Bahmani Tombs are located in Bidar, Karnataka, India, and are noted for their historical importance and architectural marvel. The complex contains the tombs of 12 Bahmani Sultans. It is one of the most significant historical monument in Bidar. If you love travelling or want to take a break from your everyday life, this is where you must be. You can also find other equally fantastic tourist spots to explore alongside Bahmani Tombs in Bidar.
Places To Visit Along With Bahmani Tombs
Getting mesmerised by ancient monuments and remains is not something you experience every day. Below, you can find more information on Bahmani Tombs and a few other tourist spots in the nearby area:
1. Bahmani Tombs
Image Credit: S N Barid for Wikimedia Commons
The Bahmani Tombs, located 5.5 km from the Bidar railway station, are one of the most important historical monuments in Bidar, Karnataka. The Bahmani Tombs consist of 12 tombs of 12 members of the Bahmani clan who ruled the Deccan region from the 14th – 16th century. The tombs in the compound are of Sultan Ahmed Shah, his wife, his sons Mahmud Khanand Daud Khan, his son Ala-ud-Din Shah, his son Humayun Shah, Humayun Shah’s wife Mallika-i-Jahan, Nizam Shah, Muhammad Shah III, and Mahamud Shah II. There are also two anonymous tombs, the tomb of the last rulers of this clan Wali-Ullah and Kalim Ullah, and the tomb of Shah Rukh Khan who is believed to be a descendent of the family.
The tomb of Khalil-ullah Kirmani, a Sufi saint and spiritual guide to emperor Ahmad Shah, can also be found here. Apart from its historical importance, the architecture of the mausoleum is also marvellous. The peculiar Indo-Islamic design found here can be found in a few other monuments in the Deccan area. This design can be said to have been influenced by Persian architecture, but it also has a notable Indian or Hindu architectural influence. All these attributes make this a must-visit tourist spot in this area.
Address: WH86+4HQ, Ashtoor, Karnataka 585403
Days Open: Monday – Sunday
Timings: Open 24 hours
Entry Fee: Free
Nearest Railway Station: Bidar Railway Station
Nearest Airport: Bidar Airport
Also Read: Best Places To Visit In Karnataka
2. Bidar Fort
Image Credit: iMahesh for Wikimedia Commons
Situated 3 km from the Bahmani Tombs in the city of Bidar, Karnataka, the Bidar Fort is one of the spectacular forts in the state. The fort was initially under the control of Western Chalukya dynasty, but eventually the ownership changed. Ahmed Shah I of the Bahmani dynasty shifted his capital from Gulbarga to Bidar in 1430 and rebuilt the fort along with many Islamic monuments. The Bidar fort has a quadrangular layout, and the architecture was inspired by Persian architecture. The main gate of the fort exhibits the same architectural style. The fort has 7 gates and houses an old city inside the fort complex.
Several other monuments and two important mosques were built inside the fort, and all bear similar historical and architectural significance. In 2014, it even made its way to the ‘tentative list’ of UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites. Bidar Fort is another prominent tourist spot in the nearby area of Bahmani Tombs, and you will surely be in awe of this spectacular monument.
Address: Old City Fort Area, Bidar, Karnataka – 585401
Days Open: Monday – Sunday
Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM
Entry Fee: Free
Nearest Railway Station: Bidar Railway Station
Nearest Airport: Bidar Airport
3. Mahmud Gawan Madarsa
Image Credit: Prasannasindol for Wikimedia Commons
Situated 2 km from Bidar Railway Station and near Bahmani Tombs, the Mahmud Gawan Madarsa is a beautiful historical structure. Mahmud Gawan was a Persian merchant who came to the Deccan region during the reign of the Bahmani sultanate. With his honesty, depth of knowledge and simplicity, he soon won over the Bahmani rulers and got appointed as the prime Minister of the court of the king. Besides that, he was also a popular and respected person among the locals. This old madrasa, or Islamic university, was built by him in 1472 AD. The madrasa used to be a three-storey building and was a highly reputed university at that time.
