tourist places in badami

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14 Mystical Places To Visit In Badami, Karnataka That Need Your Attention In 2024

Nested in the rocky red sandstone with tranquil Agastya Lake surrounding it, Badami in Karnataka will definitely steal your breath away. This is a heart melting landscape founded by the Chalukyas and has earned a great significance in the history. Explore the intricate Dravidian architecture and magnificent stature of the monuments through the numerous places to visit in Badami .

Compare any other place with Badami, but you will not find any such historic place as it completely nails the Karnataka tourism. Carved over 1200 years ago, the impressive caves in the cliffs and the sculptures will invoke a sense of respect towards Indian architecture.

The best months to explore Badami lies from July to March. Moreover, the temperature variations all throughout the year is quite minimal. The range of rainfall fluctuates between average to heavy while the winters are quite mild in nature.

14 Best Places To Visit In Badami

Badami may be a small town but there is no dearth of attractions to visit here. Make sure you cover each and every place mentioned below and click ravishing photos.

Magnificent Badami Cave Temples
Alluring Bhutanatha Group Of Temples
Traditional Mallikarjuna Group Of Temples
Mesmerizing Badami Fort
Glorious Archaeological Museum
Surreal Agastya Lake
Enigmatic Mahakuteshwara Temple
Beautiful Aihole Banashankari Temple
Enchanting Pattadakal
Marvelous Malegitti Shivalaya Fort And Temple
Beautiful Akka-Tangi Falls
Ancient Lower Shivalaya Sanctuary
Mysterious Ravana Pahad

1. Badami Cave Temples

Image Source

Badami Cave Temples is one of the outstanding tourist places in Badami owing to its engrossing rock-cut architecture. The carvings of the Chalukyan temple represent excellent craftsmanship that is truly appreciable. Bordered by the stalks of lotus, the beautiful images of the trio Vishnu, Brahma and Shiva are engraved into the ceilings of these temples.

Talking about the beauty of the four cave temples in Badami, they are a mixture of South Indian Dravidian and North Indian Nagara architecture. The cave temple is extremely beautiful and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Shimmering in the red sandstone, this cave incorporates a hall along with many columns and a temple. Moreover, the ceilings and pillars are adorned with paintings of ardent couples. In this temple, Lord Vishnu is pictured as ‘Trivikarma’, wherein he puts one foot on the ground which represents his control over the universe. However, the other foot is proclaiming governance over the sky.

Time: 9 am–5:30 pm Tip: Photography allowed Location: Badami, Bagalkot District, Karnataka Entry fees: NA Ideal duration: 2 to 3 hours Best Time: Throughout the year

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2. Bhutanatha Group Of Temples

Crafted out of soft sandstone, these temples were built by the Badami Chalukyas in mid of the 7th and 11th centuries. This temple is an excellent demonstration of Badami Chalukyan architecture which is a perfect fusion of North and South style. You will completely be speechless by gawking at the stone sculptures and the structures carved out of stone. The glistening of the temple with the warm and refreshing rays of sun enhances the beauty of the overall structure.

If you really want to witness the sunset at Badami, then the temple of Bhutanatha is an ideal place to visit. The yellowish touch of the last rays of the sun cannot be described in words. Further, it is one of the most romantic sunset spots in India and if you are visiting this place with your better half, then it’s like the cherry on the cake. This is one of the beautiful sightseeing places in Badami to add to your checklist.

Location: It’s in Badami town, Bagalkot, Karnataka Tip: Photography allowed Time: It’s open from 6.00 am to 7.00 pm Entry fees: NA Ideal duration: 2 to 3 hours Best Time: NA

3. Mallikarjuna Group Of Temples

it is unique structure with its pyramidal shape

Positioned right adjacent to Bhutanatha Group Of Temples, Mallikarjuna Group Of Temples is a unique structure with its pyramidal shape. This temple is also built by Badami Chalukyas and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Enveloped with small shrines, this temple has a strong impact on the historical buildings in this heritage town. This is one of the most popular sightseeing places in Badami, Karnataka.

Fashioned with Phamsana style, these temples were constructed during the era of Kalyani Chalukyas and Rashtrakutas. The smooth rock surfaces can be seen on the outer walls of the sanctum. The inner part of the tower is built in typical Rashtrakuta style of architecture. The plain inner walls and pillars along with angled eaves across the roof will absolutely stun you.

The pyramid-shaped superstructures top up this shrines and are made up of closely placed horizontal tiers. One can enjoy the charming view of blue-green Agastya Lake outside the temple accompanied with beautiful pictures of the gigantic rocky hills of Badami.

Timings: 5:30 am–1.00 pm & 3.00 pm –7.00 pm Tip: Photography allowed Location: Badami, Bagalkot District, Karnataka Entry fees: NA Ideal duration: 2 to 3 hours Best Time: NA

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4. Badami Fort

it is a renowned archaeological attraction

Badami Forts is a renowned archaeological attraction in Badami that is perched on top of the hill and is 2 km from the main town of Badami. This fort was constructed by Chalukyan King Pulakeshi and is one of the excellent visiting places in Badami with respect to history.

Chalukyan rulers hailed Badami Fort that was plundered and ruined by the Pallavas. The walls of the fort were rebuilt and many structures were added to this fort later on. The location of this fort is absolutely stunning as it offers a gorgeous view of the entire town of Badami and its architectural marvels. Moreover, this fort is encircled by double fortification walls thereby ensuring proper security. A statue of Nandi (Lord Shiva’s Bull) is available at the entrance of this fort. At the centre of the fort, there is masjid like structure that was constructed by Tipu Sultan. This silent fort has witnessed many attacks yet it stands tall with grace and aplomb.

Timings: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm (closed on Friday) Entry Fee: INR 05 Tip: Photography allowed Location: Badami, Bagalkot District, Karnataka Ideal duration: 2 to 3 hours Best Time: NA

5. Archaeological Museum

Located at the footsteps of Badami Fort, Archaeological Museum is just one kilometre away from Badami Bus Station. With Lake Agasthya on the northern side, this museum is a treasure house wherein many fabulous artefacts are preserved. Shiva’s bull near the museum gate will greet you as you enter this museum. Established in the year 1979, the museum comprises of many inscriptions and historic materials. Consequently, it was transformed into a full fledged museum in 1982. Prehistoric stone implements & sculptures, inscriptions, architectural marvels and hero stones are preserved in this museum. Further, exhibits of Shiva in different forms are available here.

Timing: 9 am to 5pm (Closed on Friday) Tip: Photography is prohibited. Location: It’s located at the foothills of the northern hill containing the northern fort, near to Pallava Narasimhavarmman’s inscription Entry fees: NA Ideal duration: 1 to 2 hours Best Time: Throughout the year

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6. Agastya Lake

Positioned one km away from the Badami Bus Station, this beautiful lake was constructed way back in the 5th century. The localities reveal that this lake holds great spiritual and healing significance.The major crowd puller here is the divine and sacred water body (Kund) called Pushkarini. It is believed that the Pushkarini was brought on earth by Garuda, the mythological vehicle of Lord Vishnu.

One of the excellent places to visit in Badami, this lake is deemed to wash away your sins when you dip in this holy water. There are beautiful Bhootanatha Temples on the eastern side while the southwest part emphasizes on the cave temples. It may not be an ideal place for swimming but you can capture the scenic view of gorgeous hills and several historical monuments behind the lens of your camera.

Location: Badami, Karnataka Timings: NA Entry fees: NA Ideal duration: 2 to 3 hours Best Time: NA Tip: Photography allowed

7. Mahakuteshwara Temple

Bordered by hills, the holy Mahakuteshwara Temple is dedicated to the Shaiva Culture. Constructed to honor Lord Shiva, this place is exhibiting the intricate art of Dravidian style. Have a glance over the sculptures and carvings of this place wherein excellent artistic intelligence is showcased. Being one of the outstanding tourist places in Badami, Mahakuteshwara Temple is a fabulous piece of art with excellent carvings.

Timings: 6:00 am – 6:00 pm Time duration : 1 – 2 hours Location: Badami-Mahakoota, Badami, Karnataka Entry fees: NA Best Time: NA Tip: Photography allowed

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This is a famous temple complex of Karnataka which is a home to around 125 Chalukyan temples and ancient monuments. The Aihole is a medieval centre which is located at Bagalkot and also stands for the position in the UNESCO World Heritage site. Resting amidst the sandstone hills and villages, this was once the capital of the Chalukya Dynasty. In the present day this temple is known as one of the prominent centres for temple architecture and intricate stonework.

Ideal Duration: 2-3 Days Best Time: Oct-Mar Location: It’s at Bagalkot, Karnataka, and located 46 km away from Badami Time: It’s operating from 6.00 am to 5.30 pm Entry fees: NA Tip: Photography allowed

9. Banashankari Temple

Also known as Banashankari Amma Temple, this magnificent temple is located at Cholachagudda near Badami. This is counted as one of the famous shrines in Karnataka which is solely dedicated to the Hindu culture. The temple is of strong importance among the locals and it maintains harmony and unity in the city.

Timings: 7AM-7PM Time Required: 1-2 Hours Entry Fee: No Entry Fee Location: It’s at S Kariyappa Road, Kanakpura Main Road, Sarbandapalya, Banashankari Temple Ward, Bangalore, Karnataka Best Time: NA Tip: Photography allowed

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10. Pattadakal

One of the prestigious UNESCO declared World Heritage Sites in Karnataka, the Pattadakal is one of the religiously important places for Hindu and Jain Temples. Located at the banks of River Malaprabha, this place reflects the rich heritage of the 4th century. Lord Shiva is worshipped inside this temple and the architecture showcases the beautiful blend of North and South India.

Best Time To Visit: Oct-Mar Ideal Duration: 1-2 days Location: Bagalkot district, Karnataka Time: NA Entry fees: No entry fees Tip: Photography allowed

11. Malegitti Shivalaya Fort And Temple

The Malegitti Shivalaya Fort is a marvelous example of the ancient Chalukya architecture which is reflected in the form of elegantly carved rock-cut temple situated at the top of Badami. This was built in the 7th century and gives the perfect glimpse of the Dravida style which was used early Chalukya architecture which makes it one of the best places to see in Badami .

Ideal Duration: Less than 1 hour Timings: 6AM-6PM Location: Badami, Bagalkot District, Karnataka Entry fees: Free entry Best Time: NA Tip: Photography allowed

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12. Beautiful Akka-Tangi Falls

Image Credits: Wikimedia Commons

If you are fond of adventure then you must surely visit one of the popular tourist places in Badami that is the beautiful Akka-Tangi Falls. You are going to experience a splendid environment as the place is surrounded by the cool weather as the water flows from a height which is indeed a marvellous site to watch. Akka-Tangi Falls happens to be the first fall of the Sharavathi river which makes visiting it among the best things to do in Badami.

Location: Badami, Bagalkot District, Karnataka Time: it’s open from 9.00 am to 5.30 pm Entry fees: N o entry fees Ideal duration: 2 to 3 hours Best Time: October to February Tip: Photography allowed

13. Ancient Lower Shivalaya Sanctuary

The lower Shivalaya Sanctuary is considered to be one of the famous tourist places in Badami . The sanctuary comprises a hall, medium porch and a double-side sanctuary. The sanctuary is beautifully laid with a lotus-petaled pathway which contains a Brahmanical image. You will indeed be amazed by the ancient shrines, dome and stupa.

Location: Badami, Bagalkot District, Karnataka Time: It’s open from 10.00 am to 5.00 pm (Friday closed) Entry fees: N o entry fees Ideal duration: 1 to 2 hours Best Time: In the evenings Tip: Photography allowed

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14. Mysterious Ravana Pahad

Image Credits: Wikipedia

One of the spectacular ancient tourist places in Badami is Ravana Pahad where you will get to see the caves which are sculptured beautifully and drawn dramatically. This makes Ravana Pahad as the famous Badami tourist places for the tourists to visit. The Pahad was built in the 6 th century and has been dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Location: Badami, Bagalkot District, Karnataka Time: It’s open from 6.00 am to 5.30 pm Entry fees: N o entry fees Ideal duration: 2 to 3 hours Best Time: March to May Tip: Photography allowed

It’s high time to pack your bags and take a vacation to Karnataka where you should check out all these places to visit in Badami. There is no other place like this and you will be thankful to yourself that you planned a short getaway to this offbeat place in Karnataka. Each one of these places are gems. Do not forget to take your camera along and take astounding shots of these attractions. Badami which is a short place in Karnataka will leave you mesmerized by its excessive history, ancient temples, forts, historical places and architecture. Tourists get to witness the popular rock-cut cave temples which will give you deep insights in the archaeological findings. If you want to encounter the finest of Badami then do plan your visit between October and February as you will get to experience soothing climate.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Places To Visit In Badami

What is the best season to visit Badami?

The ideal time to visit Badami is post-monsoon and winter i.e. from July to March. This place receives heavy to average rain showers. Also, the winters are mild and there are variations of temperature throughout the year.

How many days are required to visit Badami?

One to two days are required to explore the tourist places of Badami. Apart from this, you can also visit nearby fabulous destinations like Hampi, Aihole, and Pattadakal.

What are some must-visit places & things to do while visiting Badami?

Badami is home to several historic places like Boothanatha Temple, Banashankari Temple, Mallikarjuna Temples, Badami Fort, Cave 1, Cave 2 and Cave 3. If you are planning to visit Badami, make sure you add all these places to your checklist.

Why is Badami famous?

Badami being the capital of Badami Chalukyas from 540 AD to 757 AD is famous for its archaeological monuments. Moreover, these magnificent structures represent Dravidian architectural styles.

Is Badami worth visiting?

If you truly want to explore the beauty of Indian architecture, then Badami is worth visiting. The miniature carvings and the elegance of the temples will definitely impress you. Also, the view of the famous lake is totally fascinating. There is no dearth of places to visit in Badami, so make a proper checklist and make sure you explore all of them.

Who built Badami?

Pulakeshin I established Badami and the architecture was observed by the Chalukyas. Also, this place is acknowledged for being the ancient kingdom of the Chalukyas.

Who built Badami caves?

Pulakeshin I of the Chalukya dynasty founded this city in the year 540 AD and made his capital. Kirtivarman, the son of Pulakeshin I succeeded him and built the cave temples.

How many caves are there in Badami?

