Chaubara Clock Tower, Bidar

Height

About 71 feet

Timings

8 AM to 6 PM, daily

Entry fee

Free

Camera fee

None

Ideal time needed

30 to 45 minutes

What to see

The tower is cylindrical and sits on a broad round plinth roughly 180 feet around and a little under 17 feet high. Arched niches cut into this base still give passers-by a shady place to sit. A narrow spiral staircase winds up inside, lit by small openings in the wall, to a terrace at the top where four clock faces look out over the streets.

Its design is often compared to the spiral minaret of the great mosque at Samarra, and it is one of the most recognisable landmarks in the town.

History

The tower is linked to the Bahmani ruler Ahmad Shah Wali, who moved his capital to Bidar, with changes made by later rulers. It was placed to line up with the town's defences so that signals could pass quickly. The name is usually explained as coming from 'chau', four, and 'bara', a fortified place, reflecting its position at the meeting of four roads.

Timings and tickets

The Chaubara is open every day between 8 AM and 6 PM. There is no entry fee and no charge for cameras or video, and you can explore without a guide. Morning is the easiest time, before traffic around the junction builds up.

How to reach

Bidar is connected by bus with towns across Karnataka and by train with Hyderabad and other major cities, including local services to Hyderabad. Bidar also has a small airport a short drive from the town centre. Once in town, the tower is easy to find, as most roads lead to it.

Combine it with Bidar Fort and, inside it, Gagan Mahal, Rangeen Mahal and Tarkash Mahal, plus the Jama Masjid, for a full day in the old Bahmani capital.

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