Barid Shahi Tombs is an important historical monument located in the heart of Bidar, Karnataka. These tombs were constructed during the reign of the Barid Shahi dynasty, which ruled the region between the 15th and 16th centuries. Barid Shahi Tombs are considered to be among the most excellent examples of Indo-Islamic architecture. There are several interesting tourist spots near these tombs as well.
Barid Shahi Tombs And Top Places To Visit Nearby
Barid Shahi Tombs is a must-visit spot for tourists planning a trip to Bidar, especially if they are interested in architecture and history. You may take a guided tour of the tombs to learn more about the history of the Barid Shahi dynasty. Barid Shahi Tombs is also surrounded by several other monuments and sightseeing spots that you should check out. Please keep reading to know more about them.
1. Barid Shahi Tombs
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Barid Shahi Tombs are a group of 12 tombs that are constructed with black basalt and feature a unique blend of Indian and Persian architectural styles. These tombs are decorated with intricate carvings and are surrounded by charming gardens, which makes them a widely popular spot for tourists and photography enthusiasts. The Barid Shahi Tombs are the final resting place of the rulers and members of the Barid Shahi dynasty. The tomb of Ali Barid is the most prominent among them, as he was the founder of the dynasty. These tombs also contain the remains of the wives and family members of the rulers.
There is a two-storied gateway that leads to the tomb of Ali Barid Shah. This 70-foot-high tomb has a huge dome supported by four pillars. It also features a grand pavilion built with laterite rock and green granite and rich floral designs carved on stone. Right in front of Ali Barid’s tomb you can find the tomb of Ibrahim Barid Shah, which has beautiful flower designs. This tomb has been built on a high platform with several graves spread all around
Timings: 4 PM to 8 PM and 10 AM to 8 PM on Sundays and Holidays
Location: Deccan Park and Barid Shahi Park
Distance from railway station: 3km
Also Read: Best Places To Visit In Karnataka
2. Gurudwara Nanak Jhira Sahib
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Built-in 1948, Gurudwara Nanak Jhira Sahib is dedicated to the first Sikh Guru, Nanak Dev Ji. It is located in a beautiful valley surrounded by laterite hills on three sides. Gurudwara Nanak Jhira Sahib comprises Langar Hall, Diwan Hall and Darbar Sahib.
The Guru Granth Sahib, the holy book of Sikh, is placed in the Sukhasan room of the Gurudwara. A Sikh Museum has been built near the Gurdwara in the memory of Guru Tegh Bahadur. This museum depicts key events of Sikh history through paintings and pictures.
Timings: Open all day
Location: Shiva Nagar
Distance from railway station: 2.5km
3. Bidar Fort
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This is among the most formidable forts of the country and is located at about 4 km from Barid Shahi tombs. Bidar Fort is an excellent example of the ancient Persian architectural style. Mortar and stone have been used to build the walls of this fort. One can enter the fort from the southeast by a zigzag passage that is protected by three gateways. The entrance gate of the Bidar Fort has a stunning lofty dome whose interiors are painted in bright colours.
Within the Fort complex, an old city features structures and monuments from the Bahamian era. Tarkash Mahal, Rangin Mahal, and Gagan Mahal are among the most famous structures here. Overall, the moats, monuments, museums, fortifications and bastions of the Bidar Fort make it a must-visit site near the Barid Shahi tombs.
Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM
Location: Old City Fort area
Distance From Bidar Railway Station: 2.5 kms
Related Post: Historical Places In Karnataka
4. Mohamad Gawan Madrasa
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Mohamad Gawan Madrasa is a three-storied complex decorated with intricate tile work and inscriptions of verses from the Quran. Built in the 1460s, it is the remains of a building that once was an Islamic college. Mohamad Gawan Madrasa is a heritage structure and tends to be included in the list of monuments of national importance. While the Madarsa initially had 100-foot-tall minarets in four corners, only the northern end minaret has survived over the decades. This minaret shows traces of blue-glazed tile work with calligraphy in Thuluth script featuring religious texts.