The cave temple in Badami is the finest example of the Chalukyan style of architecture. Carved out of sandstone, this temple boasts fabulous rock-cut architecture. Moreover, there are a total of four cave temples with excellent carvings and sculptures.

What is another name of Badami?

Badami is an excellent tourist destination that has great historical importance. The mythological name of this place is Vatapi. Moreover, it is the regal capital of Badami Chalukyas and is famous for rock-cut temples.

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Places to Visit in Badami

Places To Visit

Here are the best places to visit in Badami:

Badami cave temples.

Badami Caves Temples are a complex of four Hindu caves temples, representing the rock-cut architecture of the Chalukyan dynasty. Curiously, the caves are carved out in single stone and having statues hewn from the rock itself. Tourists, who look for famous places to visit in Badami, must come here once. Without visiting this exhilarating place, one's trip to Badami will never get fulfilled. The place is also blessed with beautiful surroundings that can be etched in your eyes. Location: Badami, Bagalkot District, Karnataka Timings: It’s open from 9.00 am to 5.30 pm. Distance from Bus Stand: It’s just 1.1 km away from the Badami Bus Stand

Agastya Lake

The Agastya Lake is a huge water body located just beneath the cave temples. Unlike other lakes, this one is considered holy because it has healing power. By taking insights from mythology, it is believed to destroy all sins. This alluring lake is encircled by the local inhabitants, where they use this water and preserve it for the future. If you look at the surroundings, you will get stunned with the great panoramic views of the hills. Location: Badami, Bagalkot District, Karnataka Timings: No specific timings maintained. Distance from Bus Stand: Its located 1 km away from the Badami Bus Stand

Badami Fort

This place is nothing but a renowned archaeological site in Badami. Nestled atop a cliff, the Badami Fort is situated exactly opposite to the Badami caves. It gives a magnificent view of the Badami town and its structures. Additionally, the fort is circled by large granaries, a huge underground chamber, temples, strategically located watchtowers and various other attractions. Thus, it has emerged as one of the exciting tourist places in Badami. So, don’t miss this historically important fort. Location: Badami, Bagalkot District, Karnataka Timings: It’s available from 9.00 am to 5.30 pm. Distance from Bus Stand : It’s approximately 1 km away from the Badami Bus Stand

Aihole is a village in Karnataka, also referred in different names like Aivalli, Ahivolal, and Aryapura. It’s a religious place consists of ancient and medieval era of Buddhist, Hindu and Jain monasteries. The temples are dedicated to the Lord Vishnu, Shiva, and Brahma separately, and it carries the popular sculptures on its walls and pillars. Interestingly, the temples’ exterior looks simple and does not contain any of the sculptures or statues. Apart from temples and monuments, Aihole also gives space to the Museum and Art Gallery. Location: It’s at Bagalkot, Karnataka, and located 46 km away from Badami Timing : It’s operating from 6.00 am to 5.30 pm. Distance from Bus Stand: Its 33.9 km distanced from the Badami Bus Station

Bhutanatha Temples

The Bhutanatha group of temples is a club of sandstone shrines dedicated to the deity Bhutanatha, God of Souls, in Badami town. The mere location is famous for its amazing views and rock climbing activities. All these temples are inspired by the Southern Indian style of architecture, having huge boulders and sculptures of different god’s incarnations. At the back of the temples, you can find the figures of Jain and Lord Vishnu avatars. This group of temples is one among the best places to visit in Badami during Hindu festivals. Location: It’s in Badami town, Bagalkot, Karnataka. Timings: It’s open from 6.00 am to 7.00 pm. Distance from Bus Stand: Its located 1.2 km away from the Badami Bus Stand

Archaeological Museum Badami

The Archaeological Museum, located in Badami is comprising of findings such as ancient stone implements and sculptures, inscriptions, precious stones and so on, dated back between early 6th and mid 16th century A.D. Here, Lajja Gouri and other narrative panels (Makara Torana) that represents predators like lion, tiger, etc. are some of the sought-after attractions, famous mainly for its majestic appearance. Apart from that, this great museum also houses plenty of other historical findings and documents. Thus, one must include this museum to the list of insightful places of visit in Badami. Location: It’s located at the foothills of the northern hill containing the northern fort, near to Pallava Narasimhavarmman’s inscription Timings: It’s open between 10.00 am and 5.00 pm (Friday closed) Distance from Bus Stand: It’s located 900 m away from the Badami Bus Stand

Akka Tangi Falls

If you feel like something is missing in the list of attractive places to visit in Badami, add this great Akka-Tangi Falls that is sure to quench your thirst for adventure. Surrounded by a splendid environment, this coolest place gushes out water from the height and falls on top of your head like a snowball. Interestingly, it is the first fall of the Sharavathi River, which is less than 5 km from its birthplace. Location: Badami, Bagalkot District, Karnataka Timings: it’s open from 9.00 am to 5.30 pm Distance from Bus Stand: It’s just 1.1 km away from the Badami Bus Stand

Malegitti Shivalaya Fort And Temple

Experience the grandeur of ancient Chalukya architecture and its architectural brilliance in the Malegitti Shivalaya Fort and Temple. It was constructed in the 7th century in the famous Dravidian style. The Malegitti Shivalaya was dedicated to the Sun God Surya. On the top, you can find a small picture of the Surya, featured with seven horses, which makes it one of the fascinating tourist places in Badami. Location: Badami, Bagalkot District, Karnataka Timings: It’s available from 6.30 am to 5.30 pm Distance from Bus Stand: Its 850 m away from the Badami Bus Stand

Mallikarjuna Temple

Mallikarjuna Group of Temples is popular for its unique architecture and design. It was constructed in Phamsana style (pyramid-like shape), these temples are dedicated to Lord Shiva and assumed to be built between Rashtrakutas and Kalyani Chalukyas. If you look into the tower of the inner sanctum, it’s built-in typical Rastrakuta style. Apart from that, there are several small shrines built to the eastern and northern sides of the main temple. Location: Badami, Bagalkot District, Karnataka Timings: It’s open from 6.00 am to 6.00 pm Distance from Bus Stand: Its 1.5 km away from the Badami Bus Stand

Lower Shivalaya

Lower Shivalaya is given solely to Lord Ganesha, which is consisted of a medium porch, a hall, and a double-side covered sanctuary. Inside the sanctuary lies a differently shaped lotus–petaled pathway that has been featured with a Brahmanical picture. For temple lovers, it’s one of the famous tourist places in Badami, where you can get mesmerized with the shrines, a large dome, topped off by a crowing stupa. Location: Badami, Bagalkot District, Karnataka Timings: It’s open from 10.00 am to 5.00 pm (Friday closed) Distance from Bus Stand: Its 700 m away from the Badami Bus Stand

Upper Shivalaya

Situated on top of the northern hill of Badami, it has a splendid structure that gives one the best panoramic views of the Badami town and the neighbouring Agastya Lake. This temple is boasted with a large sanctuary created by the exterior walls of the temple, having three different passageways. To explore more, one must add this amazing landscape in the list of historical places to visit in Badami. Location: Badami, Bagalkot District, Karnataka Timings: It’s open from 10.00 am to 5.00 pm (Friday closed) Distance from Bus Stand: Its 850 m away from the Badami Bus Stand

Mahakuteshwara Temple

Mahakuteshwara Temple was constructed during the period of 6th – 8th century A.D. The term “Mahakuta” refers to the Great Group and the name is given because of its large number of Shiva temples in the same region. The temple is widely known for its two key inscriptions, namely, Pillar and Porch that portray the history of the Chalukya Dynasty. Location: Badami-Mahakoota, Badami, Karnataka Timings: It’s available from 8.00 am to 8.00 pm. Distance from Bus Stand: It’s approximately 13 km away from the Badami Bus Station

Ravana Pahad

If you’re looking for ancient places to visit in Badami, where caves are dramatically drawn and sculptured, you must visit Ravana Phadi Temple. It is built in the 6th century and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. One can find a broken column situated right next to the cave entrance, which opens to the southwest. Location: Aihole, Karnataka Timing : It’s open from 6.00 am to 5.30 pm Distance from Bus Stand: Its 33.7 km away from the Badami Bus Station

Banashankari Amma Temple

Banashankari Amma Temple is one of the famous Hindu temples in Karnataka, where millions of devotees come and offer their prayers, food items, etc. to the Goddess. During Rahukala, the deities perform special events as they consider it as inauspicious time. The entire place is crowded every Tuesday, Friday, and Sunday because those are the most auspicious days. So tourists are advised to plan their visit accordingly. Location: It’s at S Kariyappa Road, Kanakpura Main Road, Sarbandapalya, Banashankari Temple Ward, Bangalore, Karnataka Timings: It’s open from 6.00 am to 9.00 pm. The pooja timings are different on each day Distance from Bus Stand: It’s 4 km away from the BMTC Shuttle Service Bus Stop

Pattadakal is also referred to as Pattadakallu or Raktapura and having a mix of 7th and 8th century Hindu and Jain temples. Temples built here are predominately dedicated to Lord Shiva and it faces east. This amazing temple is famous for its sculptures inspired by the stories of Ramayana and Mahabharata. Similarly, some of the attractions within the temple are built based on the Dravidian style. Location: Bagalkot district, Karnataka Timings: Pattadakal opens from Sunrise to Sunset Distance from Bus Stand: It’s located exactly 20 km from the Badami Bus Stand

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13 BEST Places to visit in Badami in 2024

Here is the List of 13 BEST Places to visit in Badami in 2024

1. Badami Cave Temples

2. Sri Bhootanaatha Gudi / Bhootnath Temple

3. shakambhari shakti peeth / shree kshetra banashankari.

4. Agastya Lake

5. Badami Fort

6. archaeological museum badami, 7. pattadakal , 8. mahakuta temple / sri mahaakuteshwara gudi, 9. akka-tangi falls, 10. aihole , 11. shivana gudi badami , 12. sidila padi , 13. mallikarjuna temple , 1. badami cave temples .

Badami Cave Temples are a complex of four rock-cut cave temples located in Badami, Karnataka, India. Carved out of the reddish sandstone cliffs overlooking the Agastya Lake, these temples are considered masterpieces of early Chalukya art and architecture and date back to the 6th and 8th centuries.

The Badami Cave Temples are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a must-visit for anyone interested in Indian art, history, and religion. They offer a glimpse into the skilled craftsmanship and artistic expression of the Chalukya era, making them a truly remarkable destination.

Best Time To Visit Badami Cave Temples: October to March.
Badami Cave Temples Temperature: 17-35°C.
Badami Cave Temples Entry Fees: INR 25 for Indians and INR 300 for foreigners.
Badami Cave Temples Timings: 09:00 AM to 05:30 PM.

How to Reach Badami Cave Temples

Nearest Railway Station: Badami Railway Station- (5 km).
Nearest Airport: Hubli Airport- (110 km).
Nearest Bus Stop: Badami Bus Stand.

Sri Bhootanaatha Gudi, also known as Boothanatha Temple, is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Badami, Karnataka, India. It is one of the most important temples in the Badami Chalukya group of temples and is considered a masterpiece of early Chalukya architecture. The temple was built in the 7th century by the Badami Chalukya king Vikramaditya I.

It is a three-tiered structure, with a square plan and a Dravidian-style tower. The temple is made of sandstone and is decorated with intricate carvings of Hindu deities, demons, and other mythological figures. The main shrine of the temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Sri Bhootanaatha Gudi is a popular tourist destination and is a must-visit for anyone interested in Indian art, history, and Religion.

Best Time To Visit Bhootnath Temple: October to March.
Bhootnath Temple Temperature: 17-35°C.
Bhootnath Temple Entry Fees: No entry fees.
Bhootnath Temple Timings: 08:00 AM to 06:00 PM.

How to Reach Bhootnath Temple

Nearest Railway Station: Badami Railway Station- (1 km).
Nearest Airport: Hubli Airport- (5 km).

The Banashankari Temple in Cholachaguda, near Badami, Karnataka, is dedicated to the goddess Shakambhari, an incarnation of Parvati, and holds ancient origins dating back to the 8th century Rashtrakutas, with later renovations by the Kalyana Chalukyas in the 17th century. Known as the “vegetable goddess,” Shakambhari’s legends depict her emergence during a famine.

The temple, significant for Hindus seeking prosperity and good health, practices prayers during Rahukala to overcome negativity. Its architecture blends Dravidian and Nagara styles, featuring intricate carvings, a black stone linga in the sanctum, and shrines to Vishnu and Parvati. The annual Banashankari Jatra in January or February includes cultural programs, boat processions, and a chariot procession, complemented by various other festivals and pujas throughout the year.

Best Time To Visit Shree Kshetra Banashankari: October to March.
Shree Kshetra Banashankari Temperature: 17-35°C.
Shree Kshetra Banashankari Entry Fees: No entry fees.
Shree Kshetra Banashankari Timings: 09:00 AM to 05:30 PM.

How to Reach Shree Kshetra Banashankari

Nearest Railway Station: Badami Railway Station- (9 km).
Nearest Airport: Hubli Airport- (114 km).

4. Agastya Lake

Agastya Lake in Badami, Karnataka, named after sage Agastya, is a 7th-century man-made reservoir crucial for the Chalukya capital, Vatapi. Historically, known as Vatapi kere, it sustained the kingdom with strategically built canals. The lake is a religious site believed to have curative powers, attracting devotees for spiritual rejuvenation.

Surrounded by cliffs and the Badami Cave Temples, it offers a scenic backdrop, especially during sunrise and sunset. Activities include boat rides, temple exploration, photography, and relaxation.

Best Time To Visit Agastya Lake: October to March.
Agastya Lake Temperature: 17-35°C.
Agastya Lake Entry Fees: No entry fees.
Agastya Lake Timings: Open 24 hours.

How to Reach Agastya Lake

Nearest Airport: Hubli Airport- (111 km).

Standing tall atop a rugged cliff overlooking the Agastya Lake in Karnataka, the Badami Fort is a majestic testament to the architectural prowess of the Chalukya dynasty. Built in the 6th century, the fort witnessed the rise and fall of empires, serving as a crucial defense point for the Chalukya capital of Vatapi (now Known as Badami).

