- Built
- 15th century (Bahmani sultans)
- Timings
- 8 am to 6.30 pm
- Entry fee
- Free
- Ideal time needed
- 1–2 hours
- Best time
- October to February
- Nearest railway station
- Bidar
History
The Bahmani sultan Ahmad Shah Wali moved his capital to Bidar in the 15th century and rebuilt the old fort on the site. After the Bahmani kingdom declined, the Barid Shahi rulers took over, and they added to and restored many of the buildings, using the palaces for the royal household and important guests.
What to see
The fort is protected by a triple moat cut partly into the rock, and long battlemented walls with several grand gateways. Inside, look for the audience hall, royal baths, storerooms, kitchens and pavilions. The highlight is the Rangin Mahal, a palace known for its coloured tiles, mother-of-pearl inlay and carved wooden pillars in Persian style.
The buildings mix Persian, Islamic and Indian building traditions, and many are in ruins, but their layout and scale are still easy to read.
Timings and tickets
Gates open at 8 am and close at 6.30 pm every day; allow one to two hours. There has been no entry fee, and photography is allowed. Carry water and a hat, as there is little shade.
Best time to visit
You can visit all year, but summer afternoons are very hot. October to February is the most comfortable season for walking around the ramparts.
How to reach
Bidar railway station has frequent trains to Hyderabad, which is the closest large airport and the most convenient gateway. Buses connect Bidar with major towns across Karnataka. Nearby, the Guru Nanak Jhira Sahib gurdwara and the Narasimha Jhira cave temple make good additions to the day.
Also nearby
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