BIDAR
Attractions : Solah Khamba Masjid, Gagan Mahal
Best Season : September To February
Languages : Kannada, Hindi, English
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 Gumbaz 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
Khamba 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 Takht Mahal,
the Royal Pavilions, the Hazar Kothari, the Nubat Khana and the
Bahamani Tombs at
Asthur.
PRIME ATTRACTIONS
Inner Fort:
Still in good condition, the present structure appears to be the work
Muhammad Shah Bahamani and Ali Barid.
The latter was responsible for mounting the many canons and guns on the
battlements. The fort has five gates with imposing bastions and each has
peculiar attraction of its own.
Shara Darwaza:
The old drawbridge was the first gateway and that having filled up, the
Shara Darwaza gateway was constructed. The outside walls have encaustic
tile work. The upper rooms in this gateway served as a 'Naqqar Khana', the
room housing drums and trumpets.
The figures of tigers on either side of the entrance are common in Deccan
forts and probably signify the Shia belief that these represented Ali and
hence the fort would be free from attack.
Gumbaz Darwaza:
The next doorway is typical of the contemporary Tughlaq Architecture seen
in Delhi, though traces of Persian influence can also be seen.
This was probably built by 1420 AD, by Ahmad Shah Wali. The triple moat
can be seen to the right of the road leading into the somber doorway.
The Royal Bath & Kitchen:
The 'shahi matbaks' are the buildings close to the big banyan tree and in
an earlier period must have been the palace of a noble.
These were also the royal kitchens. 'Shahi Hamaam' as it was called, is
now the local museum wherein some remarkable images of the Hindu period,
rare old china used in the royal households, besides hollow cannon-balls
filled with iron pieces can be seen.
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.
Nanak Jhera:
The famous Nanak Jhera - the largest Sikh temple atleast in Karnataka,
carries the tale that Guru Nanak - the first guru of the Sikhs visited
this place and got rid of the scarcity of drinking water in the region.
A popular spot is the Sikh temple, Guru Nanak Jhera, where fresh crystal
clear spring water appears from nowhere.
Rangin Mahal:
The colourful palace near the Gumbaz Darwaza is famous for its woodwork
and the mother-of-pearl inlay work. The outer hall was for the purpose of
giving audience and the wooden pillars are elaborately carved.
Solah Khamba
Masjid:
The sixteen columned prayer hall was built in 1423 AD by Prince Muhammad
even prior to the shifting of the capital to Bidar by the Bahamanis. This
is the oldest Muslim building in Bidar and among the largest in India.
Takht Mahal:
The ruins of the royal palace point to the architectural exuberance. The
lowlands and the western fortifications afford a splendid view of the
palace.
Gagan Mahal:
This is an earlier palace of the Dakamanis and is reaches from behind the
masjid. The entrance to the outer court has a four-centred arch reminding
one of the Tudor architecture.
Tarakash Mahal:
These are pile of ruins adjoining the masjid and originally consisted of
the apartments of the female members of the royal household.
The ladies occupied the upper apartments while the lower portions housed
the guards and the storerooms.
Madarasa of Mahamud Gawan:
It is another important building in Bidar. This university was once a
renowned centre 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.
EXCURSIONS
Basavakalyan: The ancient town of Basavakalyana - 80 Kms away,
embracing a large area "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.
TRAVEL INFORMATION
HOW TO GET THERE
Air: The nearest airport is Hyderabad.
Rail: Bidar is connected by rail with Bangalore, Bombay and
Hyderabad
Road: Bidar is connected by road to: Hyderabad (136 kms)
Bangalore (669
kms) Bijapur (246 kms)
Gulbarga (110 kms) Basavakalyana (73 kms) KSRTC Buses ply from Bidar
to Bangalore, Bijapur, Gulbarga, Raichur
and Sholapur.
Local Transport: Auto Rickshaws, Taxis, City Bus Service.
WHERE TO STAY
Hotel Mayura Barid Shahi, Main Road.
Hotel Kaveri, Jabshetty Market, Gandhi Gunj Road.
Hotel Kailash, Near Bus Station Road.
Basavakalyana Tourist Hotel, Bus Stations Road.
Know more about this Package !!!
279/A, Masjid Moth, South Extention - II
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Tel : +91-11-4164 3999 / 2626 2004
Fax : +91-11-2625 9695
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