The fort boasts impressive double fortifications, with thick walls, gateways, watchtowers, and hidden pathways, showcasing the advanced defense techniques of the era. Within the fort, you’ll find a remarkable temple complex, including the Bhootanatha Gudi dedicated to Lord Shiva, and the Lower and Upper Shivalayas. These temples exhibit intricate carvings and sculptures, narrating stories from Hindu mythology.

Best Time To Visit Badami Fort: October to March.
Badami Fort Temperature: 17-35°C.
Badami Fort Entry Fees: No entry fees.
Badami Fort Timings: 06:00 AM to 06:00 PM.

How to Reach Badami Fort

The Archaeological Museum in Badami, Karnataka is a treasure trove of historical and artistic artifacts, offering a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of the Chalukya and Rashtrakuta dynasties.

sculpture shed to preserve excavated materials from Badami and surrounding areas. In 1982, it transformed into a full-fledged site museum, housing invaluable sculptures, architectural fragments, inscriptions, and other artifacts dating from the 6th to the 16th centuries. The museum plays a crucial role in documenting and showcasing the artistic evolution, religious beliefs, and daily life of the Chalukya and Rashtrakuta periods. The museum boasts four well-furnished galleries and an open-air gallery, each showcasing distinct facets of history and culture.

Best Time To Visit Archaeological Museum Badami: October to March.
Archaeological Museum Badami Temperature: 17-35°C.
Archaeological Museum Badami Entry Fees: INR 5 for Indians.
Archaeological Museum Badami Timings: 09:00 AM to 05:00 PM.

How to Reach Archaeological Museum Badami

Pattadakal also known as Raktapura, is a complex of 7th and 8th century CE Hindu and Jain temples in northern Karnataka, India. Located on the west bank of the Malaprabha River in Bagalkot district, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is 23 km from Badami.

Pattadakal is known as the “cradle of Indian temple architecture” or the “laboratory of Indian temples”. The temples here showcase a harmonious blend of Dravidian and Nagara architectural styles, with intricate carvings and sculptures that are considered masterpieces of Indian art. The ten temples in the complex are dedicated to various Hindu deities, including Shiva, Vishnu, and Jain Tirthankaras.

Best Time To Visit Pattadakal: October to March.
Pattadakal Temperature: 17-35°C.
Pattadakal Entry Fees: INR 30 for Indians and INR 500 for foreigners.
Pattadakal Timings: 06:00 AM to 06:00 PM.

How to Reach Pattadakal

Nearest Railway Station: Badami Railway Station- (17 km).
Nearest Airport: Hubli Airport- (131 km).

Located roughly 15 km from the picturesque Badami town in Karnataka, India, lies the Mahakuta Temple Complex, a hidden gem often overshadowed by its more famous neighbors. This cluster of ancient shrines, dating back to the 6th and 8th centuries, offers a unique glimpse into the artistic and religious heritage of the Chalukya dynasty. The Mahakuta complex, also known as “Dakshin Kashi” (meaning “Kashi of the South”), is primarily dedicated to Lord Shiva. Over twenty temples and shrines grace the site, each one showcasing intricate carvings, architectural marvels, and captivating stories carved into stone.

Best Time To Visit Mahakuta Temple: October to March.
Mahakuta Temple Temperature: 17-35°C.
Mahakuta Temple Entry Fees: No entry fees.
Mahakuta Temple Timings: 06:00 AM to 08:00 PM.

How to Reach Mahakuta Temple

Nearest Airport: Hubli Airport- (123 km).

Akka-Tangi Falls, nestled amidst the lush greenery of Karnataka’s Badami taluk, is a cascading beauty waiting to be discovered. The falls, also known as Didaga, offer a refreshing retreat and a delightful escape from the bustling town.

Akka-Tangi Falls translates to “elder sister and younger sister falls.” The two waterfalls cascade side-by-side, adding to the charm of the location. The taller elder sister falls plummets from a height of about 30 meters, while the younger sister falls gracefully and descends around 15 meters.

Best Time To Visit Akka-Tangi Falls: October to March.
Akka-Tangi Falls Temperature: 17-35°C.
Akka-Tangi Falls Entry Fees: No entry fees.
Akka-Tangi Falls Timings: 09:00 AM to 05:30 PM.

How to Reach Akka-Tangi Falls

Nearest Railway Station: Badami Railway Station- (5.5 km).

Aihole, nestled amidst the picturesque valleys of northern Karnataka, India, is a treasure trove of ancient temples and a true testament to the artistic genius of the Chalukya dynasty. It is located just 23 km from Badami. This UNESCO World Heritage Site boasts over 120 monuments dating back to the 4th to 12th centuries, making it a captivating blend of history, architecture, and spirituality.

Aihole’s charm lies in its diverse collection of temples, showcasing a fascinating evolution of architectural styles. From the early Chalukya period’s simple rock-cut shrines to the later Dravidian and Nagara influences, each structure tells a story of artistic innovation and religious fervor.

Best Time To Visit Aihole: October to March.
Aihole Temperature: 17-35°C.
Aihole Entry Fees: INR 20 for Indians and INR 200 for foreigners.
Aihole Timings: 06:00 AM to 05:30 PM.

How to Reach Aihole

Nearest Railway Station: Badami Railway Station- (30 km).
Nearest Airport: Hubli Airport- (144 km).

Shivana Gudi, also known as Badami Shivalaya, is a Hindu temple complex located in Badami, Karnataka, India. It is one of the three major Chalukya temples in the town, along with the Virupaksha Temple and the Mallikarjuna Temple. The temple is dedicated to the god Shiva and is dated to the 6th century CE. The temple complex is located on the northern side of the Badami Fort. It consists of two temples, the Lower Shivalaya and the Upper Shivalaya.

The Lower Shivalaya is the smallest of the two temples and is located on a rocky terrace. The Upper Shivalaya is located at the summit of the North Fort and is a more elaborate structure. The Lower Shivalaya is a single-celled temple with a simple plan. The sanctum is entered through a porch with two pillars. The walls of the sanctum are decorated with reliefs of Shiva, Vishnu, and other Hindu deities.

The Upper Shivalaya is a more complex structure with a three-tiered plan. The sanctum is located at the center of the temple and is surrounded by a Pradakshinapatha, or circumambulatory passage. The temple is decorated with elaborate reliefs of Hindu deities, animals, and mythological scenes.

Best Time To Visit Shivana Gudi Badami: October to March.
Shivana Gudi Badami Temperature: 17-35°C.
Shivana Gudi Badami Entry Fees: No entry fees.
Shivana Gudi Badami Timings: 08:00 AM to 06:00 PM.

How to Reach Shivana Gudi Badami

Sidila Padi, also sometimes referred to as Sidlaphadi, is an ancient rock shelter located about 4 kilometers from Badami in Karnataka, India. It’s a natural rock bridge formation, created by a gap between two massive sandstone boulders. The name “Sidila Padi” literally translates to “Rock of Lightning” in Kannada, due to the large gaping holes in its roof, which are believed to have been formed by a lightning strike.

Sidila Padi was once a dwelling place for prehistoric hunter-gatherers, and there is evidence to support this, such as faded paintings and carvings on the walls depicting the local animals and their way of life. These paintings are unfortunately fading away with time.

Best Time To Visit Sidila Padi: October to March.
Sidila Padi Temperature: 17-35°C.
Sidila Padi Entry Fees: No entry fees.
Sidila Padi Timings: 09:00 AM to 05:30 PM.

How to Reach Sidila Padi

Nearest Railway Station: Badami Railway Station- (4.5 km).
Nearest Airport: Hubli Airport- (116 km).

The Mallikarjuna Temple, nestled within the Bhootanatha temple cluster near Badami’s Agastya Lake, is an 11th-century shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva. Constructed in a star-shaped plan, it reflects the Chalukyan architectural influence, particularly the Phamsana style, indicative of the Rashtrakutas and Kalyani Chalukyas era.

The uncarved outer walls contrast with the Rashtrakuta-style tower of the inner sanctum. The temple features a chief mandapa, an enclosed middle mandapa, and an inner sanctum with smooth walls and pillars. Pyramid-shaped superstructures crown the shrines. The scenic setting includes the charming Agastya Lake against the backdrop of the rocky hills of Badami.

Best Time To Visit Mallikarjuna Temple: October to March.
Mallikarjuna Temple Temperature: 17-35°C.
Mallikarjuna Temple Entry Fees: No entry fees.
Mallikarjuna Temple Timings: 09:00 AM to 05:30 PM.

How to Reach Mallikarjuna Temple

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FAQ’s:

Q1. How many days do you need for Badami?

Ans: One Day.

Q2. What is the Bagalkot to Badami distance?

Ans: Bagalkot to Badami distance is 34 km.

Q3. Which is the best month to visit Badami?

Ans: October to March.

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Places To Visit In Badami

Places to Visit in Badami

Nestled in the northern part of Karnataka, India, Badami is a small town renowned for its ancient rock-cut cave temples and structural temples. With its stunning red sandstone cliffs and rich cultural heritage, Badami is a must-visit destination for those interested in history and architecture.

Things To See & Do

Lower shivalaya and upper shivalaya, revered ancient temples.

1 to 2 hours

Suggested Time

Mahakuta Temples

Stunning ancient temples, malegitti shivalaya fort and temple, 7th-century historic fortress, archaeological museum badami, insightful tourist destination.

2 to 3 hours

Bhuthanatha Temples

Holy site for hindus, badami fort, 6th-century historic fort, agastya lake, crystal-clear lake, cave temples, revered hindu shrine, best time to visit badami, winter destination, peak season, moderate season.

What To Expect : Delightful weather, clear skies and cool breezes
Things You'll Love : Green parks, outdoor activities and well to lit indoors

FESTIVALS AND EVENTS

Pattadakal Dance Festival January/February

Maha Shivaratri February/March

Ugadi March/April

Basava Jayanthi May

Ganesh Chaturthi August/September

Navaratri September/October

Diwali October/November

Karthika Deepotsava November/December

Hampi Festival November/December

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Our Recommendations

Flight to Goa Airport, then cab to Badami

8h 45m . one way.

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Flight to Goa

Cab to badami, flight to chennai airport, then flight to hubli airport, then cab to badami, 10h 10m . one way, flight to chennai, flight to hubli, stay in badami.

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Best places to visit in badami.

Badami, a historic town in Karnataka, is known for its ancient cave temples, stunning architecture, and rich cultural heritage. Discover some of the best places to visit in Badami that promise a memorable experience for every traveller.

Best Places to Visit with Family

Explore the fascinating Lower Shivalaya and Upper Shivalaya, two ancient temples perched atop a hill, offering panoramic views of the town and a glimpse into the region's architectural brilliance.

Visit the serene Mahakuta Temples, a group of ancient temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, showcasing the exquisite craftsmanship of the Chalukya dynasty.

Discover the charm of Malegitti Shivalaya Fort and Temple, a unique combination of a fort and temple, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape and a spiritual experience.

Best Places to Visit with Friends

Immerse yourself in the rich history of Badami at the Archaeological Museum, featuring a vast collection of sculptures, inscriptions, and artefacts from the Chalukya period.

Pay a visit to the sacred Bhuthanatha Temples, a group of sandstone temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, situated on the banks of the Agastya Lake.

Explore the historic Badami Fort, a testament to the region's glorious past, featuring ancient temples, watchtowers, and breath taking views of the town.

Experience the tranquillity of Agastya Lake, a picturesque water body surrounded by sandstone cliffs, perfect for a relaxing evening or a leisurely stroll.

Marvel at the architectural wonder of the Badami Cave Temples, a series of four rock-cut temples showcasing the intricate carvings and sculptures of Hindu and Jain deities.

Best Time to Visit Badami

The best time to visit Badami is between October and March when the weather is pleasant and ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities. The monsoon season (July to September) brings lush greenery, but heavy rains can disrupt travel plans.

Good Places to Visit at Night in Badami

While Badami may not be known for its nightlife, there are a few options for those looking to enjoy a fun and memorable evening:

Badami Night Market

This bustling night market is famous for its delicious street food, vibrant atmosphere, and local handicrafts. A visit to the Badami Night Market is a must for foodies and shoppers alike.

Restaurants in Badami

Badami offers a wide range of dining options, from local Karnataka cuisine to international favourites. Some popular restaurants in the town include:

Hotel Bharat
Golden Caves Cuisine

Places to Visit Badami in 1 Day

If you have just one day to explore Badami, focus on visiting the iconic Badami Cave Temples and the beautiful Agastya Lake. You can also visit the Bhuthanatha Temples to learn more about the region's history and spiritual heritage.

Places to Visit Badami in 2 Days

With two days in Badami, you can explore Badami Cave Temples, Agastya Lake, and Bhuthanatha Temples on the first day. On the second day, head to the Archaeological Museum for a glimpse into the region's rich history, and then visit the impressive Badami Fort and the serene Mahakuta Temples.

Places to Visit Badami in 3 Days

A three-day itinerary in Badami allows you to explore the town's cultural landmarks and natural attractions at a leisurely pace. In addition to visiting Badami Cave Temples, Agastya Lake, Bhuthanatha Temples, Archaeological Museum, and Badami Fort, you can also visit the Lower Shivalaya and Upper Shivalaya temples and the Malegitti Shivalaya Fort and Temple on the third day.

FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions about Badami

What are some of the most famous restaurants and eateries to explore in badami.

If you are a foodie, Badami is the right place for you. Badami has many famous restaurants and eateries for you to explore, some of which are The Bridge Badami, Hotel Bharat and Golden Caves Cuisine.

What are the things that you should not miss out on when you are in Badami?

If you are a true traveller, you should definitely not miss out on Lower Shivalaya and Upper Shivalaya, Mahakuta Temples, and Malegitti Shivalaya Fort and Temple when you are in Badami to make a funfilled vacay.

What are some of the best places to stay in Badami?

Badami has a large variety of resorts and stays that you can select from ranging from budget to luxurious stays. Some of the most popular places to stay in Badami are Krishna Heritage, Hotel Rajsangam International and Krishna Villa.

Destinations Near Badami

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Badami Travel Guide: With Pattadakal, Aihole, & Mahakuta

In the tourism circuit of Karnataka, Badami (Vatapi) is often named in the same breath with the more famous and touristy Hampi. But make no mistake, Badami is a completely sedate and nontouristy town compared to Hampi. More importantly, it is not limited to one town but the circuit covers a few other major sites in the 30km radius. I travelled to Hampi way back in 2011 , but had failed to make any inroads in Karnataka since then. But finally, even through it was not the right season with the blazing sun and dry air in March, I managed to visit this circuit last week. Detailed travelogues about them will take a bit of time but I want to quickly sort out the guide as a lot of people are asking for it.

