Bīdar, India
Region: Karnataka
Geographic Coordinates: 17.912000, 77.520000
Temperature Range: 15.0°C to 35.0°C (59°F to 95°F)
Climate: Dry and hot climate with occasional rainfall during the monsoon season.
Population: 172298
Language: Kannada
Bīdar, Also known as Bidar, Is a historic city located in the northern part of the Indian state of Karnataka. It is situated on the Deccan plateau and is surrounded by hills and forests. The city has a rich history dating back to the 14th century when it was ruled by various dynasties such as Bahmani Sultanate, Barid Shahi dynasty, And Mughal Empire. One of the major attractions in Bīdar is its magnificent fort which was built by Ahmad Shah Bahmani in 1428 AD. The fort has several impressive structures including mosques, Palaces, Gardens, And water tanks.
The most notable structure within the fort complex is the Rangin Mahal which features beautiful paintings on its walls and ceilings. Another important landmark in Bīdar is the Guru Nanak Jhira Sahib Gurudwara which attracts thousands of Sikh pilgrims every year. It houses a sacred spring that is believed to have been created by Guru Nanak Dev Ji himself during his visit to Bīdar in 1512 AD. The city also boasts several other historical monuments such as tombs, Mausoleums and mosques that showcase exquisite architecture from different periods of history.
Some of these include Tomb of Ali Barid Shah I, Chaubara Clock Tower, Solah Khamba Mosque and Madrasa Mahmud Gawan. Apart from its rich cultural heritage sites, Bīdar also offers scenic landscapes for nature lovers with its lush green forests surrounding it. There are many trekking trails around Bīdar where one can enjoy breathtaking views while hiking through dense woods filled with wildlife like leopards or bears. Food enthusiasts will not be disappointed either as Bīdar offers some unique delicacies like Bidriware (metal handicrafts), Haleem (a meat-based dish) and Jolada Roti (a type of bread made from millet flour).
The city also has a bustling market where one can find traditional handicrafts, Textiles, And spices. Overall, Bīdar is a fascinating destination that offers a blend of history, Culture, Nature and delicious food. It is definitely worth a visit for those looking to explore the lesser-known gems of India.
- Bidar Fort
- Bahmani Tombs
- Guru Nanak Jhira Sahib
- Chaubara Clock Tower
- Narasimha Jhira Cave Temple
- Papnash Shiva Temple
- Rangin Mahal
- Solah Khamba Mosque
- Basavakalyana Fort
- Tarkash Mahal
- Agriculture
- Textile manufacturing
- Handicrafts
- Tourism
- Cotton and silk fabric production
- Bidriware metalwork
- Historical sites such as Bīdar Fort and Guru Nanak Jhira Sahib Gurudwara
- Small-scale industries
- Food processing
- Leather goods manufacturing
- Construction materials production
- The Bahmani Sultanate was established in 1347 AD and ruled over Bīdar and other parts of South India for more than a century.
- The Bīdar Fort was constructed in the 15th century by Sultan Alla-Ud-Din Bahman Shah.
- Ahmad Shah Wali’s reign was characterized by his support for literature and architecture, including the famous Madrasa Mahmud Gawan.
- The Battle of Talikota occurred in 1565 AD, resulting in an alliance of Deccan sultanates defeating the Vijayanagara Empire and altering South India’s political landscape.
- Aurangzeb governed Bīdar during his tenure as governor from 1656 to 1659 AD.
- Abdul Qadir Bedil, a renowned poet and philosopher who lived during the Mughal era, was born and resided in Bīdar.
- Several Sufi shrines were established in Bīdar, including those dedicated to Hazrat Khwaja Syed Muhammad Gesu Daraz and Hazrat Khwaja Syed Fakhruddin Baba Yusuf Qattal Hussaini.
- Notable freedom fighters such as Haji Abdul Shukoor Laskar hail from this region, highlighting Bīdar’s role in India’s struggle for independence from British colonial rule.
- In recent times, Bīdar has gained recognition for its handicrafts industry, particularly its Bidriware metalwork known for intricate designs and unique alloy composition.
- Bidar Fort is a historic fort built in the 15th century, featuring intricate architecture and a stunning view of the city.
- Chaubara Tower is a unique structure with circular walls and a winding staircase that leads to the top, offering panoramic views of the city.
