Getting Around Bidar
Bidar is a compact heritage city on the Deccan Plateau, and its main sights are close enough together that a mix of walking and short auto-rickshaw hops covers most of what a visitor wants to see. The city has no metro or tram system, so getting around relies on road transport and the railway station for longer connections. The practical notes below cover each option in turn.
On Foot
Walking is one of the best ways to explore Bidar's attractions, which sit within a few kilometres of the city centre. The travel guide for the city recommends combining walking with auto rides to see the sights efficiently. Several of the key monuments are close to the centre: Bidar Fort, the Mahmud Gawan Madrasa, Guru Nanak Jhira Sahib, the Narasimha Jhira Cave Temple and the Papnash Shiva Temple are all within a short radius of the city. Mornings are the usual time to visit most of these sites, with the Papnash Shiva Temple better in the evening. Modest attire is recommended, especially at religious sites. Note that the city's rocky laterite soil and warm southern climate make comfortable footwear and cooler hours worthwhile.
Auto-Rickshaws
Auto-rickshaws are widely available across the city and are the workhorse of local transport. They can be hailed directly on the street or booked through local taxi services. Fares are inexpensive for short trips and vary with distance and time of day, so it is worth agreeing on the fare or confirming the meter before setting off.
Buses and Public Transport
Bidar's public bus network is served by two state-run operators. KSRTC (Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation) runs longer-distance services connecting Bidar with Bengaluru, Kalaburagi (Gulbarga), Hyderabad and Mumbai, and tickets can be booked online through the KSRTC website. For local travel, KKRTC (Kalyana Karnataka Road Transport Corporation) operates routes linking Bidar with nearby towns such as Kalyan, Humnabad and Basavakalyan, with schedules available on the KKRTC website. The central bus stand is the main point of arrival for visitors coming by road, and it is easily approachable from Hyderabad.
Rail
Bidar Railway Station (station code BIDR) sits on State Highway 15 and connects the city with Bengaluru, Hyderabad and Mumbai. The station has a Tourist Information Centre, a computerised reservation counter, a waiting room, and light refreshment and tea stalls. Two useful services for visitors are the Bidar–Hyderabad Intercity Express, which runs six days a week, and the daily Yesvantpur–Bidar Express from Bengaluru. Bidar has no metro or tram network, so the railway is the main option for longer journeys into and out of the region.
Taxis and Car Rentals
Taxis and car rentals are available for local sightseeing and for outstation trips, and can be booked through platforms such as MakeMyTrip. Self-drive car rentals can also be arranged through platforms such as Sulekha. For visitors who prefer a private vehicle for a day of monument-hopping, this is a straightforward option.
Arriving by Air
Bidar Airport (IATA code IXX) is a military airbase that also functions as a domestic airport. Star Air operates flights between Bidar and Bengaluru three days a week. Because the airport is a combined military and civil facility, travellers should expect the usual security arrangements of an airbase. From the airport, onward travel into the city is by road, using taxis, auto-rickshaws or pre-arranged transfers.
Practical Tips
- The best time to visit is October to February, when the weather is cooler.
- Combine walking with auto rides to cover the main sights efficiently.
- Dress modestly, particularly at religious sites such as Guru Nanak Jhira Sahib and the Narasimha Jhira Cave Temple.
- Book KSRTC bus tickets online in advance for longer journeys.
- Look out for local Bidriware handicrafts and regional sweets such as Chiroti while exploring the city.