Bidar Fort and Bahmani Tombs

Bidar, in Karnataka, India, lies about 140-145 km north-west of Hyderabad across the state border and holds one of the least-visited great forts of the Deccan. The journey takes about 3 hours each way by road. TGSRTC and KSRTC buses run from MGBS and Jubilee Bus Station for about ₹200-350, and Secunderabad-Bidar trains take about 4 to 5 hours, so the road is faster for a day trip. A car with driver costs about ₹5,500-8,000 for the day, and rental cars must carry the correct interstate permit. By road, the route follows NH65 via Zaheerabad and Humnabad. Bidar Fort is a walled Bahmani-era fortress with a triple moat and Persian-influenced tiled palaces. Highlights include the Rangin Mahal with its coloured tilework, the Solah Khamba Mosque and the Tarkash Mahal. Fort entry is about ₹25 for Indians and about ₹300 for foreign visitors. Madrasa Mahmud Gawan, a 15th-century college with a tall minaret, is in the old town, and the Bahmani Tombs at Ashtur, about 3 km east, are grand domed royal tombs with faded tile and calligraphy. The town is also known for Bidri metalwork, an inlay craft, and small workshops sell pieces. A full-day plan starts early, arriving by about 9:00am when the fort opens. The morning covers the fort palaces and mosque, followed by lunch in the old town at simple restaurants serving Deccani and Karnataka meals. The afternoon takes in Madrasa Mahmud Gawan, a Bidri workshop visit and the Bahmani Tombs at Ashtur, with the return departure by about 4:30pm because the drive back takes 3 hours. The best season is October to February, when walking between monuments is comfortable. Summers are very hot and the tombs offer little shade. The day is rated moderate because of the long drive and several hours of walking across large sites. Visitors should carry water, wear comfortable shoes and carry identification for the interstate crossing.