18 Places To Visit In Bidar To Admire The Beauty Of Karnataka In 2024!

Drenched in Islamic Indian history – Bidar is a city full of amazing ruins and monuments located in the state of Karnataka. Bidar is a small town that was once the capital of Bahamani Kingdom and has witnessed numerous vicissitudes in its eventful history. The aura of this city is appreciated by many and the rich ancient heritage attracts plenty of travellers across the country. You can find a number of places to visit in Bidar that dates back to the 15th century during the rule of Bahamanis.

Top 18 Places To Visit In Bidar, Karnataka

Bidar is a destination that has plenty to offer. Ranging from forts and temples to gurudwaras and mosques, there is something for everyone. This is the town that showcases religious harmony perfectly. Find below the list of all the top tourist places in Bidar that one should surely visit.

Bidar Fort – Intriguing Persian Architecture
Gurudwara Nanak Jhira Sahib – For Guru Nanak Dev Ji
Mahmud Gawan Madarsa – Timeless Ruins
Narasimha Jhira Cave Temple – Offbeat Pilgrimage
Bahmani Tombs – Tomb Of Ahmad Shah-Al-Wali
Chaukhandi Of Hazrat Khalil Ullah – Finest Stonework
Barid Shahi Tombs – Epitome Of Islamic Architecture
Chaubara Clock Tower – Ancient Remnants
Rangin Mahal – Well Preserved Complex
Papnash Shiva Temple – Religious Significance
Solah Khamba Mosque – All Is In The Name
Tarkash Mahal – An Impeccable Structure
Basavakalyan Fort – A Most Sought-After Fort
Papanash Shiva Temple – For Devotees Out There
Sri Mailar Mallanna Temple – A Place To Worship Lord Shiva
Sri Manik Prabhu Temple – Get Rid Of All Pains
Sri Kamalishwara Temple – Highlight Of A Historical Village
Bhalki Fort – Surrounded By Gems

1. Bidar Fort – Intriguing Persian Architecture

One of the best and magnificent places to visit in Bidar, the Fort is a wonderful specimen of the Persian architecture. Well-maintained, Bidar Fort stands tall with pride of its historical significance and is one of the most famous places to visit in Bidar. The origin of this fort is unclear but it saw power during the middle ages when it came under the rule of the Bahmani dynasty and was rebuilt by Sultan Ahmed Shah Wali. Within the fort complex, there is an old city with structures and monuments from the Bahamian era. Among these monuments, Rangin Mahal, Gagan Mahal, and Tarkash Mahal are popular. You can also see notable mosques like Solah Khamba Masjid and Jami Masjid in the fort. The Diwan-i-Am or Jali Mahal, Diwan-i-Khas or Takht Mahal or Throne Palace, and Valkoti Bhavani with few settlements are a few other visiting places in Bidar.

Distance from railway station – 2.5km

Timings – 9AM – 5PM

Duration of Trip – 1hr

Location – Old City Fort area

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2. Gurudwara Nanak Jhira Sahib – For Guru Nanak Dev Ji

Another one of the beautiful places to visit in Bidar Karnataka is the Gurudwara Nanak Jhira Sahib. Dedicated to the 1st Sikh Guru Nanak Dev Ji, this Gurudwara was constructed in the year 1948 and now is an important pilgrimage site in Bidar. Immensely beautiful, this shrine is nestled in a valley, surrounded by laterite hills on 3 sides and offers tranquillity to the visitors. There is a Darbar Sahib, Diwan Hall, Langar Hall and the Sukhasan room with a Guru Granth Sahib (the holy book of Sikh) in the temple.

Distance from railway station – 2.5km

Timings – all day

Duration of Trip – 1hr

Location – Shiva Nagar

3. Mahmud Gawan Madarsa – Timeless Ruins

Mahmud Gawan Madarsa, located in the old part of the city Bidar is the remains of a building that was once a theological college and is one of the beautiful tourist places in Bidar. Constructed by a Persian merchant named Khwaza Mahmud Gawan in 1472, this madrasa is one of the top places to visit in Bidar. This building is built over 3-levels with 100feet minarets in four corners is enriched with calligraphy in Thuluth script, intricate tile work and inscribed with verses from the Holy Quran.

Earlier, this madrasa featured a mosque, library, lecture halls, a laboratory, and a library where 3000 Persian books were kept. Also, there were 36 rooms for students and 6 suites for the teaching staff.