Jump to Specific Queries

Understanding the Badami Circuit

As you might have known already, the archaeological remains of Badami were built by the Chalukya Dynasty between 6th to 8th century. This area is very close to Maharasthtar border and even culturally, you can sense it as you roam around the area. In order to understand your routes, have a look at the map above. It is not completely accurate or up to scale but it will help you understand the route. Badami is the main town here that you will reach first. The Badami Caves and other monuments are located within the town. From here people visit Pattadakal (21 KMs) and Aihole (35 KMs), both significant sites on their own. As you can see, there are two routes to cover these. The direct route will help you cover only these two attractions. However, if you take the longer route, you will cover a few more lesser known monuments such as Banashankari and Mahakuta.

Top Attractions in Badami

Badami town.

So, the primary town here is Badami, which is a small, squalid town that does not seem very appealing at first glance. However, the town itself houses several major archaeological sites mentioned below. It has a few hotels and restaurants and small enough to simply walk around.

Agastya Tank

It is a big lake in the middle of the densely populated old town. It is surrounded by the rugged hillocks where other attractions are located. The best views of the lakes are from the top of the hills. You need to be in the monsoon to see the lake it is full size. There are steps made to climb down to the bottom of the lake.

Badami Archaeological Museum

The museum is located just at the base of the Northern Hills, near the Agastya Lake, and staring at the Badami Caves on the other side of the lake. There is a minimal entry fee of INR 5 but photography is not allowed. This is a good place to start because it gives you an immediate primer into the history of the area.

Fort & Temples of the Northern Hill

Just beyond the Museum, there is a staircase that takes you to the top of the hills. This served as a fort at one point of time and there are also a couple of important temples with excellent stone carvings. You can get excellent views of the town as well as the lake from here.

Bhutanatha Group of Temples

This is a group of temples on the eastern bank of the Agastya Lake. In the rainy season, when the lake is full, the temple looks like half-submerged in water. On top of that, a waterfall comes alive in the hills behind it. Sadly, I visited in the dry month of March, so there was no waterfall and even the the Lake was half empty. Nevertheless, the temples are worth visiting for their sculptures and only 5 minutes walk from the Museum. Also, there are some caves with more sculptures behind the temples.

Badami Caves

Badami Caves are the most famous attractions here. It has four rock-cut caves, each located higher up than the other. Each cave has numerous exquisite sculptures on the walls. The fourth one is a Jain Cavewhile the rest are Hindu Caves. They are located on the other side of the lake, on the southern hill. There is an entry fee of INR 25 for Indians if I remember correctly. These caves are comparable to those of Ellora in terms of setting although smaller in scale.

Banashankari Temple

Banashankari Temple is also an ancient shrine around 5 KMs away from Badami. It is a live temple still in use, so, modern structures have been mixed up with archaeological structures and difficult to distinguish. There is a big stepped tank in front, just like the Agastya tank but there was practically no water here when I visited. It is located in the middle of a busy market place, or may be the market exists because of the temple. It organizes a major “Rath Yatra” with a gigantic chariot fo rthe deity every year. The primary deity here is known as Shakhambari, an incarnation of parvati. The most noticeable structure here is the so called “Guard Tower”, with a strange shape.

Shivayoga Temple

It did not seem like a historical site when we visited. It is around 7 Kms ahead of Banashankari. It was not a part of the plan but it is in the route and the auto-driver took us there. But the primary attraction here is another one of those larget than life chariots that is used for processions once in a year. He told me that it is the second largets chariot in Karnataka at 65 feet. I don’t know how accurate is that bit of information and which is the largest one.

Mahakuta Group of Temples

The Mahakuta Group of Temples were a pleasant suprise for me. It is another few KMs ahead of Shivayoga, on the connecting road towards Pattadakal. It is as big as Aihole with several temples within but I had never heard of it before. This is a live temple and this may be the reason it is not included in the usual archaeologicla route. The temples are built surrounding a small pond, which still had water for a change. The locals were swimming and enjoying there. All the temples expectedly have excellent sculptures but the maintenance probably can be better.

Pattadakal Group of Temples

Pattadakal or Pattadakalu is an UNESCO World Heritage Site 4KMs. Naturally, it is the best maintained of the lot, set amidst a well-manicured garden. There are several 7th and 8th century Hindu and Jain Temples here. If you want to study each and every temple, you will have to spend several days here! There is an entry fee to enter the premises.

Aihole Group of Temples

Finally, Aihole is the final group of temples, that apparently thrived between 4th to 12th centuries, around 35 KMs from Badami. The best-known structure is the so-called “Durga Temple”, which is known for its unique apsidal structure. There is also a museum here with more useful information on the site. Aihole is actually a huge cluster and there are scores of other structures scattered all over the area. But you will need more time to explore all of them.

How to Reach Badami?

The best way to reach Badami is to get a ticket at the Gol Gumbaz Express . The train runs every day between Mysore in Karnataka to Solapur in Maharashtra, passing through Bangalore and Bijapur. It leaves Bangalore station at 6:50 pm and reaches next morning at around 7 am. The railway station is located ages KM’s outside the town. You will find shared autorickshaws and buses from there to reach the town. On shared autos, it cost 10 to reach the town. You may have to pay 20 if you want to reach the KSTDC hotel which is on the other side of the town. Alternatively, you can find night buses from Bangalore bus as you wish preferences. I always go for the train. Also, it is around 150 KMs from Hampi, the other major tourist hub in the region. You can find buses to and from Hampi too. The bus stand is located within the town.

Accommodation in Badami

As I have mentioned already, this town does not really have that touristy vibe and your options are limited. The best-known option here is the state-owned KSTDC Mayura Chalukya. Apart from that, there are a few other hotels in town and a new fancy resort or two just outside the town. I also stayed at the KSTDC one. We were two people and we shared the room cost of 800 between the two. I generally never book hotels but in this case, I did because everything seemed to be above 1000 on weekends and we got a discount deal here. However, if you have the time and patience, you can always ask around the makret for cheaper guesthouses with basic facilities.

Local Commutation from Badami to Pattadakal & Aihole

You can just walk around the town and cover all the major attractions on foot like I did. However, it does get tiresome under the blazing sun as I was there in the wrong season. For visiting other spots, like Aihole & Pattadakal, there are multiple options.

Firstly, you can always look for local transport, such as shared cars and buses used by locals. It will cost peanuts but in that case you will not be in control of the timing. Especially if you are doing it in the wrong season, you would not like to end up walking long distances due to lack of transport.
One good option is the opt for the daily Tempo Traveller that leaves from the aforementioned KSTDC Hotel every morning 8 AM. It costs INR 550 per head and covers Badami, Pattadakail, Aihole, Banashankari, and Mahakuta. Generally it needs to have enough passengers to take on the trip and will be hard to make them go if you are the only one.
Finally, we hired a local autorickshaw for INR 1000 divided between two and covered all the places mentioned above. May be you can even bargain a bit and bring it down to INR 800 but we were happy with the 1K rate.

Best Season for Badami

Winter and monsoon months are the most convenient for this region. This is an arid region with a punishing summer, and the summer starts as early as March. It was difficult for me too but anyway I had to do it. But if you are planning beforehand, I would suggest you to visit during the rainy season because that is when the heat will subside, the lakes will be full, and a waterfall or two will also come alive.

Phone and Internet Connectivty

The region is well-connected now and I had no problems with internet or phone connectivity at any of these spots.

Alcohol Availability

Even the KSTDC Hotel has a restaurant that sells beer. I saw another hotel with a bar in town. Even locals visit them.

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3 thoughts on “badami travel guide: with pattadakal, aihole, & mahakuta”.

I am travelling from bangalore and my family from sangli they will reach around 11 but I will cover the whole night travelling so I need to get fresh n up . Please suggest any guest house as I am having guitar DSLR i can’t take risk for local washrooms near temple. Suggest any hotel which can provide the hotel for 2-3 hours in morning time as I will reach at 8 at badami.

Hey… it is not a very happening place so the guest houses are of very basic nature. Only reliable place is the KSTDC hotel.

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7 Best Places to Visit in Badami

Table of Contents

A Brief Introduction to Badami

Are you looking for an ideal destination to spend your next vacation? Then, Badami in Karnataka can be an option for you. Having been the capital of the Badami Chalukyas (540 AD to 757 AD), Badami was popular as ‘Vatapi’- a mythological name. The year 500 AD witnessed the foundation of the Chalukya Empire and the establishment of a fort in Vatapi by the Chalukya King Pulakeshi. That was how Badami became the precious capital of the Chalukya Empire.

The glorious remnants and archeological monuments take tourists back to the bygone era of the Badami Chalukyas. Whether or not you are a history buff, Badami makes a perfect place for you to spend a couple of days with your near and dear ones. Thus, not only do travelers get life-long experiences but also get insights into the cultures, traditions, and heritages of this wonderful town.

The majority of structures in Badami represent marvelous Dravidian architectural styles, which capture the attention of beholders. An interesting fact is that the town in Karnataka witnessed diverse rules from various empires, such as the Adil Shahi Dynasty, Vijaynagar Empire, Mysore Kingdom, Marathas, Mughals, and the British.

7 Top Tourist Destinations in Badami

Check out the list of the best travel gateways in Badami to add them to your bucket list when you get ready to plan a spectacular Karnataka trip:

1. Badami Cave Temples

The Chalukya rulers in Badami founded Badami Cave Temples between the 6th and 7th centuries. Gigantic sandstone, sourced from the city, was used to carve the temples. Upon exploration of these magnificent attractions, travelers realize why it was the correct decision to plan a Badami trip.

In other words, Badami Cave Temples represent the awe-inspiring Badami Chalukya architecture, which leaves travelers in some sort of trance with its beauty and magnificence. You would explore Badami Cave Temples to have been encircled by massive cliffs. One of the best aspects of these temples is a brilliant amalgamation of the Dravidian (South Indian) and Nagara (North Indian) architecture.

2. Mallikarjuna Group of Temples

Mallikarjuna Group of Temples Badami Karnataka

Nestled adjacent to another well-known tourist spot, the Bhutanatha Group of Temples, the Mallikarjuna Group of Temples epitomizes a diverse style of architecture resulting in the pyramidal shape of structures. Having been founded in the 11th century, Mallikarjuna Group of Temples shows the glorious past of the Badami Chalukyas. The temples are dedicated to Lord Shiva. Pay a visit to this auspicious site to seek blessings from Almighty God and get peace of mind.

You would get to explore the Phamsana style of architecture on your visit to Mallikarjuna Group of Temples. The pyramidal shape of temples has many sides, and the northern and eastern sides are home to various smaller shrines. However, most of these shrines are closed to complete the renovation project.

Whereas the outer walls of this holy site are made of plain rock devoid of any carvings, the inner walls are mostly pillars. The inner section of the shrine shows the classic Rashtrakuta style of architecture.

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3. Bhutanatha Group of Temples

Bhutanatha Group of Temples, Badami, Karnataka

Soft Sandstone is used to build the Bhutanatha Group of Temples. Badami Chalukyas founded this architectural marvel between the 7th AD and 11th AD. The Bhutanatha Group of Temples is dedicated to Lord Bhutanatha or Lord Shiva. Exploring the magnificent temple complex, which represents the awe-inspiring Badami Chalukya architecture, is a one-of-a-kind experience.

An interesting fact is that the Badami Chalukya architecture is an amalgamation of South Indian styles and North Indian styles of architecture. The enchanting stone-carved structures would leave you in awe. Goddess Ganga stands on one side of the doorway of the temple whereas the other side is dedicated to the river Yamuna.

4. Malegitti Shivalaya

Malegitti Shivalaya Temple Badami, Karnataka

Lord Shiva is the deity of Malegitti Shivalaya in Badami. The spectacular site was built above another popular destination, Badami fort. Having a backdrop of the magnificent Agastya Lake, the Malegitti Shivalaya is the most ancient one in Badami. The Malegitti Temple is one of the gems of the Chalukya dynasty, which entices travelers throughout the world.

5. Badami Fort

The Chalukya King Pulakeshi founded the marvelous Badami Fort in 543 AD. Although only remnants are there today to experience the magnificence of the bygone era, you should not miss exploring this place at all. The serene ambiance of the vicinity would pacify your mind, body, and soul.

The location is another advantage for travelers, which enables them to witness picture-perfect natural sceneries. The gate and walls are bearing the reminiscences of the once glorious Badami Chalukya architecture.

6. Agastya Lake

Your Badami trip would remain incomplete without experiencing the beauty of Agastya Lake. Nestled at a distance of 1 km from the Badami Bus Station, Agastya Lake is believed to possess miraculous healing powers.

The worth-noting aspect is that Agastya Lake creates a spectacular backdrop for every cave temple in Badami. For instance, the Bhoothnath Temple is located on the eastern bank of the awe-inspiring Agastya Lake.

Note that no boating services are available at the lake, but the surroundings would take your experience to the next level. Moreover, gazing at the views of the mighty hills from the lake’s bank is a one-of-a-kind experience for travelers.

7. Archaeological Museum

You already know Badami is home to age-old forts and archeological sites. However, if you want to have in-depth knowledge about the bygone era of the town, the Archaeological Museum serves your purposes.

Nestled at the base of the northern hill, the Archaeological Museum in Badami is no less than a treasure for archeologists and history buffs. The goal of the Archaeological museum is to extract and store found sculptures, materials, and so on sprawling across Badami.

You would get to witness age-old sculptures, stones, and tools in this place to take your knowledge about Badami’s glorious history to the next level.

The Archaeological Museum in Badami is home to diverse architectural inscriptions, members, carvings, and so on dating back to the 6th and 16th centuries. The building features four galleries inside while an open gallery is also there on the balcony. Do not forget to explore the open-air gallery as well on your trip to the Archaeological Museum.

You would explore breathtaking sculptures of Lord Shiva in various forms at this tourist site. Moreover, sculptures of Lord Ganesha, various avatars of Lord Vishnu, and the auspicious Lajjagauri are also present, and upon discovering you would realize why the place is famous.