- Guru Nanak Jhira Sahib is a Sikh pilgrimage site featuring a holy spring and gurdwara, dedicated to Guru Nanak Dev Ji.
- Mahmud Gawan Madrasa is an ancient Islamic school built in the 15th century, showcasing beautiful architecture and intricate carvings.
- Basavakalyan Museum is a museum dedicated to the history and culture of Basavakalyan town, displaying artifacts from various eras.
- Narasimha Jhira Cave Temple is an ancient temple located inside a cave, featuring an idol of Lord Narasimha and natural springs that are believed to have healing powers.
- Bahmani Tombs are the final resting place of several rulers from the Bahmani dynasty, showcasing beautiful Islamic architecture and intricate carvings.
- Solah Khamba Mosque is one of the oldest mosques in Bidar, featuring 16 pillars supporting its roof (hence its name).
- Chaukhandi of Hazrat Khalil Ullah Shah Baba Dargah is a mausoleum dedicated to Hazrat Khalil Ullah Shah Baba, known for his contributions to Sufism in India.
- Bidriware Crafts Museum & Training Centre showcases traditional Bidriware handicrafts made using metalwork techniques passed down through generations in Bidar’s Muslim community.
- Basavakalyana Fair is an annual event in Bidar district that celebrates the birth anniversary of Lord Basaveshwara.
- Bidar Utsav is a cultural festival held in January or February every year, featuring traditional dances, music concerts, food stalls and handicraft exhibitions.
- Mahashivaratri is a religious festival celebrated in February/March to honor Lord Shiva with prayers and offerings.
- Ganesh Chaturthi is a ten-day festival celebrating the birth of Lord Ganesha with colorful processions and idol immersions.
- Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights, is celebrated across India including Bidar with diyas (oil lamps) lighting up homes and firecrackers marking good over evil.
- Urs Sharif is an annual Islamic pilgrimage that takes place at various shrines across India including Hazrat Khwaja Syed Muhammad Gesu Daraz Dargah Sharif in Bidar.
- Karaga Festival is a Hindu celebration by Tigala community people carrying decorated pots on their heads as a symbol of Goddess Draupadi’s fertility power on full moon day during March or April each year.
- Bidri Restaurant – renowned for its authentic local cuisine and traditional decor.
- Shiva Shakti Family Restaurant – famous for its biryani and North Indian dishes.
- Kaveri Hotel – serves delicious South Indian breakfast items such as idli, vada, dosa, etc.
- Nandini Deluxe Veg Restaurant – offers a wide range of vegetarian dishes including thali meals.
- Ranganna Military Hotel – specializes in non-vegetarian food items like mutton chops, kebabs, etc.
- Sagar Fast Food Center – popular for its chaat items like bhel puri, pani puri, sev puri, etc.
- Navrang Garden Family Restaurant – serves Chinese and North Indian dishes along with a beautiful garden view.
- Almas Cafe & Bakery – famous for its cakes and pastries along with some quick bites such as sandwiches and burgers.
- Bīdar Fort is a historic fort that offers scenic views and walking trails.
- Basavakalyan Fort is another historic fort with beautiful architecture and panoramic views.
- Narasimha Jhira Cave Temple is a cave temple dedicated to Lord Narasimha, located near a waterfall.
- Chaukhandi of Hazrat Khalil Ullah is a 14th-century monument that serves as the final resting place of Hazrat Khalil Ullah, a Sufi saint.
- Guru Nanak Jhira Sahib Gurudwara is a Sikh pilgrimage site with beautiful gardens and waterfalls.
- Bidar Wildlife Sanctuary is home to various species of animals like deer, peacocks, and leopards; this sanctuary offers trekking trails for nature enthusiasts.
- Basaveshwara Statue Park features the statue of Basaveshwara, an Indian philosopher and social reformer who lived in the 12th century.
- Karanja Dam Reservoir Park situated near the Karanja Dam Reservoir is ideal for picnics and boating activities.
- Goravanahalli Mahalakshmi Temple- A Hindu temple dedicated to Goddess Mahalakshmi
- Bidar Golf Course- A golf course located in Bidar city which is open for public use
These are some of the most popular restaurants in Bīdar serving local cuisine as well as other cuisines to satisfy the taste buds of all visitors to the city.
