Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
here from Persia during the golden age of the Bahmani empire. An uncanny air of calm
hangs within the monument, and its polygonal courtyard houses rows of medieval graves,
amid which women in hijab sit quietly and murmur inaudible prayers.
RUINS, HISTORIC SITE
Khwaja Mahmud Gawan Madrasa
(admission free; dawn-dusk)
Dominating the heart of the old town are the ruins of Khwaja
Mahmud Gawan Madrasa, a college for advanced learning built in 1472 by Mahmud
Gawan, then chief minister of the empire. It was later used as an armoury by Mughal em-
peror Aurangzeb, when a gunpowder explosion ripped the building in half. To get an idea
of its former grandeur, check out the remnants of coloured tiles on the front gate and one
of the minarets which still stands intact.
Sleeping & Eating
HOTEL
$
Hotel Mayura
( 228142; Udgir Rd; d with fan/AC from ?500/800; )
Smart and friendly, with cheerful and well-
appointed rooms (though hard beds), this is the best hotel to camp at in Bidar. It's bang
opposite the bus stand. Look out for its NBC-peacock symbol.
Hotel Mayura Barid Shahi
( 221740; Udgir Rd; s/d ?350/450, r with AC ?785; )
Otherwise featureless with simple, minimal-
ist rooms (service is OK, though), this place scores due to its central location. The lovely
garden bar-restaurant to the rear brims over with joy and merriment every evening.
HOTEL
$
Jyothi Fort
(Bidar Fort; mains ?45-90)
Delightful outdoor restaurant with peaceful setting at the fort's entry.
Tables are set up on the grass under sprawling banyan trees, while the kitchen is in an at-
tractive stone-brick homestead-style building, and cooks up some delicious vegetarian
meals. There's also seating in private stone chambers.
INDIAN
$
Information
You can find
ATMs
(Udgir Rd)
and
internet
(per hr ? 20;
9am-9pm)
on the main road and oppos-
ite from Hotel Mayura Barid Shahi.
