Badami

A place that gives a view of Chalukya architecture!

Bagalkot a district in Karnataka posses some of the amazing historical sites from Ancient Indian history. Among this one of the beautiful destinations in Badami. The most important aspect of India culture is its diversity. Badami is a place where you can get a magnificent view of rock-cut architecture. Badami also called Vatapi was the capital city of the mighty Chalukyas Empire. This place is very popular for cave temples that are made out of sandstone rocks that surround the Agastya Lake. Three cave temples are dedicated to the Hindu deities and one temple to Jainism. A flight of stairs that is present within helps in connecting the cave temples. The government of India has listed Badami as one of the best heritage cities in India.

Another main attraction is the four Badami cave temples that are cut out of the monolithic rock of the sandstone. This temple represents the secular nature of the rulers with tolerance and religious following that mostly dedicated to Hinduism, Jainism and Buddhism. They are carved spectacularly and are simply spellbinding. The entire complex is present in the mouth of the ravine and they face Agastya lake. From the temple complex, one can have a panoramic view of the lake. Have a look at details about these caves:

Cave 1: This is dedicated to Lord Shiva having beautiful figures of Lord Dwarapalakas, a 5 feet idol of Nataraja having 18 arms. Then there are sculptures of Nandi, Lord Ganesha, Parvati.

Cave 2: This is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It has figures of Dwarapalakas who are holding lotus in their hands, a sculpture of Varaha with his goddess Bhudevi, a magnificent sculpture of Vamana. Besides, there are also some beautiful engravings present on the ceiling.

Cave 3: This cave is the oldest and biggest among all caves and is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. There are giant statues of Paravasudeva, Harihara, and Narasimha in this cave.

Cave 4: This cave is dedicated to Mahavira where numerous images of him can be found on inner pillars as well as walls. Besides, there are some idols of Bahubali, Yakshas as well as yakshas.

The matha overlooks all the functions of the temple and is of utmost cultural and religious significance to the Hindus. People from the surrounding states also visit this matha. The matha has several lines of Vaishnava descendants and holds high holy value.

This is an important temple that is built uniquely in the apsidal design, a structure where the back of the temple resembles an elephant’s back. This makes it a very rare temple. This temple was built in the 9th century A.D. and has 2 storeys. The temple has mandapas, a sanctum and circular passage.

All of the caves are simply enthralling. One of the surprising facts is they have withstood various natural calamities. When you visit this temple complex, it simply reminds you about Chalukyas dedication to religion and also demonstrates the earlier civilisations faith.

Some of the other major attraction near to Badami is

Pattadakal
Aihole
KudalaSangama
Lad Khan temple

Thus, we can say that with so many attractions a visit to this place is worth it.

What is Badami famous for?

Badami is famous for its rock-cut cave temples, structural temples, and sandstone cliffs. It was the capital of the Chalukya dynasty and is known for its ancient architecture, inscriptions, and sculptures.

Where is Badami located?

Badami is located in the Bagalkot district of Karnataka, India. It is around 450 km from Bangalore and 120 km from Hubli.

How to reach Badami?

By Air:The nearest airport is Hubli Airport (120 km).
By Train:The nearest railway station is Badami Railway Station (5 km from the town).
By Road:Well connected by bus and roadways from Bangalore, Hubli, and Belgaum.

What are the top attractions in Badami?

Badami Cave Temples – 4 rock-cut temples dedicated to Hindu and Jain deities.
Bhutanatha Temples – Located near Agastya Lake.
Agastya Lake – A serene lake with beautiful reflections of rock formations.
Banashankari Temple – A famous pilgrimage site (5 km from Badami).
Aihole and Pattadakal – Historic temple complexes nearby.

What is the best time to visit Badami?

The best time to visit is October to March, as the weather is cooler and more comfortable.

Are there entry fees for the cave temples?

Yes, entry fees are applicable:

Indians:₹25
Foreigners: ₹300
Children under 15: Free(Fees may change over time, so it's good to check before visiting.)

What is the history of Badami?

Badami was the capital of the Chalukya dynasty (6th-8th century AD) and was known as Vatapi. The Chalukyan kings built several temples and left behind inscriptions that provide insights into their reign.

Is Badami a good place for rock climbing?

Yes! Badami is one of India's best rock-climbing destinations, with natural sandstone cliffs offering various difficulty levels for climbers.

What are some nearby places to visit?

Aihole(35 km) – Known as the "Cradle of Indian Temple Architecture."
Pattadakal (22 km) – A UNESCO World Heritage Site with Chalukyan-style
Mahakuta (16 km) – An ancient temple complex with a natural spring.

What are the accommodation options in Badami?

There are budget and mid-range hotels, government guesthouses, and resorts available in Badami town.

Are there good food options in Badami?

Yes, you can find South Indian vegetarian food in local eateries. Some places offer North Indian and basic continental dishes.

What is the local language spoken in Badami?

The primary language spoken is Kannada, but Hindi and English are also understood in tourist areas.