Bidar is a beautiful town located 2200 feet above sea level on a plateau overlooking the River Manjira. While is exceptionally well known for its history, very few people spend more than a day here. In fact at a certain point in time, all Bidar was famous for was its access to alcohol owing to a declaration of alcohol prohibition in Andhra Pradesh!
But there is much to Bidar, here is our list of what you could do when you are here –
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Go around town on a bicycle
Cycling in Bidar Bidar is a historical city and the best way to devour the historical beauty of this town is to visit by cycling. Roads are mostly clean & well maintained and you also reduce your carbon footprint by being on a bicycle.
Go to Sami Cycle Taxi and rent a bicycle after depositing your ID. -
Hike and watch the sunset
Hiking in Bidar Bidar is an ideal place to hike. You can either go in for a lazy stroll near monuments such as Bidar fort or Chowbara. Or you can choose to hike up a historical monument to watch the sunset.
For a contrasting experience, you can also go to the Kanjara River Dam. A hike by the bank of this serene and clear river while sun slowly dips into the horizon could turn out to be super romantic moment! -
Understand and explore architecture
Architecture in Bidar The monuments of Bidar stood the test of time and still continue to exhibit such an exquisite beauty. Intelligent planning & construction have gone into these beautiful monuments and exploring the architectural details will expand your cognizance.
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Shop for some artefacts
Bidriware in Bidar Shopping could be a really interesting and eclectic experience in Bidar. Bidar is known for its world famous Bidriware artefacts. It is so popular that it is displayed in Louvre museum in Paris! This is supposed to be an ancietn art born during the rule of the Bahmani sultans. It is made with a blackened alloy of zinc with lines of silver.
Apart from Bidriware you find suraahis (tall wine jugs with long necks) hukkas, vases and trays made in Persian style. Bidar also offers toy animals, utility items and knick knacks made with sandalwood. -
Ride in a coracle
Coracle in Bidar Coracle is the round country boat which literally goes in circles if not rowed properly! Coracle rides in Vilaspur lake is a fun experience where you can enjoy watching rare wild blackbucks.
Coracle rides in the serene Kanjara River is also a delightful experience where the sheer vastness of river makes one wonder if it is indeed sea they are looking at. -
Watch birds and wildlife
Watch birds at Bidar Most of the endemic Indian birds migrate to this part of the world in winter. Vilaspur lake houses some rare Indian birds. Grab your binoculars and enjoy the rare wildlife.
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Eat some dosas
Eat at Bidar Get down at the bus station and head to Jyothi Udupi on the opposite side for breakfast. This place offers one of the best dosas in the country. In fact they have 21 different kinds of dosas!
While you are at it, also devour the North Karnataka meal 🙂 -
Discover yourself in context of the world you are living in
Basava-Kalyana Every traveller rediscovers themselves through their journey. Bidar could be a great place for this owing to the its history and culture. It has housed various cultures, civilizations & traditions and it is also the place where probably the first social democratic institution was established by Indian philosopher Basavanna – the treatises of which now stand as basic human rights in today�s society.
Photos credits to respective owners – Madhu Gopalan, Jungle lodges and resorts