Top 9 Tourist Attractions To Check Out On Your Next Road Trip To Bidar

A temple inside a cave that's half submerged in water? Yes, this temple is one of the top attractions in Bidar, and it's an experience, to say the least. You'll have to walk through a continuously flowing stream of waist-level water and manoeuvre through the curves of the caves. Although this might sound difficult, the aura of the temple is inviting. There's going to be very little to no inconvenience as the cave is well-lit, and there are changing rooms too. 

Timings: 7 AM to 6 PM

History enthusiasts, Bidar Fort holds not just Persian architecture but also much folklore that makes this place interesting. Built by the Bahmani Dynasty, the huge fort makes up Bidar's lost old city with over 30 structures. There's also a Mahabharat connection where the old city of Bidar was considered to be the home of Vidur, the Pandava's uncle. The notable stories are from the rise and fall of several southern dynasties like the Satvahanas, Chalukyas, Rashtrakutas, Kakatiyas Yadavas, Mughals and Nizams. 

Timings: 9 AM to 5 PM

Continue the historical tour with a stop at the Bahmani Tombs. There are 12 tombs in a cluster, and the large domes, arches, and doors make great photography subjects. 

Timings: Open 24 hours 

Speaking of photography spots, check out Chaubara. It's a fascinating 22-meter-high old cylindrical tower with a phenomenal view from the top. This structure was once a watch tower guarding the fort, and you can see a chunk of the Deccan plateau. 

Timings: Open 24 hours 

This gurudwara was established in 1948 on the foothills of Bidar, dedicated to the first Sikh Guru Nanak Devji. The calming vibes begin at the entrance, and you can feel the soothing atmosphere getting to you throughout the vast space. It's believed that a dip in the holy water in front of the main hall will cleanse your body and soul of all the sins. 

Timings: Open 24 hours 

When in Bidar, you must visit a Bidri art store. Bidriware is an iconic art form of Bidar. There are several markets where you can buy handmade souvenirs, including sandalwood products and wooden carvings. You'd also be surprised to know that these artefacts have made their way to the Louvre Museum in Paris. Apart from Gandhi Gunj Market, you could also explore Tarker Market, Mohan Market, and Chaubara Road. 

Timing: 10 AM to 10 PM

Built in the 10th century, Basvakalyan is one of the oldest yet lesser-known forts in South India. It was the capital of the Western Chalukyan Dynasty, and Jainism flourished here. This fort was ruled by Yadavas of Devagiri, Kalachuris, Chalukyas, Bijapur Sultanate, Bidar Sultanate, Bahamani Sultanate and Hyderabad Nizams. While most of the fort is in ruins, there's a museum where you can learn more about the happenings, see the idols excavated in the area and know the war stories. 

Timings: 9 AM to 5 PM

This is a tomb in honour of Hazrat Khalil Ullah, a spiritual advisor of Sultan Ahmed Shah. It's a beautiful sight because of the stonework architecture, and if you look closely, you will see calligraphy on the arched doorways and walls of the structure. Intact and well-maintained, the two-story octagon with tile work and black carved stone makes for great photographs.

Timings: 9 AM to 5 PM

Deva Deva Vana is one of the biggest botanical parks in Karnataka. It's part of the Shahpur Reserve Forest managed by the tourism department. For the locals, it's a picnic place with a cafeteria for quick grub. If you want to stay overnight, you can book an eco-hut as well. A good place to relax for adults and kids, you'll find a lot of medicinal plants with devotional names. There's a park with slides, swings and all things fun for the kids. 

Timing: 2 PM to 6 PM