TheeraYatra

Quick Overview

• Best Time to Visit: October to March
• Weather: Mild winters, hot summers
• Budget: ₹1,500–₹4,500/day

Plan Your Trip

Getting There

• Nearest Airports: Bidar Airport (limited flights) or Hyderabad (160 km) and Kalaburagi airports
• Nearest Railway Station: Bidar Railway Station
• By Road: Well‑connected via NH 9 and NH 7; local buses and taxis are available

Where to Stay?

• Options range from affordable guesthouses near the fort to comfortable mid-range hotels downtown.
• Staying near the Old City offers easy access to historic sites and local markets.

Packing List

• Light cottons & layers for winter mornings
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Sunglasses, hat & sunscreen
• Water bottle and light snacks

Top Places to Visit & Things to Do

Bidar Fort

A 15th-century Bahmani marvel built by Ahmad Shah I, featuring massive laterite walls, moats, bastions, and internal monuments such as Rangeen Mahal and Tarkash Mahal. No entry fee; visit by 9 am to beat the crowds

Rangeen & Tarkash Mahal

Inside the fort, renowned for coloured tiles, mother-of-pearl inlay, wood and stucco carvings—a blend of Hindu-Muslim artistry.

Solah Khamba Mosque

‘Sixteen pillars’ mosque within the fort—remarkable for its symmetry, clerestory screens, and royal ceremonial space.

Mahmud Gawan Madrasa

A 15th-century Indo-Islamic madrasa turned mosque, known for its twin domes and historical significance; on UNESCO’s tentative list.

Bahmani & Barid Shahi Tombs

Necropolis with Persian-influenced domed tombs from 15th–16th centuries, scattered around Asthur and within Bidar.

Chaubara (Watchtower)

A 71-ft Bahmani-era tower offering panoramic views of the plateau and the plains.

Gurudwara Nanak Jhira Sahib

A revered Sikh pilgrimage site featuring a sacred spring—spiritual and architectural marvel.

Narasimha Jhira Cave Temple

Ancient rock-cut temple with a flowing spring inside the fort

Deva Deva Vana

Eco-park ideal for a peaceful stroll, 12 km from city center

Basavakalyana

Nearby town known for its Chalukyan fort and Lingayat spiritual history, 80 km away

Must‑Try Experiences

• Explore the Fort Complex: Visit multiple monuments in the early morning
• Market Strolls: Hunt for Bidriware crafts—trays, vases, jewelry; vibrant bazaars sell spices, textiles & street food.
• Nature & Pilgrimage: Spend serene moments at Gurudwara and Deva Deva Vana Eco-park

Local Cuisine

• Naan Qalia (meaty curry)
• Bidri Chicken
• Badam Halwa (almond sweet)
• South-Indian staples: idli, uppittu, vada

Culture & Local Life

• Known as the “City of Whispering Monuments,” with ~98 heritage sites and UNESCO attention
• Famous for Bidriware, a local metal craft involving silver inlay on alloy
• A pilgrimage hub for multiple faiths—Islamic, Sikh, Hindu traditions intersect here
• Getting Around:
  • Walk or hire a scooter to explore old city and fort precincts
  • Local buses and auto rickshaws are affordable and plentiful

Local Insights

• Respect Heritage: Stay on pathways in monuments, avoid touching fragile art
• Best Visiting Time: Start early in the morning to avoid heat and crowd
• Languages: Kannada, Urdu, Marathi, English – basic English is widely understood
• Stay Weather-Wise: Evenings can be chilly in winter—carry a light layer

Enjoy Your Yatra!