There are diverse panels present in the Archaeological Museum elaborating on Bhagavata scenes. Thus, you can enrich your knowledge and have some unforgettable experiences. A scaled specimen of a rock shelter dated back to the prehistoric era is there in one of the galleries. In addition, the encircling walls showcase various stone artifacts, prehistoric arts, and so on.

Are you an adventurous soul? Then, how does it sound to trek through the mighty northern hill? The enthralling views of the city, adjacent boulders, and picture-perfect Agastya Lake would blow your mind.

The most famous ones in this regard include Makara Torana and Lajja Gouri sculpted on either side. The intricate carvings on the narrative panels include Tripurantaka Siva, Bhairavi, Kalarimurthy, and various animal figures.

Wrapping Up

The beauty, magnificence, and grandeur of Badami can be witnessed by its marvelous temples, picturesque monuments, and diverse archeological findings. You can experience the bits and pieces of the charm of the Chalukya dynasty. Hence, if you are planning to have a vacation in Karnataka , Badami should be there on your list.

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"Home to Mesmerising Cave Temples"

Badami tourism.

Located in a valley of rugged red sandstone, surrounding the Agastya Lake, Badami (formerly known as Vatapi) is an archaeological delight owing to its beautifully crafted sandstone cave temples, fortresses and carvings. Located in the Bagalkot district in Karnataka, Badami is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites that constitute Aihole-Badami-Pattadakal and is the finest example of traditional temple architecture in India.

Once the royal capital of the Chalukyas, Badami is home to a number of examples of Dravidian architecture which have instances of both South and North Indian styles of architecture. There are three Hindu Temples and one Jain Temple in Badami Caves. Rock climbing is a popular activity here for people looking for some adventure too.

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Sandstone caves and temples.

Cave 2: This cave temple is located 64 steps from Cave 1 and is a Vishnu temple. Cave 3: Located 60 steps higher than Cave 2, this is the largest cave in the complex and is a Vishnu Temple. The sculpture here is half Vishnu and half Shiva and this has caused great interest to the studies of Shaivism.

Cave 4: This is located 2 m lower than Cave 3 and is the smallest cave temple in the complex.

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Badami: The Ultimate Guide to the Chalukyan Capital

Today, Badami is an ordinary, squalid town. At first sight, it won’t impress you. Grungy, chock-a-block roads, lanes, and by-lanes crammed with dingy slums, and rowdy market areas – Badami hardly resembles its once dominant status as the prosperous capital of the Early Chalukyas.

For understanding Badami’s centuries-old history and heritage, you need to head out beyond its dusty main roads. Badami’s mythical origin can be traced in the placid water of Agastya Lake, its monumental rise in history is etched on the cliffs of North Fort, while its architectural legacy is carved on the rocks of South Fort. Truly, there’s more to Badami than the eyes meet.

Table of Contents

About Badami:

The origin of Badami can be traced to mythology. According to legend, two demon brothers, Vatapi and Ilvala, lived here. For preying on humans, Vatapi would turn into a goat, and Ilvala would cook him and offer it to the human. Afterward, Vatapi would regenerate inside the stomach, tearing himself out from the inside thereby killing the victim. When the powerful sage Agastya arrived near a lake, Vatapi and Ilvala played the same sequence. However, Agastya was known for his enormous ingestion and digestion prowess. As such, as soon as Agastya ate Vatapi, he digested him thereby killing Vatapi. Hence, Badami was previously known as Vatapi, and the lake came to be known after Agastya.

Later, Pulakesin I founded the Chalukya dynasty and made Vatapi his capital. Inscriptions suggest that he made fortifications in Vatapi in 544. Gradually, Vatapi became one of the centers of power in Deccan under Kirtivarmana I, Mangalesha, and the greatest of the Early Chalukyas, Pulakesin II.

Not only this, Badami, along with Aihole and Pattadakal became the flourishing center of art and architecture, as evident from the brilliant craftsmanship of Badami’s Cave Temples.

Where is Badami located:

Badami is situated in the Malprabha river valley, in the Bagalkot district of Karnataka. The distance of Badami from some important places is as follows:

From Bengaluru: 448 km

From Hampi : 141 km

From Aihole: 35 km

From Pattadakal: 21 km

From Bijapur: 122 km

From Mysuru: 534 km

How to reach there:

By railway: Badami has a rail station, which is well-connected with major places of Karnataka such as Bengaluru, Mysuru, and Bijapur.
By air: The nearest airport is Hubli, which is 105 km away from Badami.
By road: Bus service to Badami is available from various parts of Karnataka.

What is the best time to visit Badami:

October to February is the most suitable time for traveling to Badami. The weather remains scorching hot for the rest of the year.

Where to stay in Badami:

In the Badami-Aihole-Pattadakal tourism circuit, Badami is the only place to have decent places for overnight stays. We stayed at the KSTDC run Mayura Chalukya. The room was good enough and the food was satisfactory. The staffs were also cordial and always ready to help.

There are some private hotels also, such as Clarks Inn Badami.

What to see in Badami:

Badami hosts some splendid specimens of Early Chalukyan art and architecture. The main attraction is obviously the Cave Temples in the South Fort. Along with this, there are the Bhootnatha Group of Temples, Agastya Lake, North Fort with Upper and Lower Shivalayas, and the Archaeological Museum.

How long does it take to visit all the monuments:

You should keep an entire day for exploring Badami. Try visiting the North Fort, Museum, Bhootnatha Group of Temples, and Agastya Lake in the morning session. Post lunch, explore the cave temples in South Fort.

Places of interest in Badami:

Below, we have discussed what to see in Badami:

1. North Fort:

One of the most important attractions of Badami is the North Fort. Nothing remains much of the fort, but stray structures confirm that the hill was used as a bastion right from the Chalukyan era up to the times of Tipu Sultan and the Marathas.

The walk along the steps of North Fort is quite pleasant. You will notice various edifices such as a few open ‘mandapas’ which were probably used by the Chalukyan rulers for ceremonial purposes, two circular granaries, and a ruined complex with a number of chambers.

Two Shivalayas are the center of attraction in the North Fort. The Lower Shivalaya is a typical Early Chalukyan structure, though only the towered sanctuary has survived the test of time. Check out the iron canon located beside the temple, which bears the date 1550.

The Upper Shivalaya is also partly demolished. Contrary to its present name, it was originally a Vaishnava temple. It is evident from the wall narrations of Krishna lifting Govardhana, Krishna trampling Kaliya, Narasimha killing Hiranyakashyapa, and so on.

2. Archaeological Museum:

Badami’s museum has some interesting artifacts on display. Such as the Pallava inscription which records the annexation of Vatapi in 642 by Narasimhavarmana I of Kanchipuram, a remarkable manifestation of Lajja Gauri, two panels depicting Shiva aiming an arrow at the Tripura demons and Shiva spearing Andhaka.

3. Agastya Lake:

This picturesque lake is encircled by the Bhutanatha Group of Temples and North Fort. It is believed to possess healing powers. Additionally, a dip in the lake is supposed to relieve all sins. You need to take a walk along the steps of the lake to reach the main Bhutanatha temple.

4. Bhutanatha Group of Temples:

This group of temples is one of the iconic spectacles of Badami. These regal temples will grab your attention while you are exploring the North Fort or the Cave Temples.

This group is further subdivided into two parts – the Eastern or Main Bhutanatha group, and the Northern or Mallikarjuna group. We couldn’t visit the Mallikarjuna group as it was closed. So, we will be discussing our experience at the Main Bhutanatha group.

The main group is situated to the east of Agastya Lake. The complex has several smaller shrines surrounding the main monument. While the smaller temples are attributed to Later Chalukyas, the principal temple is the handiwork of Early Chalukyan architects. It is further characterized by Dravida styled multi-storied tower.

The tour of Bhutanatha Group does not end here. The complex has some more fascinating places. Take the stairs behind the main temple, which will bring you to the rear portion of the complex. Here, you can see numerous sculptures on the cliff. They range from the Dashavatars of Vishnu, Mahisasuramardini, Ganesha, and so on. There are numerous such amateurish carvings in the vicinity. Probably, the artists practiced here before embarking on the main task.

The stairs will bring you further near the lake, where there is a small Vishnu shrine. It preserves a rock-cut icon of Vishnu resting on Adisesha.

5. South Fort:

The South Fort houses Badami’s most famous and popular attraction – the four cave temples. These four rock-cut monuments are regarded as the first great achievements of the Early Chalukyas. They have been cut directly into the cliff of South Fort. We heartily suggest you to visit it after 3 PM, as the caves glisten spectacularly under the last rays of the sun.

This is the only cave that has been dedicated to Shiva. The first carving which takes away all the attention is that of an impressive 18-armed dancing Shiva, lying to the right of the cave’s entrance.

On entering the columned verandah, turn left to marvel at the illustration of Harihara accompanied by Parvati and Lakshmi. The adjacent wall has a ‘dwarapala’, with Shiva-Parvati riding Nandi above.

To your right, there lies a sculpture of Ardhanarishwara, escorted by Nandi and Bhringi, and a female attendant.

Not only the walls but the ceilings are equally sculpted with precision. Notable among them is a coiled ‘Nagaraja’. Some celestial couples flying can also be seen in the vicinity.

This cave temple is devoted to Vishnu. On either side of the entrance, notable are the sculptures of two guardian figures holding small flowers.

As you enter the colonnaded verandah, you will be fascinated, on one hand, by an imposing rock carving of Vishnu as Trivikarma with a diminutive Vamana and that of Varaha rescuing Bhudevi, on the other.

Check out the friezes at the top of the wall that portrays the birth of Krishna, Vishnu asleep on Adisesha, and other Vaishnava legends.

Here also, the ceilings have interesting carvings such as ‘swastika’ and a fish-spoked wheel probably implying Vishnu’s Matsya avatar.

Dedicated to Vishnu, Cave 3 is the largest and most elaborate of all the cave temples. An outstanding rock carving of Trivikarma adorns the right wall of the entrance.

As you enter the verandah, lay your eyes upon the lively sculpture of Vishnu seated majestically on Adisesha. This is perhaps the most striking of all the rock-cut carvings in the South Fort. Varaha avatar of Vishnu lies on the adjacent wall.

On the opposite end, you will find the fierce Narasimha, leaning on a club. The adjoining wall has a representation of Harihara.

The ceiling panels are also more elaborate here, depicting Kubera, Indra, Brahma with ‘rishis’, Varuna with ‘makara’, and Shiva and Parvati.

You can also make out faint traces of mural fragments on the walls and ceilings of Cave 3.

This is the only cave that has been pledged to Jainism. It is the smallest and the carvings are also less sophisticated as compared to the other three.

On the left end of the verandah, you will find Bahubali, in his standing meditation posture. While on the right, there is a sculpture of Parshwanatha with a multi-hooded cobra rising over his head.

Along with these two main carvings, there are several other representations of Jaina Tirthankaras, along with a statue of Mahavira placed inside the sanctum.

Things to remember:

1. Like all other Archaeological Museums in India, the one in Badami remains closed on Fridays. It is open on other days from 10 AM to 5 PM. The entry fee is INR 5 per person.

2. The entry fee for Badami’s Cave Temples is INR 40 per person. Visitors can go here from 9 in the morning till 6 in the evening.

3. An entry fee is not required for other monuments of Badami. They generally remain open every day, from 9 AM to 6 PM.

4. The Cave Temples are filled with aggressive and daring monkeys. Keep your belongings safe and close, especially water bottles, food packets, and sunglasses.

5. For traveling around Badami, the only mode of transport is an autorickshaw. We hired one for the entire day. It charged INR 500, including drop-off at Badami rail station.

6. Compared to Aihole and Pattadakal, Badami is a bustling town. You will get every necessary item here, including working ATMs.

7. There are some interesting places nearby Badami. First is Mahakuta, which is 14 km from Badami and is a sacred pilgrimage center. The main attractions here are the 7th-century Mahakuteshvara Temple, Sangameshvara Temple, Virupaksha Temple, and Mallikarjuna Temple. Second is Banashankari Temple, the most popular pilgrimage center of this area. It is 5 km away from Badami. You can also visit Naganathkolla, which lies midway between Mahakuta and Banashankari and has the Naganatha Temple, hailing from the early Chalukyan times.

8. There are also several pre-historic sites around Badami such as Sidilaphadi, Ranganathgudda, and Aralitirtha. However, they are mostly isolated. We strongly suggest not venturing alone here and taking a local guide for visiting them.

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1 Understand
2.1 By train
3 Get around
11 Stay safe

Badami (Kannada: ಬದಾಮಿ), formerly Vatapi , is a city in the Bagalkot district of Northern Karnataka , in Southern India . It is a historical place.

Understand [ edit ]

Badami was the capital of the Early Chalukyas, who ruled much of Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh between the 6th and 8th centuries. It was founded in 540 CE by Pulakesi I (535-566 CE), an early ruler of the Chalukyas. His sons Kirthivarman (567-598 CE) and his brother Mangalesha I (598-610 CE) constructed the cave temples. The greatest among them was Pulakeshi II (610-642 CE) who defeated many kings including Pallava king Mahendra Verman I and extended the kingdom.

Get in [ edit ]

By train [ edit ].

There is a small station in Badami, 5 km from the centre. Trains from Bangalore, Bijapur and other cities stop there regularly. From the station, there are many rickshaws to reach the centre. You can also wait a bus which goes to the bus stand. It will cost you ₹3.

The minor Yara Goppa Halt is slightly closer to town (3 km), but very few trains call here.

By bus [ edit ]

The bus stand is in the centre of the town. There are buses for Gadag , Bijapur, Bangalore and Hospet . The NWKRTC bus service is very efficient. From Hubli, regular buses to Badami (on the Ilkal/

Bagalkot route) ply every 30 minutes or so. The journey from Hubli takes about 3 hours not counting a 20-minute break at a town en route (for lunch, refreshments)

By car [ edit ]

From Bangalore: Drive to Hubli along NH 4 (410 km) and then via NH 218 (106 km).

Get around [ edit ]

From the centre, all the main sites are reachable by foot. However, there are plenty of rickshaws which would be happy to transport you. The best way to explore this small town is by walking, though.

