Visit Bidar Fort: The Popular Tourist Attraction in Karnataka (2024)

When it comes to monuments, India has no dearth of them. Ranging from tombs to forts to temples to mosques, you can find almost every kind of monument anywhere in India. Moreover, the best part is that each monument is unique. It has its own special identity, a rich story, and a great story behind its existence. One such monument is the Bidar Fort. Owing to its uniqueness and grandness, Bidar Fort is considered as one of the popular tourist attractions to visit in Karnataka. Located in the hilltop city of Bidar in the northeastern part of Karnataka, Bidar Fort in itself is known to house more than thirty monuments inside it. This grand fort in Bidar is like a reminder of the strong, mighty, and majestic Southern dynasty that once used to rule over the land. Bidar Fort is a must-visit, especially if you are a fan of history and architecture. In this article, we have gathered all the important information about the Bidar Fort which you must know before actually visiting it!

Why Should You Visit The Bidar Fort, Karnataka?

Bidar Fort or Bidar Kote, as it is known officially, is one majestic Fort situated in the Indian state of Karnataka. Being a work of architectural brilliance, visiting the fort is like experiencing a nostalgic throwback to the extravagant past of the city of Bidar. If you are looking for reasons as to why you should be visiting Bidar Fort, then here they are:

1. Rich History: The Bidar Fort has stood tall and witnessed a lot of historical milestones including the rise and fall of the Bahmani dynasty, the rise, and separation of the five Deccan Sultans, etc. Visitors can visit the fort to relive the past and to know more about the rich history of this stunning Deccan monument.
2. Architectural Brilliance: Sporting hints of Persian and Islamic architecture, the monument is a true architectural marvel. Another attractive feature of Bidar Fort is its historic water supply called Karez. This is a water harnessing technology that originated in Persia and was brought to Deccan by the Brahmani Kings in the 15th century.
3. Rangeen Mahal: The palace is decorated with pearl engravings on black granite and wood. Once constructed primarily for the safety of the royalty, today these grand structs serve to be a vast museum. You can visit it to take a walk down the history exploring the various artifacts of the past.
4. Solah Khamba Mosque: This is another piece of architectural brilliance built by Qubil Sultani. Though visitors are not allowed inside the mosque but standing along with the beautiful Lal Baug, the building is a spectacular sight to watch.
5. The Mahals: The fort is known to house many mahals including the Tarkash Mahal, the Gagan Mahal, etc. Those who wish to admire the collection of royal possessions should definitely visit the archaeological museum.

Bidar Fort Image Gallery

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Bidar Fort Timings

You will be pleased to know that this popular tourist attraction in Karnataka is kept open for visitors on all days of the week. The opening hours of the gates of the Bidar Fort are:

Monday to Sunday: 8 AM to 6.30 PM

What Is The Best Way To Reach The Bidar Fort In Karnataka?

Since Bidar Fort is a popular tourist attraction in Karnataka, reaching it is not such a difficult task. Moreover, Bidar is well connected via all of the main means of transport, so you don’t have to worry much about travel. You can reach the place by:

• By Air: The nearest airport is the Rajiv Gandhi International Terminal, Begumpet, Hyderabad. It is at a distance of just 120 km from Bidar District Head Quarters. It will take a 2 and a half-hour car drive from the airport to reach Bidar.
• By Rail: You can get the nearest rail facility from Bangalore and Hyderabad. Bidar junction is well – connected to most of the major cities. Many tourists even prefer traveling from the Hyderabad railway station to Bidar Junction.
• By Road: Bidar has a number of state transport buses running via Hyderabad. These buses run daily and the journey is about 16 hours long. You can even go in your own vehicle or hire a taxi.

Best Time To Visit The Bidar Fort In Karnataka

If you wish to make the most out of your trip, then it is recommended that you visit the Bidar Fort in between the months of October and March. This is because, during these months, the weather here remains quite pleasant and perfect for sightseeing and exploration. Try to avoid going during the summer season as it can get really hot and humid.

Where To Stay Near The Bidar Fort In Karnataka?

If you are planning to stay in Bidar and are worried about suitable accommodation, then don’t be because the city has many budgets and mid-range hotels. Some of the hotels that you can consider are Bidar Gateway (2.4 km away from Bidar Fort) and Hotel Supriya Continental (2.76 km away from Bidar Fort).

What Are The Different Places To See Near Bidar Fort In Karnataka?

If you are done exploring the vast Bidar Fort but still have some extra time in your hand, then don’t worry. There are some other good tourist attractions to visit in Karnataka that lie in close proximity to Bidar Fort. Some of them which you can visit are:

1. Papnash Shiva Temple: There is a common belief that the Shivlinga here were set down and the temple was installed by Lord Rama himself. This place holds immense religious significance and many devotees visit it, especially during the festive season of Shivratri. The is a spring in front of the temple that flows into a sacred pond which is called ‘Papnash’.
2. Guru Nanak Jhira: It is believed that the people here were suffering from water shortage but when Guru Nanak Devi Ji touched the hillside with a prayer in mind, a clear and sweet tasting fountain gushed out of it. This is a popular Gurudwara in Bidar that is visited by four to five lakh devotees from all over the country every year to seek blessings.

Even though Bidar Fort is deserted now, yet the charm of this tourist place in Karnataka is such that it stands reminiscent of fortifications, museums, bastions, and a colorful royal palace.