The first and second floors of the Mohamad Gawan Madrasa have balconies that project from the main structure in a curvilinear form without any such bracket support. On the other hand, the lower part of the tower is decorated with tiles arranged in a chevron pattern.
Timings: 9 AM to 6 PM
Location: Between Bidar Fort and Chaubara
Distance from railway station: 2 kms
5. The Narasimha Jhira Cave Temple
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This temple is dedicated to the lion god Narasimha, the incarnation of Lord Vishnu. The Narasimha Jhira Cave Temple is considered to be very sacred and famous for its natural beauty. It is also called the Narasimha Zarna Cave Temple or Jharani Narasimha Temple. This cave temple is excavated in a 300m tunnel under the Manichoola hill range. In addition to the main deity idol of Narsimha, you will also find two deities, Lord Narasimha and Shiva Linga, at the end of the cave, which are considered to have been worshipped by the demon Jalasura.
To reach the temple, you must walk through the tunnel with the stream of water that comes to the waist level. The sanctum can accommodate only eight people at a time. Post darshan, you can change your clothes at the toilet present on the temple premises.
Timings: 7 AM to 6 PM.
Location: Outskirts of Bidar Town
Distance from railway station: 5km
Related Post: Places To Visit In Bidar
6. Bahamani Tombs
Image Credit: Prasanna Sindol for Wikimedia Commons
Bahamani Tombs is a cluster of 12 tombs of Bahmani Sultans. In addition to Barid Shahi Tombs, this is among the most famous tomb complexes in the region. Bahamani Tombs are artistically built and encompass large mausoleums beautified with arches, niches and lofty domes. The tomb of Ahmad Shah-Al-Wali is the most prominent of the twelve tombs here. It comprises walls engraved with verses from the Quran written in gold. The paintings on the wall, along with a mausoleum with a swastika symbol, are the key highlights of the tomb.
The tomb of Sultan Allauddin Shah is also quite famous. It comprises titled panels and carvings on the black stone margins of arches, which are gracefully decorated with stucco work.
Timings: 9 AM to 6 PM
Location: Ashtur Village
Distance from railway station: 5.5km
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The Barid Shahi Tombs are renowned for their historical and architectural value. They reflect the grandeur and sophistication of the Barid Shahi dynasty, which played a crucial role in the region’s history. Visiting these tombs would allow you to admire stunning, intricate designs and a blend of Persian and Indian architectural styles. There are several places near Barid Shahi Tombs that you can also visit and explore. Plan your trip to Karnataka and nearby areas to witness a slice of Bidar’s rich heritage.
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Cover Image Credit: Ali bin husayn for Wikimedia Common
Frequently Asked Questions About Barid Shahi Tombs
How can you reach Barid Shahi Tombs from Bidar city centre?
The Barid Shahi Tombs are located within a short distance from the Bidar city centre. You can take a taxi, auto-rickshaw, or use local bus services to reach Barid Shahi Tombs.
Is there anything essential to know before visiting the Barid Shahi Tombs?
Barid Shahi Tombs is an expansive complex, and hence, to explore it fully, you should wear comfortable shoes. If you plan a summer visit, you must carry water, sunscreen and a hat to protect yourself from the heat and sun.
How to reach Bidar?
Bidar is well connected by railways and roadways. There is no airport in the city. The nearest airport is located in Hyderabad. Bidar has a railway station, with regular trains connecting it to major cities like Hyderabad, Bengaluru, and Mumbai. Bidar is well connected to Bangalore, Hyderabad, Gulbarga, and Bijapur via an excellent road network.
What is the ideal time to visit Bidar?
People should consider planning a trip to Bidar from November to February, as the weather is usually calm and pleasant during this time. The peak season is from June to October, while the moderate season falls between March and May.
What are the dishes to try out in Bidar?
There are many local delicacies that you must try out in Bidar, including Hyderabadi biryani, Bidri kebabs, and traditional Bidari sweets like laddu and jalebi.
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