2 Days in Bidar
Planning 2 days in Bidar? Explore Bidar's rich Deccan heritage over two days, from the majestic Bidar Fort and Bahmani tombs to revered Sikh and Hindu shrines, with a taste of its famed Bidriware craft. It includes a detailed day-wise schedule, activities, meal suggestions, transportation tips and an estimated budget to help you plan your trip with less guesswork.
Day 1
Day 1
Begin your journey at the imposing Bidar Fort, a laterite stronghold with triple moats and Persian-influenced architecture. Then, visit the Bahmani Tombs at Ashtur to admire the remnants of glazed tilework and pay respects to the sultans who shaped the region.
Activities
- Explore Bidar Fort's ramparts, gates, and palaces
- Visit the Rangin Mahal's tilework and the Jami Masjid within the fort
- Drive to Ashtur to tour the Bahmani tombs and their tile fragments
- Shop for authentic Bidriware in the local market
Meals
- •Breakfast at hotel or local café
- •Lunch at a traditional Karnataka restaurant
- •Dinner at a local eatery serving Deccan cuisine
Day 2
Day 2
Start with spiritual serenity at Gurudwara Nanak Jhira Sahib, where a sacred spring flows from a hillside. Later, venture to the unique Narasimha Jharni cave temple, wading through a water-filled tunnel to reach the sanctum.
Activities
- Morning prayers and langar at Gurudwara Nanak Jhira Sahib
- Visit the sacred spring and the gurudwara's architecture
- Drive to Narasimha Jharni and wade through the cave tunnel
- Explore the temple surroundings and the Papnash Shiva temple nearby
Meals
- •Langar (community meal) at the Gurudwara
- •Lunch at a local restaurant
- •Dinner at a hotel or local spot
Detailed Timeline
Day 1
8 activities
Morning
Breakfast and departure
Start your day with a hearty South Indian breakfast at your hotel or a local café like Murali Hotel (try their idli and vada). Then hire an auto-rickshaw or taxi for the day; expect to pay around ₹1,500–2,000 for a full-day hire.
Bidar Fort – Main Gate and Ramparts
Enter through the impressive Gumbad Darwaza and walk along the massive laterite ramparts. The fort's triple moats and bastions are best appreciated from the top; allow 30 minutes for a leisurely walk. Entry is free, but a local guide (₹300–500) can enrich your visit.
Bidar Fort – Rangin Mahal and Jami Masjid
Inside the fort, visit the Rangin Mahal, known for its intricate Persian tilework and carved wooden pillars, and the Jami Masjid, one of India's oldest mosques in terms of design. Both are within walking distance; spend about an hour exploring. Be mindful of dress codes – cover your head and shoulders.
Bidar Fort – Takht Mahal and Other Palaces
Explore the remains of the Takht Mahal (throne hall) and other royal structures. The fort's architecture reflects a blend of Persian and Hindu styles. Climb to the highest point for panoramic views of the moat and the town. Duration: 45 minutes.
Afternoon
Lunch at a local restaurant
Head to a traditional Karnataka restaurant like Hotel Mayura (opposite the bus stand) for a thali or local biryani. Expect to spend ₹200–400 per person for a filling meal. Try the regional speciality – Jolada Rotti with eggplant curry.
Drive to Ashtur Bahmani Tombs
Take a short 10-minute drive (about 5 km) to Ashtur, the necropolis of the Bahmani sultans. The tombs are scattered over a large field; hire a guide at the entrance (₹200) to identify the sultans and explain the tilework. Entry is free.
Explore the Bahmani Tombs
Walk among the monumental domed tombs, with the tomb of Ahmad Shah I Wali being the most impressive. Look for the remnants of vivid glazed tiles on the exteriors and interiors – a hallmark of Bahmani architecture. Spend about 1.5 hours; bring water and wear sunscreen as the area is exposed.