Distance from railway station – 2km

Timings – 9AM to 6PM

Duration of Trip – 1hr

Location – Between Bidar Fort and Chaubara

4. Narasimha Jhira Cave Temple – Offbeat Pilgrimage

Dedicated to the lion god Narasimha, the incarnation of Lord Vishnu, this shrine is one of the most famous places to visit in Bidar. Also called as the Narasimha Zarna Cave temple or Jharani Narasimha Temple, this cave temple is excavated in a 300m tunnel under the Manichoola hill range. Apart from the main deity idol of Narsimha, there are 2 deities Lord Narasimha and Shiva Linga at the end of the cave which was worshipped by demon Jalasura. It is also believed that the idol of Narasimha is self-manifested and quite powerful. The temple is known for its natural beauty and the devotees will have to walk through the tunnel with the stream of water that comes to the waist level.

Distance from railway station – 5km

Timings – 7AM to 6PM

Duration of Trip – 1-2hr

Location – Outskirts of Bidar Town

5. Bahmani Tombs – Tomb Of Ahmad Shah-Al-Wali

Bahamani Tombs is a cluster of 12 tombs of Bahmani Sultans in the same compounds. Artistically built these tombs encompasses large mausoleums beautified with lofty domes, niches, and arches and one of the famous places to visit in Bidar. The tomb of Ahmad Shah-Al-Wali is the most sought-after one out of all the 12 tombs which consist of captivating walls engraved with verses from the Quran written gold. The paintings on the wall are beautiful and mausoleum with a swastika symbol is the main highlight.

Distance from railway station – 5.5km

Timings – 9AM to 6PM

Duration of Trip – 1-2hr

Location – Ashtur Village

6. Chaukhandi Of Hazrat Khalil Ullah – Finest Stonework

Established to honor the spiritual advisor of Mughal emperor Ahmad Shah – Hazrat Khalil Ullah, this tomb know its impeccable architecture. Adorned with stonework and calligraphy, this magnificent structure has 2-storeyed octagonal-shaped tomb and granite pillars with splendid carvings.

Chaukhandi of Hazrat Khalil Ullah is one of the prominent historical monuments and best places to visit in Bidar. The walls of the tomb are finished with stucco work and the doorway is adorned with inscriptions of Koranic verses. This tomb features a total of 3 graves in the main vault and a few others in the corridor.

Distance from railway station – 5km

Timings – all day

Duration of Trip – 0.5hr

Location – Ashtur Village

7. Barid Shahi Tombs – Epitome Of Islamic Architecture

Barid Shahi Tombs are located in a 55-acre verdant garden of Deccan Park and comprises the tombs of Ali Barid and his son Qasim Barid. Barid Shahis took control over this place at the start of the 15th century. Ali Barid Shah, the most prominent rulers among the Baridshahi loved architecture and constructed this tomb 3 before his death in 1577. Finest examples of Islamic architecture and beauty, this tomb is one of the best places to visit in Bidar. You can find the tomb of Ibrahim Barid Shah which is similar but smaller in size.

Distance from railway station – 3km

Timings – 4PM to 8PM and 10AM to 8PM on Sundays & Holidays

Duration of Trip – 1hr

Location – Deccan Park and Barid Shahi Park

8. Chaubara Clock Tower – Ancient Remnants

Another wonderful creation of ancient architecture and one of the most popular places to visit in Bidar is the Chaubara Clock Tower. Built during the prehistoric period, this building featuring semi-Islamic architecture is no doubt one of the top visiting places in Bidar.

Chaubara means a building that faces all the 4 directions and this 71 feet building having cylindrical structure gives a 360-degree view of the whole city. It was an observation post in the olden days and there is a large clock in at the top of the tower.

Distance from railway station – 2km

Timings – all day

Duration of Trip – 15min

Location – Fort road

9. Rangin Mahal – Well Preserved Complex

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One of the most stunning places to see in Bidar, Rangin Mahal is a beautifully structured fort that appeals to all the history and architecture buffs out there. This Fort is a well-preserved complex that was built in the mid-16th century. This Mahal sits close to the Gumbad Gate and features a six-bay hall that has carved wood columns in rectangular form. Each of the columns in this Mahal has intricate and elaborate capitals and carved brackets. The interiors of this Mahal adorn multicolored and beautiful tilework, simply adding to the beauty.

Distance from railway station – 2.5km

Timings – 7AM –6PM

Duration of Trip – 1hr

Location –Ground Fort Area, Bidar, Karnataka 585401

10. Papnash Shiva Temple – Religious Significance

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Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the Papnash Temple is one of those places to see in Bidar that are a must-visit. A popular attraction amidst locals and tourists alike, Papnash Shiva Temple is believed to have been home to the shivling that was added by Lord Rama himself on his way back from Lanka. This Shiva Temple has major religious significance attached to itself and witnesses pilgrims visit all year long. The best time to pay a visit to this temple is during Shivratri when the whole city seems bright and vibrant.

