Thinking of Visiting Beed? Here’s Your Complete Guide
Looking to get off the beaten path in Maharashtra? If you’re tired of the usual tourist spots and want to dive into some real history, then you should definitely have Beed on your radar. This city is a treasure trove of ancient temples and mighty forts, without all the crowds.
Think of this as your go-to Beed city travel guide from a friend. We’ll cover all the must-see spots, the best way to get here, and some tips to make your trip awesome. So, let’s get into it!
A Little Backstory: What’s Beed All About?
To really get Beed, you need to know a little bit about its past. This place has been around for ages, ruled by everyone from the Yadava kings to the Mughals and the Nizams of Hyderabad. Each one left their mark, which is why the city has such a cool mix of architecture and stories.
There’s even a quirky legend that the city got its name when a Sultan, Muhammad bin Tughluq, lost a tooth here and built a tomb for it. A tomb for a tooth! That’s the kind of fun history you’ll find in Beed.
Getting There & When to Go
First things first, let’s talk logistics. Planning your trip to Beed is pretty straightforward.
How to Reach Beed
- By Road: This is the easiest way to get to Beed. It’s connected by NH 52, so driving from Aurangabad is a breeze. You can also catch MSRTC buses or private coaches from cities like Pune, Mumbai, and Nagpur.
- By Train: The closest major train station is in Parli Vaijnath (about 92 km away). From there, you can easily grab a taxi or a local bus to Beed.
- By Air: The nearest airport is in Aurangabad (around 128 km away). Once you land, you can hire a cab for the rest of the journey. It’s a nice drive!
Best Time to Visit
You’ll want to plan your trip for the cooler, drier months. The sweet spot is from October to February. The weather is perfect for walking around and exploring all day. Trust me, you’ll want to avoid the super hot summer (March-June) and the heavy rains of monsoon (July-September).
The Top Sights: What to See in Beed
Beed is all about incredible historical spots that feel like you’ve stepped back in time. Here are the places you absolutely can’t miss.
History and Cool Buildings
- Kankaleshwar Temple: This is the showstopper! Seriously, it’s a temple sitting in the middle of a lake. It was built way back in the Yadava era and the stone carvings are just mind-blowing. It has a very Ellora-like vibe, but without the huge crowds. A must-see! [External Link: Learn about cool Indian temple styles here].
- Dharur Fort: Fancy exploring a ruined fort on a hill? Dharur Fort is your place. It’s naturally protected by valleys on three sides, which is pretty clever. Walking through the ruins makes you feel like an adventurer discovering a lost world.
- Khazana Well (Khazana Bavdi): This isn’t just any old well; it’s a massive, historic stepwell. It was built centuries ago to make sure the town always had water. It’s a cool piece of old-school engineering.
Spiritual Spots
- Khandoba Temple: This is a lively and important local temple with these awesome stone lamp towers called Deepmalas. If you’re around during a festival, the energy here is amazing.
- Shahinshah Wali Dargah: A beautiful and peaceful Sufi shrine that’s respected by people of all faiths. It’s a great place to just sit, relax, and soak in the calm atmosphere.
- Parli Vaijnath Temple: While technically a bit of a drive from Beed city, it’s totally worth it. It’s one of the twelve sacred Jyotirlingas in India, making it a huge deal for followers of Lord Shiva. [Internal Link: Check out our guide to other major pilgrimage sites in Maharashtra].
Living Like a Local: Food & Tips
To really experience Beed, you’ve got to dive into the local scene.
What to Eat
You have to try the local food! Beed’s cuisine is part of the Marathwada region, which means it’s packed with flavor and can be a little spicy. Look for a place that serves an authentic Maharashtrian thali to try a bit of everything. Head to the market near Shivaji Chowk to see the city’s bustling heart.
Good to Know Tips
- Where to Stay: You’ll find everything from simple lodges to decent mid-range hotels. It’s a good idea to book ahead, especially if you’re traveling during the peak season (Oct-Feb).
- Getting Around: Auto-rickshaws are your best friend for getting around the city. If you’re planning a trip out to Dharur Fort, hiring a taxi for the day is the way to go.
- Being Respectful: When you visit temples or the dargah, it’s good practice to dress modestly (cover your shoulders and knees). And remember to take off your shoes before you go inside!
My Suggestion: A Perfect 2-Day Beed Itinerary
Day 1: Temples and Chilling
- Morning (9 AM – 12 PM): Head straight to the Kankaleshwar Temple. Give yourself plenty of time to admire the carvings and take tons of photos.
- Afternoon (1 PM – 3 PM): Check out the Khandoba Temple and its cool lamp towers.
- Evening (4 PM – 6 PM): Wind down your day at the peaceful Shahinshah Wali Dargah.
Day 2: Forts and Markets
- Morning (9 AM – 1 PM): Make the trip to Dharur Fort. The views from the top are worth it!
- Afternoon (2 PM – 4 PM): On your way back, stop by the Khazana Well to see the old stepwell.
- Evening: Wander through the local market near Shivaji Chowk for some souvenir shopping and people-watching.
So, Should You Go?
Absolutely! Beed is an amazing destination for anyone who loves history and wants an authentic travel experience. It’s a place with deep stories, incredible architecture, and a friendly vibe. This Beed city travel guide has hopefully shown you just how much there is to discover.
So pack your bags, get curious, and enjoy exploring one of Maharashtra’s best-kept secrets!
- FAQ:
- When’s the best time to visit Beed? The best time is definitely between October and February. The weather is cool and pleasant, perfect for exploring.
- How do I get to Beed? Driving is the easiest way! You can also take a train to nearby Parli Vaijnath or fly into Aurangabad and grab a taxi from there.
- What are the top 3 things to see in Beed? You absolutely have to see the Kankaleshwar Temple (the one in the lake!), explore the ruins of Dharur Fort, and check out the lively Khandoba Temple.
