Bidar, is another lovely chapter in the Book of Karnataka which is in the North Eastern part of the State and in the Deccan Plateau of Hyderabad region, where you find historical monuments of Bohmani Era. "History is merely a list of surprises. It can only prepare us to be surprised yet again". Kingdoms flourished, and Kingdoms vanished, but the monuments withstood the ravages of time and weather. The monuments of Bidar speak of the great civilization they belong to. Anyone who loves history, must come here.
Bidar is 740 KMs from Bangalore (Karnataka) and 130 KMs from Hyderabad (Telangana). It is bordered by Maharastra and Telangana. It is easily accessible by Road, Rail and Flight. The nearest Airport is the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport at Shamshabad, Hyderabad.
While browsing through the internet I found that two trains cater to people of Bangalore and Hyderabad - Train No. 6594 from KCR Bangalore City Junction to Huzur Sahib Nanded, which goes via Bidar and Kakinada - Manmad Express (Train No. 7206) which originates from Kakinada and reaches Manmad via Secunderabad and Bidar. And there are number of State Run buses of KSRTC and TSRTC. To reach by Road, one has to take the Hyderabad Mumbai Highway till Zaheerabad and take a right turn and travel a distance of 25 KMs to reach Bidar.
We started our journey to Bidar by car at 06.00 AM in the morning. The Morning Sun must be wondering where we were going to, at such an early hour, and that too on the Hyderabad - Mumbai Highway, because it is used to see me commute to the Office at 08.30 AM daily on the chaotic city roads. We took a short break at Zaheerabad for breakfast. All charged up after the breakfast and a cup of refreshing coffee, we left for Bidar, which was just 25 KMs away from Zaheerabad.
Just as you enter Bidar, to the left is Deva Deva Vana, a park for the recreation of the locals, where families and children can go and spend their weekends. It was a good park for a family outing. The air was crisp and fresh and it makes your lungs happy, unlike the polluted air of the city, which is so heavy laden with all sorts of vehicular and industrial pollutants.
We went to Bidar Fort from there, which is open from 06.00 AM to 05.00 PM daily. Bidar Fort has seven gates in the fort and the places to see inside the fort are Takht Mahal, Tarkash Mahal, Rangeen Mahal, Gagan Mahal, Diwan-e-Aam and Solah Khamb Masjid. During an era when there were no Cranes or any technological aids, wonder how the men then built such huge Forts and Palaces. Inspired by the beauty of the Fort, my daughter has done a sketch of the Fort, which I have used as the cover image of this blog.
The beautiful hindi song Ishq Sufiyaana, from the Bollywood movie “Dirty Picture” was shot here, featuring Imran Hashmi and Vidya Balan. Bidar has caught the attention of film directors for its unique monuments and historical locations. A lot of Kannada, Tamil and Telugu movies are also shot here. The place caught got its public attention after the Kannada movie Sanju Weds Geeta was shot here. All the songs were so beautifully picturized here on the gorgeous Ramya (Divya Spandana), with the Fort as backdrop. I have pasted an YouTube link of this lovely kannada song for you to see and enjoy. After all, sharing is caring.
After seeing this majestic Fort, we had our lunch at Kamat Hotel and straight went to Guru Nanak Jhira Sahib Gurudwara which was built in the year 1948 and which is dedicated to the first Sikh Guru Guru Nanak. This Gurudwara has Darbar Sahib, Diwan Hall and the Langar Hall. It’s one of the biggest Gurudwara in South India. Guru Granth Sahib, the holy book of the Sikhs is placed in Sukhaasan Room. This Gurudwara is built beside a spring and the water is collected in Amrit Kund, which is considered sacred by the pilgrims. Free food is served 24 hours in the Langar Hall to all the pilgrims.
Another major attraction in Bidar is the Narasimha Swami Cave Temple, called Narasimha Jharni. This ancient temple is excavated in a 300 m tunnel. It is abour 5 kilometers away from Bidar. One has to wade through the knee deep water to enter the temple, and have a glimpse of the deity which is at the other end of the tunnel. Bats can be seen hanging on the roof of the cave. It is said that this water has sulphar in it and hence has healing properties for people having skin problems. This temple is visited by many child seeking couples. The entry into the temple makes it a thrilling experience for first timers.
I have always been fascinated by the remains of the ruins of kingdoms and palaces. Vijayanagara Empire at Hampi is once such archaeological UNESCO Heritage Site. Karnataka is one State in India, after Rajasthan, where you find history in every corner in almost every district.
Bidar is famous for bidri art jewellery. Shopaholics can shop to their heart’s content. Other than that, there is nothing worth mentioning as for as shopping is concerned. From Hyderabad, one can cover the tour of Bidar in a day, if one starts early, so that you can return back to Hyderabad by night, or if you have enough time in hand, you can see Bidar in leisure and stay overnight at some good Hotel. Bidar city has some good hotels with reasonable rates, which won’t burn a hole in your pockets. And believe me, Kannadigas are the most hospitable people on this Earth.
So, if you want to soak in the mystery of the History, Bidar is the place for YOU.
“Blessed Are Those Who See Beautiful Things In Humble Places Where Other People See Nothing”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KOeX7JyxZ54
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