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Karnataka

Basavakalyana Fort

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map

January

12.3 - 32.4 °C

February

14.9 - 35.5 °C

March

17.2 - 39.1 °C

April

19.6 - 40.9 °C

May

20.9 - 42.2 °C

June

20.3 - 40.2 °C

July

20.0 - 34.1 °C

August

19.5 - 32.2 °C

September

19.4 - 32.8 °C

October

17.0 - 33.4 °C

November

14.6 - 31.7 °C

December

12.3 - 30.7 °C

Major Airports :

Bidar Airport (IXX), Bidar

Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (HYD), Hyderabad

Kalaburagi Airport (GBI), Kalaburagi

Nearest Railway Station :

Bidar Railway Station (BIDR)

Major Airports :

Bidar Airport (IXX), Bidar

Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (HYD), Hyderabad

Kalaburagi Airport (GBI), Kalaburagi

The Karmabhoomi of Basavanna

A centuries-old monument bearing witness to South India's rich historical legacy stands amidst Bidar's ancient cityscape. It is a grand edifice steeped in a tale of valour and grandeur.

Enter the Basavakalyana Fort, within the town of Basavakalyana, which served as the capital of the Western Chalukyan kingdom from 1050 to 1189.

Built in the 10th century by the Chalukyan rulers, the fort features impressive walls, intricately carved gateways, sprawling courtyards, and imposing walls. Although most of its former grandeur now lies in ruins, its allure makes Basavakalyana Fort an unmissable stop on any South Indian itinerary. The fort's intricate network of interconnected boulders spread throughout hills and sturdy fort walls speaks volumes about its strength as an enduring fortress for centuries.

Basavakalyana Fort is more than just a historical monument. It forms an integral part of Basavakalyana town itself and is also famous as the Karmabhoomi (workplace) of Basavanna (founder of the Virashaiva community) and hundreds of other Sharanas (saints of the Virashaiva community). The fort and the town became the centre of a great social and religious movement in the 12th century because of Basaveshwara, the social reformer. It beckons the traveller to step within and discover its stories.

Treasures inside the fort

Once you enter through the grand arch entrance, you will see steps leading down into the fort, with balconies accessible via steps on both sides leading deeper inside. At the centre of the fort, you will find an elegant red stone structure called Akhand Darwaza, which invites you to explore what lies beyond. Although much of this fort now lies in ruins, one part remains intact as an Urdu school and serves as a living testament to its historical importance.

Within the fort, there is a temple dedicated to the goddess Lakshmi, which is believed by many to be a sacred ground for meditation. While exploring, you will find several small cannons and a larger 694 cm cannon named 'Navgaz'. The fort also has a temple without any deity, believed to be of Goddess Lakshmi.

Do not miss the opportunity to explore the magnificent remains of Rajmahal Palace and Rani Mahal within the fort. Adjacent to them is a temple with a square pond that provides a serene setting for reflection and discovery. Additionally, the fort's museum houses an outstanding collection of Jain idols dating back as far as the 10th to 11th centuries, giving a fascinating insight into this region's artistic and religious heritage.

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Timings

Opening time - 09:00 AM

Closing time - 05:00 PM

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Bidar, Karnataka, India/ December 8, 2018: A Bidri craftsman engraves a traditional design on a vase, its grooves which will then be filled with fine silver wire.
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Find more gems nearby

Although Basavakalyana Fort is an impressive architectural treasure, the surrounding region is also rich in historic and religious landmarks waiting to be discovered. You can visit the Chalukyan Fort or explore caves to immerse yourself in this enigmatic fort's history and spirituality. If you're looking for a peaceful escape, you should visit the Tripurantaka Lake, located just 5 km from Basavakalyana city. Here, you can witness an impressive Shiva temple and numerous laterite caves set against a serene lake setting, which makes for the perfect way to unwind and connect with nature. Additionally, make sure to visit the Basaveshwara Temple to seek blessings. On any given Monday, you can attend this historic site's special worship ceremony and receive blessings while immersing yourself in its spiritual atmosphere.

Come and discover the echoes of a glorious past within the ancient walls of Basavakalyana Fort, where every stone tells a story of courage and heritage.

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Experiences

Bidar, Karnataka, India/ December 8, 2018: A Bidri craftsman engraves a traditional design on a vase, its grooves which will then be filled with fine silver wire.

Cultural canvas in Bidar
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