Distance from railway station – 21km

Timings – N/A

Duration of Trip – 30mins

Location – Shiva Nagar, Bidar, Karnataka 585402

11. Solah Khamba Mosque – All Is In The Name

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Nothing less than an architectural marvel, Solah Khamba Mosque is one of the most stunning Bidar destinations that makes a trip to this region of Karnataka worthwhile. The name of this structure literally defines how it appears. There are a total of 16 pillars that stand proud in the front of the mosque. Famed as the Zanana Masjid, Solah Khamba Mosque features columns, arches, domes, and sandstone. This is one of the most beautiful pieces of work.

Distance from railway station – 2.8km

Timings – 9AM – 5PM

Duration of Trip – 30mins

Location – Bidar, Karnataka

12. Tarkash Mahal – An Impeccable Structure

Image Credits: bidartourism We have already talked about the magnificence that the Bidar Fort exudes. Now, Bidar Fort is home to some extremely stunning marvels with Tarkash Mahal being one of them. Situated on the southern side of Lal Bagh Gardens, Tarkash Mahal was originally constructed for the wife of a Bahmani sultan who was Turkish. It was built back in the 14th-15th century. The upper portions of this part of the fort were built during the rule of Baridi. One can witness the ancient craftsmanship from a historic era. In the present days, there is no access to the inner parts of the structure by virtue of its ruined condition. However, one can still climb to the upper parts that lead to the roof of a mosque named Solah Khamba.

Distance From Railway Station – 2.8 km

Timings – 9AM – 5PM

Duration Of Trip – 30 mins

Location – Inside Bidar Fort, Near Solah Khamba Mosque

13. Basavakalyan Fort – A Most Sought-After Fort

Image Credits: templescience Initially known as Kalyani Fort, Basavakalyan Fort is among the most sought-after forts that you should visit during Bidar sightseeing. This is among the popular tourist places that you should add on your lists of things to do in this town. This is one of the oldest forts covering the floors of the southern part of the country. Constructed under the command of the King Nalaraja, this fort has been standing proud ever since the 10th century. Various dynasties have ruled over this fort of the period of time and one can witness all the signs that were left behind by each one of them. One can see the defensive structure that this building adorns from back in the day. There are five out of seven gates that are still standing in the perfect condition today. While the fort is mostly in ruins, one structure that you can still find here is the mosque as an Urdu school.

Distance From Railway Station – 80 km

Timings – 9AM – 6PM

Duration Of Trip – Half day-Full day

Location –Basavakalyan Town

14. Papanash Shiva Temple – For Devotees Out There

Image Credits: Santosh3397 for Wikimedia Commons This is one of those places as a part of Bidar sightseeing that attracts all the pilgrims and devotees to the town. Papanash Shiva Temple is, as the name suggests, dedicated to Lord Shiva and has a legend attached to itself. It is believed that Lord Rama installed the Shiva Linga in this temple while he was on his way back to Ayodhya after a fight with Ravana. You can observe a massive pond that is sitting at the foot of this temple. It is constantly fed by a natural spring and is named as Papanash, which translates to destroyer of sins. Several devotees pay a visit to this temple in the hope to take a dip and wash their sins away.

Distance From Railway Station – 4 km

Timings – 9AM – 5PM

Duration Of Trip – 1 hr

Location – Bidar Town

15. Sri Mailar Mallanna Temple – A Place To Worship Lord Shiva

Image Credits: Krb2383 for Wikimedia Commos Another one of the Bidar tourist places for all those travelers in search of religious destinations and places to worship is the Sri Mailar Mallanna Temple. This temple has ancient vibes oozing out from every corner and is sitting on the Bidar-Udgir Road. The temple is dedicated to the God Khandoba which happens to be another form of Lord Shiva. This incarnation of the Lord is often known as the Martanda Bharav and can be described as a shining, covered in turmeric, three-eyed God with a crescent moon on his forehead. The temple also has an interesting tale attached to itself which attracts travelers to pay a visit to the temple.

Distance From Railway Station – 15 km

Timings – 8AM – 7PM

Duration Of Trip – 1 hr

Location – 2 Km From Khanapur

16. Sri Manik Prabhu Temple – Get Rid Of All Pains

Image Credits: pxfuel This is another one of the popular Bidar tourist places among the devotees and believers. Sitting on the confluence of two pristine and holy rivulets, Viraja and Guru Ganga, Sri Manik Prabhu Temple is constructed over the Sanjeevan Samadhi of a Saint named Sri Sagguru Manik Prabhu Maharaj, hence the name. This saint is known to possess mystic powers that help devotees and visitors get rid of all the pains and sufferings in their lives. The temple also has an impeccable architectural beauty that simply adds to an already incredible experience.