Bidriware shopping and return
Return to Bidar town and visit a local Bidriware workshop or the government emporium to see artisans creating the blackened zinc-alloy items inlaid with silver. Prices start at ₹300 for small items; ensure you buy from a GI-tagged authentic source. Then head back to your hotel to rest.
Day 2
8 activities
Morning
Morning visit to Gurudwara Nanak Jhira Sahib
Start early to avoid crowds. The gurudwara is located at the foot of a hill, about 3 km from the city center. You'll see the sacred spring that, according to tradition, Guru Nanak caused to flow from the hillside. Dress modestly and cover your head (scarves are provided at the entrance). Entry is free.
Attend prayers and experience Langar
Participate in the morning prayers in the main hall, where hymns are sung. Then, join the langar – a free community meal served to all visitors, regardless of faith. The simple, wholesome food (dal, roti, and kheer) is a humbling experience. You can also help with serving or cleaning as part of the seva.
Explore the Gurudwara complex
Walk around the complex to see the architecture, the sacred tank (sarovar), and the marble-paved courtyard. The shrine is one of the most revered Sikh sites outside Punjab. Allow about an hour to absorb the peaceful atmosphere and learn about its history from the information boards.
Drive to Narasimha Jharni
Take a taxi or auto to Narasimha Jharni, about 5 km from the gurudwara. The ride takes about 20 minutes. Ensure you wear shorts or quick-dry clothing, as you will need to wade through water. Carry a change of clothes and a waterproof bag for your belongings.
Wade through the cave tunnel to the sanctum
The entrance to the cave is a natural rock tunnel filled with waist-deep water. You'll wade about 100 meters in the dark, holding onto a chain for support. The water is cool and clean. At the end, you'll reach a small sanctum with an idol of Narasimha (the man-lion avatar of Vishnu). The experience is unique and spiritually intense.
Afternoon
Lunch and rest
After emerging from the cave, dry off and change. There are small eateries near the temple serving simple meals like rice and curry. Or head back to town for a proper lunch at a restaurant like Hotel Basava. Expect to spend ₹200–300 per person.
Visit Papnash Shiva Temple (optional)
Near Narasimha Jharni, the Papnash Shiva Temple is another ancient shrine built over a spring. It's a short walk away and offers a quieter, less crowded experience. The temple's architecture is typical of the Deccan style. Spend about 30 minutes here.
Return to Bidar town and leisure
Drive back to Bidar town. You can visit the Bidar clock tower or simply relax at a café. If time permits, stop by the local market for any last-minute souvenirs. In the evening, enjoy a relaxed dinner at a rooftop restaurant like 'The Terrace' at Hotel Kailash (if open) or a local biryani joint.
Food Recommendations
Hotel Mayura
Karnataka/DeccanMust Try: Jolada Rotti with Enagai (stuffed eggplant), Mutton Biryani
₹200–400 per person
Murali Hotel
South Indian breakfastMust Try: Idli, Vada, and Filter Coffee
₹50–150 per person
Gurudwara Langar
Community meal (free)Must Try: Dal, Roti, and Kheer
Free (donations welcome)
Transportation Tips
- Auto-rickshaws are common for short distances; negotiate fares before starting (e.g., ₹50–100 within town).
- For a full day of sightseeing, hire a taxi (₹1,500–2,500 per day) or an auto (₹1,000–1,500) for flexibility.
- Bidar is well-connected by rail (Bidar railway station) and road; the nearest airport is Hyderabad (about 130 km away).
- If driving, note that some roads to Ashtur and Narasimha Jharni are narrow; use GPS and allow extra time.
Budget Breakdown
Total Estimated Per Person
₹6,000–10,000 for 2 days (excluding travel to/from Bidar)
Accommodation
₹2,000–5,000 per night for a mid-range hotel
Food
₹800–1,500 per day
Transport
₹1,500–2,500 per day for local sightseeing
Miscellaneous
₹500–1,000 (entry fees, guide, shopping)
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