Best way of getting around is hiring an auto-rickshaw for a day trip including caves, museum, bhootnath temples, fort, Pattadkal and Aihole. Auto-rickshaws are waiting at the railway station and next to the bus station.

If you just need to get a ride inside town or go out of town for a km or so in either direction (e.g. in order to get to the climbing areas Ganesh Plateau or Temple area ), flag down a shared rickshaw and insist on the local price of ₹10 (Jan 2023) per person.

Tata ace Magic autos, comfortable for a group of 10, are available opposite the bus station. Parking charges are extra at the caves, Pattadkal and Aihole.

Approximately 6 hours should be sufficient to cover Badami's tourist places. If you add not-so-popular spots (out of town) you need a whole day. Visit the caves early morning or evening to get great pictures. To see Pattadka you need 2 hours maximum, whereas Aihole will demand 4-5 hours as temples are scattered across the village.

See [ edit ]

Almost all the main attractions of Badami are around the Agasthya Tank.

15.9214 75.6848 4 Archaeological Museum of Badami . Sa-Th 9AM-5PM price= . Contains sculptures of various era from the region. To the left of it starts the footpath going up 300 stairs leading to the Lower and Upper Shivalayas. ( updated Jan 2023 )
15.91961 75.684342 7 Dattatreya temple ( on the western side of the tank ). ( updated Jan 2023 )

Do [ edit ]

Rope-climbing . With all the cliffs surrounding the town, Badami is a nice spot for climbing, not least since the sandstone is flattering to the hands. There are three big sectors (from north to south Ganesh Plateau , Deluxe Area and Temple Area with more than 30 or 40 routes each, as well as four smaller ones containing between 6 and 19 lines. While Temple contains routes around 20m, Deluxe and Ganesh go as high as 26 m. Kannaragavi even has some multipitch routes (38m). Equipment (rope, quickdraws, chalk, helmet, carabiners) can be hired at Rock Climbing Badami , however make sure the rope is still in good condition before you take it.

Buy [ edit ]

Eat [ edit ].

15.923963 75.679441 1 Udupi Shri Banashri Restaurant , Station Road ( opposite bus stand, same building as Hotel Rajsangam ). Very good veg only Dhaba (only Indian food). Cheap .
15.940684 75.676969 2 Hotel Paradise ( almost 2 km north of the bus stand (quite out of town), behind Heritage Resort and the petrol station ). 11:30AM-3:30PM, 7PM-midnight . New restaurant in town. After COVID, the owners moved from Goa to Karnataka. They make very good tandoori chicken. You can bring alcohol from a shop and drink it here. ( updated Jan 2023 )
15.935618 75.675384 3 Heritage Resort , Station Road ( 1,4 km north of the bus stand (out of town) ). Good vegetarian options. Moderate .
Geeta Darshini , Station Road ( 100 m after bus stand ). A nice veg restaurant.

Drink [ edit ]

Buttermilk made from cow's or buffalo milk. Tea is the popular drink of the local people, available at road side shacks and restaurants.

Sleep [ edit ]

The Heritage Resort , Station Road ( Near Railway Station ), ☏ +91 8357 220250 , [email protected] . Check-out: noon . A small resort at the edge of town. Very peaceful and tranquil. It has a handful of cottages and serves vegetarian food. Rooms from ₹3200 .
15.92396 75.67915 1 Hotel Rajsangam Hotel , Station Road ( Opposite to bus stand ), ☏ +91 8357 221991 , fax : +91 8357 221603 , [email protected] . Check-out: 24 hours . A hotel in the centre of Badami. Rooms from ₹800 to ₹3500 .
Hotel Mayura Chalukya a hotel run by Karnataka State tourism corporation.

Connect [ edit ]

Stay safe [ edit ]

There are many monkeys in Badami. Some of them, especially the gray langurs, can be aggressive.

B.S.N.L (Cellone) cellular phone connectivity is available here.

Summer months of March, April, May are hot. Dehydration must be avoided in these months.

Go next [ edit ]

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TOURIST PLACES IN BADAMI

Badami Boasts Many Popular Tourist Places, Offbeat Places & Amazing Nearby Weekend Destinations. Find Homestays in Badami, Karnataka and Enjoy Incredible City Sightseeing Places & Tourist Spots.

BADAMI TOURIST PLACES
8 BEST PLACES TO VISIT IN BADAMI IN (2024)

EXPLORE PLACES TO VISIT IN BADAMI

Best tourist places to visit in badami , karnataka.

Agasthya Lake

Badami Cave Temples

Badami Fort

Bhootnath Temple

Chikkamahakuteshwar Temple

Lad Khan Temple

Shri Banashankari Shakti Peetham, Badami

Upper Shivalaya Temple

The former royal capital of the Chalukyas, Badami proffers all visiting tourists one of the most popular tourist destinations in India. Badami is the most visited place for enjoying the dynamic beauty of the heritage and home of cave temples. This destination is famous for beautifully crafted sandstone cave temples, Dravidian architecture, fortresses, sacred tanks, idols, carvings, Brahmanical and Jain cave temples. Badami also has lots of options for hotel and resort stay along with restaurants to enjoy the local and exotic food. Ideal for history buffs, photographers, families, and weekend lovers, this well-known tourist destination is a boon for all visitors who feel comfortable and refreshed in the most historical settings.

With tourist attractions and nearby places in Badami, such as Agasthya Lake, Badami Cave Temples, and Badami Fort, Karnataka tourism has always enticed tourists and travelers to celebrate their holidays in a leisure setting around. Other places near Badami include Bijapur, Hospet, Bellary, Mysore, and Bangalore as weekend getaways. All Indian and international travelers can get pleasure from these attractions and Badami tours after booking the best Badami tour packages from professional travel resources. September-February is the best time to visit Badami.

ClearHolidays shares the right information and data on tourism in Badami, best places to visit in Badami, tourist places in Badami, sightseeing in Badami, how to reach Badami, top things to do in Badami, and Badami travel packages. It also helps all Badami travel enthusiasts explore well-liked and unusual Badami tourist places and bring the best out of their next visit to Badami with Badami holiday packages, Badami honeymoon packages, and Badami tour packages.

ClearHolidays, a leading travel website, provides extensive travel information to assist travellers in planning their holidays to Badami. Our website offers travel help, online travel guide and best possible travel information related to Badami tourism. We recommend the top tourist destinations & best sightseeing places, places to visit in Badami , offbeat places & weekend destinations in Badami, cheap homestays in Badami, and available outdoor activities.

Badami boasts many other incredible tourist attractions for city sightseeing and amazing weekend destinations for short weekend trips from Badami. Nearby weekend getaways from Badami , within 100-300 km, offer a very good chance to help you explore more sightseeing places, tourist spots, and offbeat places to visit in some of the most beautiful weekend getaways from Badami. You can search for all the possible weekend destinations in and around Badami within 100-300 km on www.clearholidays.com/weekend-getaways.

Explore " 8 " Top Places to Visit In Badami , Karnataka

Here's The List of Most Popular Tourist Places to Visit in Badami. Come and Explore These Beautiful Tourist Attractions, Famous Tourist Spots, Best Places to Visit, & Offbeat Travel Destinations in Badami.

1 . Agasthya Lake

2 . Badami Cave Temples

3 . Badami Fort

4 . Bhootnath Temple

5 . Chikkamahakuteshwar Temple

6 . Lad Khan Temple

7 . Shri Banashankari Shakti Peetham, Badami

8 . Upper Shivalaya Temple

Things to do in badami , karnataka.

Here is The List of Top Outdoor & Adventurous Activities Which You Can Enjoy in Badami. Top Outdoor Activities in Badami are Mountaineering, Rappelling, Trekking , etc.

Mountaineering

Best time to visit Badami

JAN, FEB, MAR, APR, MAY, SEP, OCT, NOV, DEC is The Best Time to Visit Badami When The Daytime Temperatures are Pleasant to Carry Out Outdoor Adventurous Activities in Badami. Badami Remains a Perfect Travel Destination in Summers and Winters Both. Come and Enjoy Outdoor Adventures in Badami like Mountaineering, Rappelling, Trekking , etc.

How to reach Badami

By air: Belgaum Airport 190 km from Badami By train: Hubli railway station 100 km By road: State-run buses from nearby areas

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A guide to a trip to Badami Pattadakal and Aihole – the epitome of temple art in India

Today, we take you with us to Karnataka’s heritage tour epitome – a trip to Badami, Pattadakal and Aihole !!

The triplet of Badami, Pattadakal and Aihole lie at the center of the heritage tour of Karnataka. Located in the Bagalkot district of Karnataka and lying in the valley of the Malaprabha river, this trio of towns hold great historical and cultural significance for the entire India. As, one, this is one of the first places in India where the human civilisation flourished. As indicated from inscriptions as old as the iron age discovered in this region. And second, this is the place where the well known temple architecture forms of India developed.

We had been wanting to do a trip to Badami Pattadakal and Aihole for the longest time. While we visited many other naturally beautiful places in Karnataka and some of the cultural towns as well. Somehow, we could never visit here. Until the year 2023. When our plan to visit Badami, Pattadakal and Aihole finally materialised. And it was such an impromptu plan! Because while we were planning to visit Bekal , Udupi and Murudeshwara, on a trip to coastal Karnataka . But it started raining there. And then we had to cancel that trip. Nevertheless, finally our trip to Badami, Pattadakal and Aihole materialised.

I was mesmerised by the beauty of the historical places in all these three places. So, I will highly recommend you to visit each one of these at least once. And you can use this post as your guide to visiting the trio of Badami Pattadakal and Aihole. Let me provide you all the information here needed to plan a trip here. But before that, lets dive just a little bit into the history of these three places.

Table of Contents

History of Badami Pattadakal and Aihole

The region of Badami Pattadakal and Aihole lies in the valley of Mahaprabha River, surrounded by sandstone hills from all sides. As a result, it provided for a perfect strategic location for the human civilisation to flourish. As a result, signs of flourishing human life have been found here since the iron age itself. And during the rule of the Chalukya Dynasty , the region really started to flourish. It is around this time that the Chalukya kings commissioned development of a lot of temples in this region. The area of Badami, Pattadakal and Aihole each got a specific role to play –

Badami became the administrative capital of the kingdom
Pattadakal was the cultural capital of the kingdom
Aihole emerged as the business center of the region

It was in Aihole that the cradle of Indian Temple architecture took shape. Artists were encouraged to try different type of temple architecture styles here. As a result, you get to see many incomplete temples, small temples and even prototypes in the form of stone carings and sculptures. When they got little skilled they moved to Badami. That is where the cave temples and other Badami temples were developed. Finally, they moved to the University of temple architecture in Pattadakal. Where the complete temples with detailed intricacies were developed.

Even after the Chalukya dynasty slowly declined from power, the dynasties that developed continued to support the temple architecture development in the region. The two distinct forms of temple architecture that one can see across India were developed here –

The Nagara Style of North Indian temple architecture seen in many temples in North India including the temples of Khajuraho , the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Puri and Konark Temples in Orissa, the Modhera Sun Temple of Gujarat and several others.
The Dravidian Style of South Indian temple architecture that is prominent in most of the famous temples in South India. Including Brihadeeshwara Temple in Thanjavur , Virupaksha Temple in Hampi, Hoysaleshwara Temple in Halebidu , Meenakshi Ammana Temple in Madurai and several temples of South India.

The Vijayanagara Empire further flourised in the region. Although their capital was located in Hampi, they performed their coronation ceremonies in Pattadakal. And also visited Badami and Aihole. After the Delhi sultunate started raiding the South Indian regions, some of these temples were destroyed. Others were half destroyed. Only a few that the locals somehow concealed by burying below the soil still remained intact. Afterwards, Tipu Sultan ruled the region.

How to plan a trip to Badami Pattadakal and Aihole

There are several ways you can plan a trip to Badami Pattadakal and Aihole. Following are some of them –

A 2 days weekend trip to Badami Pattadakal and Aihole

You can reach Badami on a Saturday morning by taking an overnight train. Then explore around Badami on Saturday. Stay overnight in Badami. On Sunday, visit Pattadakal and Aihole. And sunday evening, take a night train back from Badami. This is the shortest way to explore Badami Pattadakal and Aihole over a weekend trip from nearby areas including Bangalore.

A 3 days trip to Badami Pattadakal and Aihole

You can also do a 3 days trip to Badami Pattadakal and Aihole. Reach Badami the first day by afternoon. And then explore around some of the places in Badami. Next day, do a day trip from Badami to Pattadakal and Aihole. On the third day, in the morning, visit rest of the places in Badami. And then start back by noon. This will be a compact trip.

One day trip to Badami Pattadakal and Aihole

Yes, it is possible to even do a one day trip to Badami, Pattadakal and Aihole from some nearby places. Some of the popular day trips to this circuit include –

A day trip from Hampi to Badami Pattadakal and Aihole
From Hubli to Badami, Pattadakal and Aihole on a day trip
A day trip from Goa to Badami Pattadakal and Aihole

However, I highly discourage you doing a day trip to Badami Pattadakal and Aihole. Unless you are just interested in snapping some quick pictures at each of the site, without getting into any details. We only did Pattadakal and Aihole in one day. And that itself felt so overwhelming as there were so many things to cover and so many details to absorb.

But of course, you can always include Badami, Pattadakal and Aihole on an onwards trip from Bangalore to Hampi. Doing a 5 days trip to Hampi, Badami, Pattadakal and Aihole . After exploring Hampi, start for Badami. But take the route via Pattadakal and Aihole. After exploring these two sites, reach Badami towards the evening. Stay overnight. The next day explore Badami. And either depart in the evening using a bus or a train. Or the next day morning post breakfast. Thus spending 2 nights in Badami.