Distance From Railway Station – 50 km

Timings – 8AM – 6PM

Duration Of Trip – 30 mins

Location – Between Bidar & Basavakalyan

17. Sri Kamalishwara Temple – Highlight Of A Historical Village

Image Credits: pxfuel Also named as Kaleshwara Temple, Sri Kamalishwara Temple is sitting in the historical village of Jalasangvi, a major centre back during the reign of the Chola rulers. This temple is believed to be constructed back in the 1100 AD under the command of Vikramaditya VI of the Chalukya dynasty. Since then, this Besara style temple has witnessed various wars, battles, and rules in the Indian history of the southern region. There are sculptures of Jalasangi that are known to be the inspiration for Hoysala to construct the bracket figures at Somanathapura, Belur, and Halebidu temples. These figures of a woman can be seen dancing, writing, praising, and more.

Distance From Railway Station – 45 km

Timings – 9AM – 5PM

Duration Of Trip – 2-3hr

Location – Between Bidar & Basavakalya

18. Bhalki Fort – Surrounded By Gems

Image Credits: pxhere Built under the command of Ramachandran Jadhav and Dhanaji Jadhav between the years 1820 and 1850, Bhalki Fort is a structure that is spread across five acres of land in the heart of thick vegetation. This structure consists of 20 feet high walls and one bastion and has been built using the black stone that is available locally. There are two important temples that the fort covers.The Kumbeshwar Temple is sitting inside the fort while the Bhalkeshwar temple is on the outskirts of the structure. Most of these structures can be seen in ruins due to poor maintenance.

Distance From Railway Station – 44 km

Timings – 9AM – 5PM

Duration Of Trip – 2-3hr

Location – NA

Further Read: 25 Stunning Places To Visit In Summer In Karnataka For A Relaxing Retreat

Tinted with rich heritage and culture, Bidar is worth visiting once in a lifetime for all the history buffs and art lovers. The architectural legacy and glory of the Bahmani dynasty is exceptional that you can witness. Plan a trip to Karnataka right away as you can find plenty of places to visit in Bidar.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Places To Visit In Bidar

What is famous about Bidar?

The city of Bidar is primarily renowned for its Bidri handicraft products, and rich history. Besides this, the destination is also known to be one of the most sacred places for Sikh pilgrimage. Furthermore, it is considered to be the coldest and wettest place in north Karnataka.

What is the famous food of Bidar?

Bidar is a city located in South India and serves South Indian cuisine, rice is the main core ingredient used in all the dishes. The famous foods available here are idlis, dosas and Vadas.

Can I Visit Bidar during the current Covid situation?

Yes, Bidar is one of the safest places to visit during the current Covid situation. However, you need to follow all the covid protocols like wearing a mask when in public, maintaining required social distance, and sanitizing hands at certain intervals. Also, make sure to check the Covid update of the destination you’re planning to visit.

Which river flows in Bidar?

The district features two river basins, the Krishna and the Godavari. Furthermore, most of the parts of Bidar are covered by the Godavari basin.

Which are the best places to visit in Bidar?

Some of the best attractions you can visit in Bidar include Bidar Fort, Gurudwara Nanak Jhira Sahib, Mahmud Gawan Madarsa, Narasimha Jhira Cave Temple, Bahmani Tombs, Chaukhandi Of Hazrat Khalil Ullah, Barid Shahi Tombs, Chaubara Clock Tower, Rangin Mahal, Papnash Shiva Temple, Solah Khamba Mosque, Tarkash Mahal, Impeccable Structure, Basavakalyan Fort, Papanash Shiva Temple, Sri Mailar Mallanna Temple, Sri Manik Prabhu Temple, and more.

Which are the best places to visit near Bidar?

If you are planning to visit Bidar, make sure to check out these attractions:
1. Velneshwar Beach
2. Hospet
3. Nanded
4. Badami
5. Hingoli
6. Lonar

Who ruled Bidar?

Bidar was 1st ruled by Prince Ulugh Khan of Tughlaq dynasty in 1321-22 AD and then by Sultan Ala-ud-Din Bahman Shah in 1347.

Are there any waterfalls near Bidar?

Yes, there are lots of waterfalls located close to Bidar. Some of these are Dhaba Dhabi Water Falls, Sahastrakund Waterfalls, Unkeshwar Hot Springs, and more.

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Sujata Dogra

A keen observer, an avid reader, a complete foodie, a pet lover and a curious entrepreneur with a vision to empower women. Penning down thoughts and musings come naturally, so, what better way to make a living than do what you love the most. Sujata started off as a content writer and today spearheads a content agency with an all-women team, where each day is about exploring the strength within, overcoming challenges and aiming to scale new heights. Her idea of a holiday well spent is visiting beautiful destinations, experimenting with food and trying out adventure activities.