The architecture is also something to be amazed at. The influence of Persian architecture can be clearly seen in the intricate designs and details of the monument. It housed large reading and lecture halls, a mosque, and a massive library. However, when the political battles peaked in Bidar, and it was conquered by the Mughal king Aurangzeb, the madrasa was transformed into a military cantonment and suffered a lot of damage during this time. Still, it has retained quite some of its previous charm and glory.
Address: Dargah Pura, Old City Fort Area, Fateh Darwaza Road, Chidri, Bidar – 585401
Days Open: Monday – Sunday
Timings: 9 AM – 6 PM
Entry Fee: Free
Nearest Railway Station: Bidar Railway Station
Nearest Airport: Bidar Airport
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4. Narasimha Jhira Cave Temple
Image Credit: Jaideep Rao for Wikimedia Commons
Located around 5 km from Bidar, the Narasimha Jhira Cave Temple is a must-visit destination visiting the Bahmani Tombs. The temple is dedicated to the Man-Lion incarnation of Lord Vishnu, known as Lord Narasimha. The unique feature of this temple is that it is located inside a water-filled tunnel-like cave which is located below the Manichoola hills. Devotees must walk through this 300m long water tunnel to reach the end of it and then get a glimpse of the deity. Interestingly, this tunnel has numerous bats hanging from the ceiling; however, no one has been even slightly injured by these bats to date.
A myth related to this temple is that the water, which has been flowing through the tunnel for hundreds of years, is the demon Jalasura, who, after being killed by Narasimha, became water and started flowing through his feet. It is also believed that the deity is self-manifested over here; thus, the temple is held in high regard among the people. So, if you are someone who loves exciting adventures, this temple must be visited near Bahmani Tombs.
Address: Malkapur Road, Mangalpeth, Bidar – 585401
Days Open: Monday – Sunday
Timings: 7 AM – 6 PM
Entry Fee: 10/- per person
Nearest Railway Station: Bidar Railway Station
Nearest Airport: Bidar Airport
You May Also Like To Read: Things To Do In Chikmagalur
Bahmani Tombs, no doubt, spotlighted Bidar as a great tourist destination. However, Bidar has a lot more to offer. There are other tourist destinations here alongside Bahmani Tombs that are equally spectacular and historically significant. Bidar is one of the places in South India that is known for its rich history. The eye-catching monuments, Persian architecture, and exquisite historical sites will surely make your trip to this place worth your time. So, if you want to visit these fantastic destinations, plan a trip to Karnataka soon and create unforgettable memories with your loved ones and family.
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Cover Image Credit : Sngmsh8666 for Wikimedia Commons
Frequently Asked Questions About Bahmani Tombs
What is the best time to visit Bahmani Tombs?
The best time to visit Bahmani Tombs is during winter. Winters are very comfortable in Karnataka so that one can see between December and February. The month of December, however, can become a bit chilly. Still, the highest and lowest temperatures are around 28 degrees Celsius and 17 degrees Celsius, respectively.
Are there other tourist spots near Bahmani Tombs?
There are numerous tourist places in and around Bahmani Tombs in Bidar, Karnataka. Historical monuments, temples, a Gurudwara, etc., also make this place worthy of a visit.
Are there places to buy souvenirs around Bahmani Tombs?
There are markets nearby Bahmani Tombs and throughout Bidar where you can purchase gifts and souvenirs for your friends and family. Bidar is well-known for its handicraft products, sandalwood products, wood carvings, etc. The markets are open almost throughout the day.
How to reach Bidar from Hyderabad?
Bidar is 150 km from Hyderabad, and it takes 4 hours to reach it by road. By train, it takes roughly 2 hours and 40 minutes. So, from Hyderabad, Bidar is quite close, so this place is becoming a tourist hub daily.
Can Bahmani Tombs and other locations in Bidar be covered in 1 day?
Bahmani Tombs and other tourist locations in Bidar are open throughout the day and require no entry fee. Thus, you can cover many locations in one day.
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