Bidar Fort is located in the hilltop city and district of the same name in northeastern Karnataka, India. Karnataka is a state of heritage sites, cultural history and luxury resorts which are mostly forts and palaces originally. This impressive Bidar fort was built by Sultan Alla-Ud Din Bahman of the Bahmanid Dynasty in around 1427. The fort contains thirty fascinating Islamic monuments within its crumbling walls which can be explored.
But before you start journey of exploring this part of Karnataka, find some Airbnb vacation rentals to stay. Bidar Fort was built as a royal town with gates, audience halls, bastions, kitchens, royal baths, and pleasure pavilions. A visit to the fort allows people to relive the past of this remarkable part of the world. Prior to your visit and vacation in India, scroll down and read this guide to Bidar Fort, Karnataka.
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Things to do / Highlights
Originally built in the 8th century, Bidar Fort was reconstructed in 1428. The fort is what Bidar in Karnataka is famous for. The earliest history of the fort relates to the Delhi Sultanate era when the Muslims had invaded the region and the fort was captured. In 1429, Bidar Fort was renovated by Sultan Ahmad Shah with the addition of fortifications, kitchens, pavilions, gardens and more. During the British colonization of India, the fort was under British control, but after independence, it returned to the state of Karnataka.
The following are the major highlights of a visit to Bidar Fort.
Solah Khamba Mosque
The mosque was built in 1423 AD by Qubil Sultani and has a central dome perched on sixteen pillars and long arches. While the mosque can be viewed from the outside, do note that visitors are not allowed to enter.
The Mahals
The Gagan Mahal was built for its beauty and security and was a residential complex for the royals. An archaeological museum in the complex exhibits a collection of royal possessions. The Tarkash Mahal was built in the 14th to 15th century for the Turkish wife of a sultan of Bidar. The Takht Mahal is the throne room of the fort.
Rangeen Mahal
The 16th-century Rangeen Mahal palace was constructed by Muhammad Shah and was decorated with bright, colorful tiles. The primary use of the palace was to protect royalty. However, it was also used as a summer getaway. There are a number of underground rooms, including tanks and baths. Behind the palace is a museum where visitors can explore the history of the site and view a number of artifacts.
Shahi Malbakh
This part of the fort is the royal kitchen which adjoins the Rangeen Mahal. The building has also been used as a residence for a dignitary or prince and also as a jail.
Shahi Hamam
Located close to the kitchen is the royal bath, referred to as the Shahi Hamam. This building is near to the mosque where a beautiful garden can be seen (Lal Bagh or Red Garden).
Diwan-i-Am
Diwan-i-Am is a walled audience hall close to the mosque which was used as a public hearing court. The building is decorated with intricate trellis work.
Gumbaz Darwaz and Sharza Darwaza gateways
This structure is 14 m (45 ft) in height and its walls are 6.7 m (22 ft) thick. There is a passage linking it to Sharza Darwaza, and these two gateways are where the army could take up its position to defend the fort. This area of the fort had a number of large guns and escape tunnels in case of emergencies.
Travelers' tips
Entry fee
Bidar Fort is free to enter which means you don’t have to worry about ticket price to visit Bidar Fort. unlike many historic sites, no additional fees are payable for cameras, video equipment, or mobile phones.
Best time to visit
The best time to visit is in the cooler months, between October and March.
Bookings
If you are booking a tour online, bear in mind the popularity of Bidar Fort. It is highly recommended to book in advance to avoid disappointment as the tours are quickly filled.
Timing
To comfortably explore Bidar Fort, it would take anywhere from two to three hours so time your visit accordingly.
Local guides
If traveling to Bidar Fort on your own, and interested in history, it is a good idea to hire the services of a local guide who can explain everything in more detail. Alternatively, some of the tour sites have great tours you can book to visit the fort and other interesting attractions in the area.
Wheelchair access
Regrettably, much of the Bidar Fort site is unavailable to those in wheelchairs.
How to get there
The distance between Bidar and Bangalore is 692 Kms (429.99 mi).
By train
Visitors can ride a train to Bidar Fort from Bangalore and Hyderabad.
By bus
A number of KSRTC luxury buses run daily from Bangalore via Hyderabad, which is a 16-hour journey. From Hyderabad, buses leave every 15 minutes to Bidar from platform No. 36 at the bus station.
Uber
The Uber service is available in the Bidar area - download the app prior to traveling there.
By car
Driving from Hyderabad to Bidar is a distance of 135 km (84 mi) and takes three hours.
Parking
Parking is readily available at Bidar Fort.
Bidar Fort information
Address: Old City Fort Area, Bidar, Karnataka 585401, India
Opening hours: 9am - 5pm (daily)
Cost: Free entry
Department of tourism: Visit Karnataka
News & updates for Bidar Fort: Bidar Airport begins flights with TruJet; 252 routes, 45 airports now opened under UDAN
Tour to BIDAR: Fort, Palaces, Frescoes, Tiles and Necropolis
Duration: 6 to 10 hours
Where to stay near Bidar Fort
1. Vybe (from USD 39)
Enjoy a wonderful stay at this 4-star hotel. You can spend time swimming in the outdoor pool and relax in the air-conditioned rooms. The rooms are tidy, with well-equipped private bathrooms. Stay active in the fitness center to trim off those holiday calories. You can also indulge in delicious meals through room service or at the hotel’s three on-site restaurants, offering a variety of Chinese, Indian, and International cuisine as well as pure veg delicacies.
Start your day with a buffet breakfast and take advantage of vegetarian, kosher, and halal options. Furthermore, the hotel provides amenities such as an electric teapot, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a full-length mirror, and a safety deposit box. English and Hindi-speaking staff are available at the reception to assist with inquiries.
Vybe
Address: No. 7-7, 439/A, Janwada Rd, beside S K Patil Ready Mix Plant, , near Chikpet, Nawadgeri Vybe
2. Vintage Retreat Resort (from USD 43)
If you want to conveniently discover the history of Bidar Fort, stay at Vintage Retreat Resort. The air-conditioned rooms in this property feature a range of amenities, such as a wardrobe, minibar, and flat-screen TV. The private bathroom has a wash basin and walk-in shower, too. While here, you can enjoy a garden view from the balcony to unwind after a busy day. Guests can relax knowing their belongings are secure in the safety deposit box provided. Some rooms even offer a patio for added convenience.
The property has an outdoor pool as well. Start your day with a refreshing swim, followed by a delicious breakfast. Later, explore the nearby areas on a cycle or play a game of badminton for a well-rounded experience.
Vintage Retreat Resort
Address: SH 15 Bidar Mannakheli Highway Kadwad Village
Explore the wonders of Bidar Forest
Wrapped in rich history and scenic beauty, Bidar Fort in Karnataka will leave you mesmerized. To make the most of your time at this beautiful fort, read this guide and plan your trip today!
Frequently asked questions about Bidar Fort
History
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