Bangaluru.org - "Basavakalyan" Pilgrimage in Karnataka

Basavakalyan Once the capital of the Kalyana Chalukyas and the centre of a great social and religious upheaval in the 12th century, Basavakalyan in Bidar district is famed for its cultural heritage. During the time of the social reformer Basaveshwara, it became a seat of learning and an abode of spiritual wisdom. Basavakalyan is renowned for the saints who made the city their home: Basaveshwara, Akka-Mahadevi, Channabasavanna, and Siddarama. You can also see some monuments, caves, and other places of historic and religious importance here.

The royal heritage notwithstanding, Basavakalyan is known more for being the birthplace of Basaveshwara, a 12th Century scholar who fought against castism and orthodoxy in Hinduism. Despite being born into a Brahmin family in the Bijapur district of northern Karnataka and growing up in a strict, religious household, Basaveshwara was a pioneer who worked relentlessly to reform the inherent prejudices of Hinduism. He rejected the Vedic religion based on Vedas, agamas, shastras, and puranas.

Due to the noble work and philosophy of Basaveshwara, Basavakalyana became a seat of learning and an abode of spiritual wisdom. Basavakalyan is renowned for the saints who made the city their home: Basaveshwara, Akka-Mahadevi, Channabasavanna, and Siddarama.

More >>

site on Basavakalyan www. basavakalyan .org

Distance:-	Bidar - 80km Bangalore - 680km Hyderabad - 216km
By Road:-	From Bangalore many Govt Luxury Buses of KSRTC ply daily via Hyderbad, Its 16 hours journey from Bangalore via Hyderabad on NH 7 and NH 9. From Bangalore Via Gulbarga and Bellary its 20 hours journey. From Hyderbad Imaliban bus stand for every 15 minutes a Bus to Bidar is available from Plat form No 36.
By Rail:-	Bidar railway station is 80 km away - Rail facility is available from Bangalore and Hyderbad. Bangalore - Nanded Link Express Via Bidar, Departure from Bangalore at 9.50 PM. Secundrabad - Manmad Express from Hyderbad Departure at 6 PM from Secundrabad Station, Hyderbad. Hyderbad - Aurangabad Express from Kachiguda weekly thrice. One can also take Udyan express or KK Express from Bangalore reach Gulbarga and take a bus from there, its 105 KMS from Gulbarga.
By Air:-	Rajiv Gandhi International Terminal, Begumpet, Hyderabad is Just 120 Kms away from Bidar District Head Quarters. Its just 2 and half hours drive from the airport to Bidar on NH9 till Zaheerabad and a diversion of 28 KMs after Zaheerabad.
Route:-	Its 16 hours journey from Bangalore via Hyderabad on NH 7 and NH 9. From Bangalore Via Gulbarga and Bellary its 20 hours journey. From Hyderbad Imaliban bus stand for every 15 minutes a Bus to Bidar is available from Plat form No 36.
When to go:-	Any time of the year except summer.
Tourist offices:-	KSTDC(bookings and info) Badami House, NR Square, Bangalore Tel: 080-2275869, Fax: 2352626 Email: kstdc@vsnl.in
Where to stay :-	Hotel Kailash Mahipal Singh Pawar Complex, Near Old Bus Stand, Bidar - 585 401 Tel: 08482-227854, 227727 Tariff Range: Rs. 250/- to Rs. 450/- Hotel Kaveri Gandhigunj Road, Near Nandi Petrol Bunk, Jabshetty Market, Bidar - 585 401 Tel: 08482-223931 Tariff Range: Rs. 250/- to Rs. 450/- Hotel Ashoka Near Deepak Film Talkies, Opposite Sales Tax Office, Bidar - 585 401 Tel: 08482-223931, 227621 Tariff Range: Rs. 250/- to Rs. 450/- Hotel Mayura Opposite new KSRTC bus stand, Bidar - 585 401 Tel: 08482-228142 Tariff Range: Rs. 250/- to Rs. 450/- New Sri Venkateshwara Lodge Near Ambedkar Circle, Station Road, Bidar - 585 401 Tel: 08482-226443 Tariff Range: Rs. 50/- to Rs. 400/- Hotel Prince Udgir Road, Bidar - 585 401 Tel: 08482-225747 Tariff Range: Rs. 170/- to Rs. 220/-.