Kalaburagi to Bidar in one day: a simple plan

Kalaburagi and Bidar share a history. The Bahmani Sultanate ruled from Gulbarga first and moved its capital to Bidar in the 15th century, so the two cities have the same kind of domes, gateways and stories. Bidar is about two and a half hours away by road, which makes it one of the best day trips from Kalaburagi.

When to go

October to February is the best time. The mornings are cool and the fort is pleasant to walk around. From March the afternoons get very hot, so start even earlier and keep the fort for the morning.

A plan for the day

1. Leave Kalaburagi by 6:30 am. You reach Bidar around 9. Humnabad is on the way if you want a tea stop or a quick visit to the Veerabhadreshwara temple.
2. Bidar Fort, 9 to 12. The fort is large: the gateways, the Rangin Mahal with its tile and wood work, and the walls with views over the plateau. Wear comfortable shoes.
3. Lunch in the old town.
4. Mahmud Gawan Madrasa. A 15th-century college in the middle of the old town. Part of it has fallen, but the tile work that is left is beautiful.
5. Bahmani tombs at Ashtur, mid afternoon. A short drive east of the town. The tomb of Ahmad Shah Wali has painted ceilings inside.
6. Gurudwara Nanak Jhira Sahib, late afternoon. A spring, a calm complex and langar for visitors.
7. Leave Bidar by 6 pm to be home by about 8:30.

If you have a little more time, the Narasimha Jhira cave temple is famous for its tunnel, where you walk through water to reach the shrine. Ask about the water level before you go.

What to buy

Bidar gives its name to Bidri work: dark metal objects inlaid with silver. Buy from the craftsmen’s shops in the old town and ask them to show you how it is made.

One way or round trip?

For a day trip, book a round trip. The driver stays with you all day, the fare covers the km and a driver allowance, and stops inside Bidar cost nothing extra. A one-way car is better when you are staying in Bidar or going on to Hyderabad.

You can also add Basavakalyan as a stop and see the Anubhava Mantapa on the way, but that makes a very long day.

Before you leave

• Carry water, a cap and some cash for entry tickets and shoes at the gurudwara.
• Keep your PIN private until you are in the car with the right number plate.
• Tolls and parking are paid on the way and are not part of the fare.