Many people also stop at Badami overnight when doing a trip of Goa. And even tour groups operate from Goa to Badami. Hubli is also very nearby. And it has an international airport also. So, you can also plan a trip to Badami from Hubli or Goa. But do plan for a minimum of one night stay in Badami. Below is the detail of our own 4 days trip exploring Badami, Pattadakal and Aihole from Bangalore :

Our 4 days trip itinerary to Badami Pattadakal and Aihole

We did a 4 days trip to Badami Pattadakal and Aihole. Below is the details of our trip to the region :

Day 1: We started around 5:30am in the morning from our home in Bangalore. And reached Badami by around 4:00pm in the evening. In between we took ample breaks on the way. Enjoying the sceneries, the rivers and hills that we crossed. We also took 2 long breaks for breakfast and lunch, apart from the several short breaks. After reaching our hotel – Heritage Resort Badami – we just relaxed for the day

Day 2: Today we took a day trip to Pattadakal and Aihole from Badami . Post breakfast, around 10:00am, we started for Pattadakal. We explored the Pattadakal Temple Complex in around 2 hours. And then proceeded to Aihole. In Aihole, it took us close to 1.5 hours to explore the main Durga temple complex . And then another 1 hour to explore the surroundings. We also had lunch in between at KSTDC Hotel Mayura in Aihole. On our way back from there, we visited the Banashankari Temple in Badami. And were back to our hotel around 5:30pm in the evening.

PS: Exploring the cradle of Indian temple architecture at Aihole

Day 3: Today, we explored the local sites of Badami in one day . Including the Badami Cave Temples , Bhootnatha Temple of Badami , Agastya Lake, Upper and Lower Shaivalika and other important sites of Badami. And were back to our hotel by 5:00pm in the evening.

Day 4: Today, post breakfast, we headed back to our home in Bangalore.

Overall, it was a very relaxing trip. We had ample time to explore all the places thoroughly. The kids took their own sweet time to get ready, have breakfast and lunch. And also we didn’t have to wake them up early in the morning in the wake of rushing to sightseeing. We really enjoyed our pace of slow travel during this trip. And we highly recommend you to follow this itinerary if you are also traveling with kids and family.

How many days are enough to plan a trip to Badami Pattadakal and Aihole

A minimum of 2 days and maximum of 4 days will be good to explore around the trio of the cultural center of Badami Pattadakal and Aihole. It really depends on how much details you want to absorb about the history and architecture of the place. For us, we took 2 days in transit on our road trip from Bangalore to Badami. And another 2 days to completely explore around the region. Single day trips from Goa and Hampi will be too overwhelming or hectic to explore the region.

How to reach Badami Pattadakal and Aihole

Badami is the biggest town out of the three. Pattadakal and Aihole are mostly villages. Badami is well connected with the rest of the country through rail and road network. There are many different ways to reach Badami. Some of these include –

Self driving to Badami
Taking a train to Badami, there are many overnight trains from nearby places including Bangalore
Taking a bus to Badami
Hiring a taxi and taking a road trip to Badami

For those pressed by time, I will suggest taking a train as it saves time. For instance, when traveling from Bangalore to Badami in a train, you can take an overnight train. And early morning reach Badami. Similarly, when returning back from Badami to Bangalore, you can again take an overnight train. This will save your day time traveling to Badami.

Our trip from Bangalore to Badami

But if you are a road trip enthusiast like us, we will recommend you take a road trip to Badami. The highways to Badami are in excellent condition. And driving through them is a pleasant experience. We ourselves drove from Bangalore to Badami. The road that we took was :-

Bangalore City -> Neelamangala -> Tumkur -> Chitradurga -> Hospete -> Badami

We took this drive at the onset of monsoons. And it was such a beautiful day. With overcast skies, cold wind blowing, the red Gulmohars and colorful bougainvilleas in full bloom on the side of the highway!! On the way we stopped at the banks of the Tungabhadra River as well.

Once you reach Badami, you can take road trip to Pattadakal and Aihole. Both these places are on the same route. And the road condition from Badami to Pattadakal and Pattadakal to Aihole is excellent. It takes around 20-25 minutes to reach the Pattadakal Group of Monuments from Badami. And then another half an hour to reach Aihole from Pattadakal.

Where to stay in Badami Pattadakal and Aihole

There are many stay options in Badami. We stayed at Heritage Resort Badami which was decent small size resort with a pure veg restaurant. And then there are other popular hotels in Badami like Hotel Clarks Inn and the Badami Court Hotel . Most of the hotels are located on the main road itself. You can browse the complete list of hotels in Badami here .

You can easily visit Pattadakal and Aihole from Badami on a day trip. But if you want to thoroughly explore the region by staying there overnight then you can stay at KSTDC Hotel Mayura in Aihole . I couldn’t find any other stay options in Aihole. And none in the village of Pattadakal. There are also small guest houses and people renting their rooms to guests for overnight stay. But those are not listed online. You can go there and check with locals for availability. While this is an adventurous way to find an accommodation, it is more suited to backpackers and solo travellers than to families with kids and elderly.

What is the best time to visit Badami Pattadakal and Aihole

Everyone says that the best time to visit Badami Pattadakal and Aihole is the winter season. When the temperature in the region is relatively lower than rest of the year. And the sun is bearable. But, while visiting Hampi nearby in December, I had still found the sun to be very hard. So, I will like to differ a bit here. And rather suggest the onset of monsoons as the best time to visit Badami Pattadakal and Aihole. As the skies are overcast with clouds at this time. But the rain-showers are short lived and intermittent. Like how we visited Chitradurga Fort in August last year.

We visited Badami Pattadakal and Aihole in July first week. Monsoons were late this year. So, while it was cloudy and the winds were cool. It was not raining yet. Which made the weather very pleasant. However, do keep your reservations flexible when doing a trip to Badami Pattadakal and Aihole in the monsoon season. And keep an eye on the weather forecast as it can change any moment. If there are chances of heavy rain or flooding then you can safely cancel your trip or postpone it.

Shopping in Badami

There are hardly any shops in Pattadakal and Aihole. And the small ones that are there, I didn’t see them selling anything unique. Overall the places are not too much commercialised. Which I loved. There are just a few food stalls around and very small hotels providing local cuisines to the tourists. In Badami, one can shop for stone made kitchen items and iron kitchen utensils, silk fabrics, sarees and rugs. We didn’t have time to explore the markets of Badami. So, we skipped shopping in Badami on this trip.

Which other places can I visit with Badami, Pattadakal and Aihole

You can combine a trip to Badami Pattadakal and Aihole with the following places –

Goa – Goa is located just 3 hours drive from Badami. So, if you have time at hand, you can extend your journey to Goa from Badami. Or, you can visit Badami after Goa. We have several posts on our multiple trips to Goa. Read our Goa content here .
Hubli – Hubli is like the business hub of North Karnataka. You can visit Badami from Hubli as well. They are hardly 2 hours apart.
Hampi – People often visit the UNESCO World Heritage site – the architectural ruins of Vijayanagara Empire in Hampi along with Badami, Pattadakal and Aihole. Even we were initially planning such a trip. But that couldn’t materialise for various reasons. So, finally we planned a trip to Badami Pattadakal and Aihole alone.

General tips on visiting Badami Pattadakal and Aihole

Wear comfortable cotton cloths when visiting places here, preferably full sleeves if you want to avoid tanning.
Carry water bottles with you at the sites that you visit, although drinking water facility is also available at all the sites across Badami Pattadakal and Aihole
You can carry some food with you when visiting Pattadakal and Aihole as there are not many decent food options around these places. We found a KSTDC operated hotel Mayura in Aihole which was decent for lunch as well as stay.
Carry an umbrella with you no matter in which month you visit. As it will be either sunny or there will be high chances of rain
You should also carry your general medication with you, particularly if traveling with kids as these are small towns. So you might not get if you are looking for a particular brand.
Refer to my travel tips to pack well for the trip.
Many of the temples you visit in Badami Pattadakal and Aihole are not active places of worship anymore. However, it still makes sense to pay your respect like leaving the shoes behind when entering inside.
There are some hidden gems of places like waterfalls, caves and other natural places to explore around Badami Pattadakal and Aihole, you can plan for the same if you have time,

PS: Some of our links are affiliated, this means we will earn a commission when you buy a service or product by clicking those links. However, this will have no extra cost for you.

2 thoughts on “A guide to a trip to Badami Pattadakal and Aihole – the epitome of temple art in India”

Nice suggestions. I am planning to follow your 4 Day itinerary.

Thank you! Hope you have as wonderful a trip as we had

Travel guide to Badami, Aihole, Pattadakal and Mahakuta

A better place to understand India’s heritage and experience the rural side of the country; journey to Aihole, Badami and Pattadakal can be summarised like this. These places are less popular on the tourism map, hence very suitable for those preferring an offbeat destination for their travel. You can visit these three places in two days, a weekend is more enough. But if you have more time, you can include few more places nearby like Hampi and Bijapur.

How to reach Badami?

Overnight buses are there from Bangalore. So better try to catch a bus that reaches Badami by morning next day. Buses are always available from Hampi and Mangalore also. If you wish to travel in train. Find any passing through Hubli station. From there Badami is around 120 km away. Trains are also available from Hubli to Badami. Badami railway station is about 2-3 km from the town.

For return also either you can take train or bus. Bus booking offices can be found along the main street itself.

Accommodation

Badami is the only option for accommodation. It is big compared to Aihole and Pattadakal. You will easily find hotels in the main city centre itself. During peak times, make sure you book rooms in advance. The rooms are economical in general. If coming in groups, it is better to get a bigger room that can accommodate minimum 4-5 people, so per head expense will be around 400 INR.

Things to do

If you are reaching Badami by morning, find a hotel so that you can fresh up and keep your bag. It is better to visit Aihole first. Buses are available from Badami. But they are not frequent and you will find little difficult to find buses at right time. Another option is hiring an auto rickshaw. I hired an auto for 800 INR for 5 people for a day. You can hitchhike also.

Aihole is 35 km from Badami. The temple complex is preserved the Archaeological Survey of India. The complex is open from 6 AM to 5.30 PM all the days of the week. There are other monuments spread across the village. The entry fee to the complex is INR 10 for Indian citizens and INR 250 for the foreign citizen. If you have time, it is good to explore the village. You can find many interesting things while walking inside the village. The people here are very friendly and welcoming. So don’t hesitate to start a conversation and understand the life and culture here.

Few small tea shops are the only refreshment options in Aihole.

Pattadakal is between Aihole and Badami, 22 km from Badami. You can spend the second half of the day there. The temple complex is a UNESCO world heritage site. It remains open from 6 AM to 6 PM. Evenings are the best here. This temple complex is not so big, so you can reach back Badami by nightfall. There are few basic shops outside the complex.

There is plenty to see in Badami. One day is needed to visit all the important places. The monuments are spread in three regions across the city but nearby. The rock cave temples are on one side of the hill.

Once you come to the opposite side, there is a museum and Badami fort. You have to trek up to reach the fort, from the top you will get the view of Badami and the surrounding areas. All the monuments in Badami are open from 6 AM to 6 PM. The entry fees to Badami cave temples are 10 INR for Indians and 100 INR for foreign citizens.

On the banks of Agasthya lake, you will see the Bhoothnath temple situated in a surreal backdrop of Badami hills. The temple is best during evenings. The timings are same as other monuments.

So if you want to explore more here, trek up to Mahakuta early in the morning. The trek route is about 6 km, it will take 1-2 hours depending on your walking speed to reach there. You can experience the landscapes and flora of this region during the trek. Temple will be less crowded if you reach early in Mahakuta, you can have a dip in the Vishnu pushkarni (tank). Inside the pond, there is a small chamber and we can go inside the chamber through a very small gap beneath the pond.

I came to know about Mahakuta from our auto-rickshaw driver. He insisted us to definitely visit the temple complex and it is worth visiting, especially the trek.

Either you can trek back the same route or take a taxi. It will be better to take a taxi so that you can save time. Moreover, it will be very hot during mid-day time.

Click here to read more about Aihole and Pattadakal

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56 comments

I’ve never been to India, so it was very interesting to read about these places. Those temples look beautiful! When I make it to India, I will def. use this as a guide. Thanks for sharing 🙂

Welcome Sina, Am glad that you are interested in visiting India. There are lots of places in India that are still unexplored. I will be sharing about many such places soon.

This looks like such an incredible place to visit! I think I could spend hours exploring the architecture. It all looks so intricate and complex.

Thanks Courtney..Am glad that you like the post. Visit Badami on your visit to India.

Your images are stunning! I have never been to India but it is definitely on my travel list.

xo, Elizabeth // txelizabeth.com

Thanks Elizabeth

Lovely photographs of your experience in India. I hope to visit the country myself someday.

Thanks Missy. Am glad that you liked the post.

Such beautiful architecture! Your pictures are also amazing. You mentioned peak times to travel – what are the peak times there?

Thanks Tina, Badami is an offbeat travel destination. The crowd will be less throughout the year. It is better to avoid visiting during summer. Best time is June to March.

Stunning photos, and I look forward to seeing more. So different from where I live, and it’s nice to be able to be exposed to it this way.

Thanks Jolane

I’ve never been to India before. Your photographs make your experience look very nice. What a blessing to be able to travel and explore like you do!

Thanks Jennifer. Am glad that you liked

Thank you so much for such a thorough guide to this area! Especially about a destination that I dont know much about

Thanks Claudia

The Mister and I are over halfway completed with our Travel Bucket List. Next we’re making one for Unique Travels. I saw photos of this on FB and knew I wanted to add it to our new list.

http://www.keepingupwithcandy.com

Thanks Candy

Wow….this is a great post! I’ve never been to India but this post makes me want to go! Wonderful pictures and information!

Thanks Jayme… Welcome to India

The temples look amazing! I worked in Delhi for 2 years and there is always so much to explore in India. Didn’t manage to get to this part of the country. Your post has provided inspiration for my next trip.

Thanks Daleya.. Delhi is a wonderful place tp explore, so much heritage buildings. Next time, visit south India.

What a lovely place! I love traveling and seeing such beautiful architecture. Thanks for sharing!

Thanks Erica..Am glad that you liked.

Great adventure. On my bucket list now. Thanks for the information.

Hi Yeu…happy to know that you included India in your bucket list.

This looks so beautiful there! I would love to visit, and I am not sure I’ll be able to or not, but it is amazing to be able to read and see in a blog post that you have written!

Thanks EH..

These are some stunning Pictures and they are giving me some real Travel goals.

Thanks Laveena, Am glad that you liked the post.

Never been to this side of India. Will surely go there next time I’m in India. I have always been a fan of Indian architecture!!

I missed all these temple complexes on a recent visit to India. I did take an overnight bus from Bangalore but I forget where to. I love visiting UNESCO sites so would love to visit the temple complexes.

I have not done a lot of traveling, in fact if I am honest, nothing outside of the US. But it is a dream of my hubby and I to someday be able to do so. I love your post and your pics give a wonderful experience , and allow me to dream in the meantime!! Thank you so much for your detailed descriptions!!

