• Excursion to Bidar

Excursion to Bidar

Duration: 12 hours
All days of the week

This is a full day car excursion to the city of Bidar (3 hours drive from Hyderabad).

At first glance, Bidar looks like any other nondescript Indian town. But it is a hidden gem steeped in history and legends, replete with monuments and ruins.

Bidar was the capital of the Bahmani Sultanate for more than a century. When the Bahmani Sultanate distintegrated, Bidar became the seat of power for the Barid Shahi Sultanate, who ruled for 130 years. Much of the architecture in Bidar is a synthesis of Islamic styles influenced by Hindu designs and motifs. Bidar is also a major pilgrimage site for people of the Sikh faith.

This tour covers the following:

  • Bidar Fort - This fort built by the Bahmanis is one of the largest and most impressive forts in South India. Apart from its imposing battlements and deep moat, the fort has a beautiful palace (Rangeen Mahal) and a great mosque (Solah Khamba Masjid).
  • Mahmud Gawan Madrasa – This was a learning centre built in the 15th century by Mahmud Gawan, a Persian who became one of the most important personages in the Bahmani court.
  • Gurudwara Nanak Jhira Sahib - this well planned, majestic Sikh place of worship is one of the most popular destinations in South India for Sikhs from all over India. There is a sacred water tank historically associated with Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism, who came to Bidar in his travels. There is also a langar (free kitchen) feeding the pilgrims.
  • Bidri workshops - You can visit a home workshop making bidriware (metal handicraft) and do some shopping if you are interested
  • Bahmani Tombs - impressive mausoleums built to house the Bahmani kings. The tombs have a doleful, romantic feel about them.

If you are interested, and if time permits, you can also visit the following:

  • Barid Shahi tombs - these small tombs with delicate and intricate carvings are located in sprawling gardens, a breath of fresh air.
  • Chaukhandi of Hazrat Khalil Ullah - the quiet, secluded tomb of a Sufi saint from Iran.

We will pick you up and drop you at your hotel.

Cost:

  • INR 3500 per person for 7-10 persons
  • INR 5000 per person for 5-6 persons
  • INR 5500 per person for 3-4 persons
  • INR 7750 per person for 2 persons
  • INR 15500 for a solo traveller

Includes:
AC transport, driver with cell phone, fuel, parking charges, tolls, knowledgable guide, personalised tour and all taxes.

Excludes:
Entrances, meals, tips

Tour notes: Please ensure you have adequate sun protection. We will be visiting some religious places, so please dress conservatively. A Sikh gurudwara requires people of all genders to take off their shoes and cover their heads with a scarf or handkerchief. They will lend you something if you forget to bring one, but it is better to bring your own.

Prior reservation is mandatory. Email deepa@magictoursofindia.com or WhatsApp wa.me/+919867707414.