10 Things To Do In Bidar For A Mesmerising Vacation In Karnataka

A glimpse of an ancient fort in Karnataka exuding historical and rustic significance.

Located in the northern part of Karnataka, there are various things to do in Bidar, the historical city. Known for its architectural marvels, Bidar has its roots dating back to ancient India, balancing history, spirituality, and culture. With its heritage forts, religious sites, and beautiful surroundings, Bidar is a must-visit destination for travellers seeking both adventure and peace. Whether you’re exploring centuries-old monuments or savouring the peaceful surroundings, Bidar offers an unforgettable experience. In this blog, we’ll take you through the 10 best things to do in Bidar to ensure you make the most of your visit.

10 Things To Do In Bidar

Discover the historical treasures, spiritual retreats, and cultural gems as you indulge in these amazing things to do in Bidar.

1. Explore The Bidar Fort

 Exploring the historic Bidar Fort is one of the best things to do in Bidar in Karnataka.

Photo: Venkat Sudheer Reddy / Unsplash

Visiting the Bidar Fort is one of the many things to do in Bidar. This fort is an iconic landmark in the city and a testimony to its heritage. Built in the 15th century by the Bahmani Sultanate, the fort’s walls stretch over 5.5 kilometres, enclosing several structures such as the Rangin Mahal, Gagan Mahal, and the Solah Khamba Masjid.

Distance From Bidar Railway Station: 2.5 km
Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM

2. Indulge In Community Meals At Nanak Jhira Sahib

You can visit the famous Gurdwara for community meals, langar, and spiritual unity.

Photo: Dev Raj V C / Wikimedia Commons

Built in honour of Guru Nanak, the first Sikh Guru, the Gurdwara welcomes visitors looking for things to do in Bidar to participate in the community meals, known as “langar,” served at the Gurdwara.The langar is a heartwarming tradition where volunteers prepare simple, hearty meals for all, regardless of faith or background, embodying the spirit of equality and service.

Distance From Bidar Railway Station: 3 km
Timings: 6 AM – 9 PM

3. Stroll Through Narasimha Jhira Cave Temple

 Exploring the Narasimha Jhira Cave Temple is one of the top things to do in Bidar.

Photo: Dineshkannambadi / Wikimedia Commons

The Narasimha Jhira Cave Temple is a spiritual site located inside a water-filled cave. Dedicated to Lord Narasimha, an avatar of Vishnu, the temple attracts devotees and curious travellers looking for things to do in Bidar. To reach the deity’s shrine, visitors must wade through knee-deep water for about 300 metres inside the cave, creating an adventurous and spiritual experience.

Distance From Bidar Railway Station: 4.5 km
Timings: 7:30 AM – 6:30 PM

4. Explore The Ruins Of Mahmud Gawan Madrasa

 A glimpse of the ruins of Mahmud Gawan Madrasa, a famous hotspot in Karnataka.

Photo: Sngmsh8666 / Wikimedia Commons

Mahmud Gawan Madrasa is an ancient Islamic college that once stood as a prestigious centre of learning. Built in the 15th century, this structure reflects Persian architectural influences with its beautiful tile work and grand design. Despite being in ruins, the madrasa still has a sense of grandeur, with its towering arches and minarets attracting visitors looking for things to do in Bidar.

Distance From Bidar Railway Station: 2.5 km
Timings: 9 AM – 6 PM

5. Photograph The Beautiful Rangin Mahal

 Exploring the majestic Rangin Mahal is one of the best things to do in Bidar.

Photo: Bernard Gagnon / Wikimedia Commons

Located within Bidar Fort, Rangin Mahal is a stunning example of Indo-Islamic architecture. Its name translates to “Palace of Colors,” and true to its name, the palace is adorned with beautiful tile work, wood carvings, and floral patterns. The finely crafted columns and stucco designs attract visitors looking for things to do in Bidar, with numerous aesthetic spots to capture.

Distance From Bidar Railway Station: 2.5 km (inside Bidar Fort)
Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM

6. Boat Ride At Naradagadde

A scenic glimpse of Naradagadde Island with lush greenery, and relaxing boat rides.

Photo: Marc Ryckaert / Wikimedia Commons

Naradagadde is a small island located on the Manjira River. The island is surrounded by greenery and is home to a temple dedicated to Narada, the celestial sage. If you’re looking for things to do in Bidar, a boat ride across the river is a great choice. The sound of water crashing against the boat makes for a relaxing experience.

Distance From Bidar Railway Station: 45 km
Timings: 9 AM – 6 PM

7. Climb To The Top Of Chaubara Watch Tower

 Exploring the towering Chaubara Watch Tower is one of the best things to do in Bidar.

Photo: Krb2383 / Wikimedia Commons

This cylindrical tower stands at 22 metres tall and is one of the highest points in the city. A spiral staircase leads to the top, where visitors looking for things to do in Bidar are rewarded with a stunning 360-degree view. The tower was historically used as a watchtower and has since become a favourite spot to capture scenic views.

Distance From Bidar Railway Station: 2 km
Timings: 8 AM – 6 PM

8. Shopping For Bidri Handicrafts

Bidriware, the exquisite handicrafts featuring intricate colourful inlay designs

Photo: Digital Buggu / Pexels / Image For Representation Only

Bidriware, a traditional form of metal handicraft native to Bidar, is world-renowned for its distinct designs and craftsmanship. This art form involves inlaying silver and other metals onto an alloy of zinc and copper, resulting in beautifully detailed decorative items such as vases, trays, and jewellery. Bidriware makes for an excellent gift or keepsake when looking for things to do in Bidar.

Distance From Bidar Railway Station: 2 km
Timings: 10 AM – 7 PM

9. Visit Local Markets

Exploring the vibrant local markets is one of the best things to do in Bidar, Karnataka.

Photo: Sanketh Rao / Pexels / Image For Representation Only

Exploring Bidar’s local markets is a treat for visitors who are looking for things to do in Bidar and love to immerse themselves in the culture of a place. The busy bazaars offer fresh produce, spices, handmade crafts, and textiles. It’s also a great place to try local street food, such as the famous Bidari chappal or traditional sweets.

Distance From Bidar Railway Station: 2 km
Timings: 10 AM – 8 PM

10. Explore Deva Deva Vana

 A view of the Deva Deva Vana is an eco-park for conservation and nature exploration.

Photo: Frank Eiffert / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only

Deva Deva Vana is an eco-park located on the outskirts of Bidar. Spread over a large area, the park is designed to promote conservation and features various plants and trees native to the region. This makes it a perfect spot for visitors looking for things to do in Bidar. Deva Deva Vana is ideal for families, couples, or solo travellers looking to connect with nature.

Distance From Bidar Railway Station: 12 km
Timings: 6 AM – 6 PM

Bidar, with its history and cultural diversity, offers a wide range of experiences for every traveller. From exploring forts and spiritual sites to enjoying local crafts and natural terrain, there’s plenty of things to do in Bidar. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or a spiritual seeker, Bidar promises a memorable journey. Plan your trip with TripXL and dive into the unique attractions that make this city a less-explored gem of Karnataka.

Cover Photo: Sagar Madha / Unsplash

Frequently Asked Questions

The best time to visit Bidar is between October and March, when the weather is pleasant for sightseeing.
Bidar is approximately 700 km from Bangalore and can be reached by train, bus, or car.
Exploring Bidar Fort typically takes around 2 to 3 hours, depending on how much time you spend at each site.
Yes, but it’s best to check local conditions, especially during the monsoon season.
Khaja Miyan Bidri Works and Raj Bidri Art & Crafts are ideal options to purchase authentic Bidriware.

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