In December annual classical music concert is arranged.
6. Guru Nank Jhira: It is a beautiful gurudwara. It is located at the same place where Guru Nanak stayed during his second missionary tour of India. Meanwhile there was acute shortage of drinking water. Seeing the misery of people Guru Nanak performed a miracle and created a spring of fresh water from the rocks. Nobody knows where from the water is coming.
7. Bidar Fort: Bidar fort was originally built during the Bahamani rule of Sultan Ahmad Shah Wali in 1429 AD. Later addition were made by Barid Shahi Sultans. The fort is one of the best and strongest in India. Bidar fort contains royal town, royal batch, fountains, kitchens, mosque, pavilions etc. Located high on a plateau overlooking Manjira River Valley, Bidar fort gives a panoramic view of the surroundings.
Gai Mukh
Mailar: Mailar temple is located in Khanapur taluk of Bidar district. The deity Mailar is a form of Lord shiva and is worshiped in this region of deccan plateau. Also, known as Khandoba in Maharashtra and Mallana in Andhra Pradesh.
Jalsangi: Located near Homnabad is famous for its historical temple.
Grave of Mahammud Gawan: A small grave besides a lake, on the outskirts of Bidar, is believed to be his burial place, after he was beheaded upon the orders of the ruler Sultan Muhammad-III due to a misunderstanding.
Bahamani Tombs at Ashtur: Tombs for the Bhamini rulers of Bidar
The Chaukandi: Chaukhandi of Hazrat Khalil Ullah is a many faced tomb located 4 km from Bidar. Built in honour of Hazrat Khali Ullah, the spiritual adviser of Sultan Ahmed Shah.
The Baridi Tombs: Baridi Tombs are located around 2 km from Bidar town. Here one can find the tomb of Qasim Barid.
PLACES IN AND AROUND BASAVAKALYAN Basavakalyan is located 80 km away from Bidar city.
Basavakalyan Fort: Basavakalyan fort is located on the outskirt of the city and was built during Chalukyan era. The fort is still standing good. There is a museum inside and please note on Monday fort is closed.
Basaveshwar Temple
Parusha Katte
Prabhudevara Gaddige
Tripurantaka Lake
Akkanagamma’s Cave
Basaveshwara Mahamane
Vijnaneshvara cave
Caves of Sharanas Mathas and Dargahs
Manik Prabhu Samsthana at Maniknagar