Hi Sandy, Thanks for the good comments. Hope that your first destination will be definitely India.

I have never heard of these places but I am definitely adding them to my bucket list! Excellent guide and inspirational post, Thomas!

Hi Agness Am very happy that you liked the post. Keep supporting.

[…] Read Travel guide to Aihole and Badami […]

[…] can also visit Badami, Aihole and Pattadkal, the ancient Chalukya dynasty […]

I adore traveling in rural areas, this is by far my favorite way to explore new countries. Big cities tend to be bland and all and the same all over the world, while small settlements preserve their unique atmosphere.

I completely agree with you, Maria. Rural places are more unique. I think you should visit India to experience its villages. It will be amazing.

There are some beautiful temples in this area! It sounds like a fun place to travel.

Yes, it is an interesting place to travel.

The Aihole Temple Complex is my favorite from your pics so far. Will have to add it to my list!

Thanks Sarah, Am glad that you liked the post.

Hi Jithin, Nice write up… I wish to travel all these places. Can you please suggest me a budget for the backpacker?

Ebbin, you can travel to these three places on a minimum budget. An overnight bus journey from Banglore will cost you about 700 INR for a sleeper bus. The expense for stay is also comparatively low. You can find budget hotels in Badami.

I am here at Badami. Pls tell me your trek rout to mahakuta. Will be safe for solo traveller?

Hi Ebbin, The trail to Mahakuta from Badami is through the village on the pond side. Just ask someone if you can’t find it out.

Trekking up to Mahakuta nice and early sounds lovely! That must have been an amazing sunrise!

Nina, Trek to Mahakuta was an incredible experience.

I planned on doing the same itinerary covering these places along with Hampi. However those plans didnt go through. I also heard there are sunflower fields between Hampi & Badami and they bloom after rains. Did you happen to see them. Are they any good?

Yeah, I have seen the vast sunflower fields. It is a common scene in North Karnataka.

I shall be visiting Badami pattadakkal aihole this spring(late feb 18). how will be the session and what will be tentative auto fare from Badami and back in the same evening ?

Hi Vivek, it will be better to visit Badami before March. Summers will be hot there. You can hire an auto for a day, we paid Rs.800 for five people.

Superb post!

Thanks Sangeet, Am glad that you liked the post.

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BADAMI TOURISM | CAVE TEMPLES, PLACES TO VISIT & TRAVEL GUIDE TO BADAMI

Badami Overview
Top 15 Places to Visit in Badami
4 Best Badami Tour Packages
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Driving Directions to Badami

About Badami

Country: india | state: karnataka, #11 of 33 places to visit in karnataka | places to visit in india, ideal trip duration: 1-2 days, base station: badami, nearest city to badami: hubli (109 kms), best time to visit badami: september to march, peak season: december to january & may to june, badami weather: maximum - 40°c minimum - 10°c.

At a distance of 36 km from Bagalkot, 104 km from Hubli & 457 km from Bangalore, Badami, also called Vatapi, is a historical place situated in the Bagalkot district of Karnataka. It is one of the best Karnataka tourist places , and among the top places to visit near Hubli . Badami was the capital of mighty Chalukyas from 540 to 757 AD who ruled Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, & Maharashtra between the 6th & 8th centuries. It is one of the popular places of heritage in Karnataka. Cave temples, fortresses, fine carvings, wonderful architecture, and breathtaking views are the must include places in Badami holiday packages . Badami is located in a valley at the foot of a red sandstone rock formation that surrounds Agastya Lake. Overlooking the sandstone cave temples, Badami Fort and several temples are lined up on the shores of Agastya Lake. Boothnath Temple, Banashankari Temple, Badami Fort, Cave Temple 1-3, Mallikarjuna Temples, and Mahakuta Temples are the prominent tourist places in Badami . Badami is famous for several early inscriptions dating back to the 6th century. The earlier of the inscriptions are in Sanskrit dates back to 543 CE, the period of Pulakeshi I or Vallabheswara. The second inscription is found on a rock, which testifies Mamalla Pallava's victory over the Chalukyas in the year 642 AD. In the 7th century, the Vatapi Ganapati idol was brought from Badami by Pallavas who defeated Chalukyas. Apart from history and architecture, the red sandstone hills surrounding the lake provide a unique setting to the town of Badami that has to be experienced by one personally. Badami can also be visited along with Aihole & Pattadakal Packages . About 104 km from Badami, Hubli Airport is the nearest airport that has direct flights from Bangalore, and Mumbai. Badami Railway Station has well train connectivity with Gadag, Solapur, Bangalore, Pune, Hubli, and Bijapur. About 55 km from Badami, Gadag is the nearest major railway station that has well-train connectivity with cities like Hubli, Bangalore, Hospet, Solapur, Bellary, Guntakal, Tirupati, Hyderabad, Bhubaneshwar, and Kolkata. Badami has good road connectivity by buses from Bangalore, Ballari, Gadag, Bagalkot, Hubli, Bijapur, and Hospet. Badami has a wide range of hotels for tourists that range from budget to five-star hotels. The properties offer luxurious cottages, suites, and family rooms for their guests equipped with all the modern amenities to make their stay comfortable. They have facilities like in-house restaurants, banquet facilities, swimming pools, currency exchange, and even tailor-made local sightseeing packages.

Nearest Airport: Hubli - Hubli Airport (104 Kms)

Direct flights to hubli, nearest train station: badami (5 kms) gadag (55 kms), direct trains to badami, gadag, nearest bus station: badami bus station (0 kms), direct buses to badami, distance chart, distance chart & driving directions to badami, top 10 places to visit in badami.

#1 of 15 Places to Visit in Badami

At a distance of 1 km from Badami Bus Station, Cave 1 is a rock-cut cave situated in Badami, Karnataka. It is one of the must include places in Badami Tour Packages . Badami Caves are carved out of a mighty red sandstone hill which is on the banks of Agasthya Lake. The first cave or Cave 1 is dedicated it Lord Shiva and it represents the Brahmanical style. Built in 550 AD, the cave has an L-shaped open courtyard in front, an open verandah, a pillared hall, and a sanctum excavated into the center of its rear wall. It is one of the places to visit in Badami . The cave is famous for its fine sculptures. The most celebrated sculpture of the cave is that of Shiva as Nataraja with 18 arms and he is seen in 81 dancing postures of Bharata Natya. Another notable sculpture of the cave is Ardhanareeswara, a composite form of Shiva & Parvathi. On the other side .....

Boothanatha Temple

#2 of 15 Places to Visit in Badami

At a distance of 1.5 km from Badami Bus Station, Boothanatha Temple is a magnificent structure situated on the banks of Agasthya Lake past Badami Museum in Badami. It is one of the must-visit places as part of Badami Packages . Dedicated to Lord Shiva, Boothanatha Temple is the most striking structure of Badami and prime promotional element of Badami Tourism. The temple is surrounded by water on three sides. The temple was constructed in the early 8th century by Chalukyas. Constructed in Dravidian style, the temple is emerged into the Agastya Lake and becomes inaccessible during peak monsoons when the water level in the lake reaches the full capacity. The temple has a pillared mukha mandapa, sabha mandapa, and inner sanctum with a Shiva image. The main temple is accompanied by several small shrines on the northern and eastern ends. The form of Bhoothnath is said to be the combination of the God of Soul, Spirit, and the Ghost. .....

Agasthya Lake

#3 of 15 Places to Visit in Badami

At a distance of 1 Kms from Badami Bus Station, The Agastya Lake (Tirtha) is a huge lake located beneath the cave temples. Constructed in 5th century, the lake is considered holy due to the healing powers of its water. The eastern banks of the Agasthya Lake are dotted with Bhoothanatha temples while the caves temples are located on South West part and the fort on North West end. According to puranas, The Pushkarini was a pleasure tank of God in Vaikunta, and is a beloved of Lakshmidevi and Bhoodevi. The Pushkarini was brought and set here by Garuda, the vehicle of Lord Vishnu. A bath in it is believed to destroy all sins. The lake is usually crowded by the village residents for washing cloths and bath. The quality of water is okay but not a good place to swim. The surroundings of the lake provide great views of the hills surrounded by the historical monuments. The Bhoothanatha temple which is emerged into the lake is a beautiful sight with a backdrop of large hillock.

Banashankari Temple

#4 of 15 Places to Visit in Badami

At a distance of 5 Kms from Badami, Banashankari Temple is located at Cholachagudda. Dedicated to Banashankari Devi, an incarnation of Goddess Parvati, it's one of the famous temples in the district. The original temple was built in 8th century, believed to be by Rashtrakutas, but the present structure traces its origin in the 17th century. This temple represents a combination of Dravidian & Nagara temple architecture. Haridra Tirtha, a large temple pond with a tall lamp tower built on a three story structure is situated opposite to the entrance of the temple and it's a delight to watch. The entire pond is surrounded by a corridor built with stone. The Goddess can be seen seated on a growling lion and crushing a demon with her foot. The idol is carved out of a black stone. The Goddess Banashankari is depicted here with eight arms sitting on a roaring lion. The temple features three large lamp polls in the main compound. These lamp polls are lit during special occasions and .....

#5 of 15 Places to Visit in Badami

At a distance of 1 KM from Badami Bus Station, Cave 3 is situated few more steps above Cave 2. This is the biggest and most attractive part of all four cave temples. Dating back to 578 AD, the cave has paintings and sculptures of both Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu. The cave can be reached through a plight of rock-cut steps and a large stone entrance. The inscriptions in this cave indicate that it was built by Mangalesha. The third cave is about 70 feet wide and it is a fine example of artwork of Badami Chalukyas. The delicate creativity and image astuteness are the prominence of the cave showcasing the ancient art. The art depicting ancient dresses, jewelry, hairstyle and the lifestyle of the glorious past will leave one mesmerize. The sculpture of Trivikrama, a larger version of the one seen in Cave 2 is seen here. Images of Lord Vishnu manifested in many forms are seen here - Varaha, with Serpent, Vishnu as Narasimha, Vishnu as Trivikrama. The cave has wonderful bracket figures .....

#6 of 15 Places to Visit in Badami

At a distance of 1 KM from Badami Bus Station, Cave 2 is situated just few meters above Cave 1 and it is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. This is the smallest of four caves at Badami. Lord Vishnu is manifested as a dwarf or Trivikrama in this cave. Lord Vishnu is seen in the position of conquering the Earth by his one foot and ruling the sky with his other foot. The entrance of the cave has two guards or dwarapalakas holding lotus in their hands. Different forms of Lord Vishnu are portrayed here. The incarnations of Lord Vishnu are carved in this cave including Varaha and Lord Krishna riding a Garuda. Another highlight of the cave is the lotus encircled by 16 fishes. The ceiling has the carvings of Anantasayana, Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva & other Ashtadikpalakas. The carving of celestial couple on the ceiling is attractive. Another puzzle like carving on the roof with couples on four sides is interesting. The wall brackets are finely carved with different puranic characters. Timings: .....

#7 of 15 Places to Visit in Badami

At a distance of 1 KM from Badami Bus Station, Cave 4 is situated towards the east of Cave 3 and it was built in the 8th century. The Cave is dedicated to Jain Thirthankaras. The main attraction of the cave is the sculpture of Lord Mahavira adoring the shrine along with the images of Padmavathi and other Thirthankaras. Mahavira, the 24th Jain Tirthankara is depicted in a sitting posture and Tirthankara Parshwanatha is carved with a serpent at his feet. The cave is small in size but all the corners of the cave are finely carved with different Thirthankaras of Jain faith. The pillars have fine carvings of different characters and garland shaped designs. The wall brackets and the side walls of Mahavira and Parshwanatha carvings have small carvings of interesting images. From the location of Cave 4, you can capture a breathtaking view of Agastya Lake, Badami Fort and Badami town. Timings: 9 AM to 5.30 PM Entry Fee: Rs. 10 for Indians, Rs. 100 for Foreigner .....

Badami Fort

#8 of 15 Places to Visit in Badami

At a distance of 1.5 Kms from Badami Bus Station and behind Badami Museum, Badami Fort is situated on top of a hill on the northern banks of Agasthya Lake, other side of Cave Temples. The fort can be reached by a plight of steep steps from the museum. There are several decorated gateways build out the rock with carvings. The walkway to the fort was carved out from huge redstone hillock, providing unique setting to the fort. There are several water storage beds enroute the top. There are two temples inside the fort, well known as Lower Shivalaya and Upper Shivalaya. The Lower Shivalaya is a small two story structure on the corner of hill overlooking the Badami town. The Upper Shivalaya is a Dravidian style structure on top of the hill. There are several ruined structured all around the fort. The fort provides magnificent views of all the monument of Badami, including Caves, Lake, Bhoothanatha temples and other monuments. Entire Badami town can be seen from the fort hill. Though .....

#9 of 15 Places to Visit in Badami

At a distance of 22 km from Dharwad, 57 km from Gadag, 76 km from Dandeli, 100 km from Belgaum, 102 km from Sirsi, 104 km from Badami, 147 km from Gokarna, 169 km from Karwar, 177 km from Panjim, 183 km from Shimoga, 205 km from Murudeshwar, 210 km from Ballari, 361 km from Mangalore, 406 km from Bangalore, 435 km from Mysore, and 527 km from Hyderabad, Hubli, officially known as Hubballi, is a city in the Indian state of Karnataka. It is one of the must include places in Karnataka tour packages , and among the best places to visit near Kolhapur . Hubli or Hubballi is one of the fastest-growing cities in the state of Karnataka, and the second-largest city in the state after Bangalore. Lying on the 'Golden Quadrilateral' this multi-faceted city is also known as the cultural, educational, and music capital of the state. The city boasts numerous monuments and monasteries, ..... Distance (From Badami): 104 Kms Trip Duration (From Badami - Including Travel): Full Day .....

Mallikarjuna Temples

#10 of 15 Places to Visit in Badami

At a distance of 1.5 Kms from Badami Bus Station, Mallikarjuna Group of Temple is a set of temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. These temples are located within an enclosed compound just before Boothanatha Temple. Built in Phamsana style (stepped pyramid), these temples were assumed to be constructed during Rashtrakutas and Kalyani Chalukyas. The outer walls of the temple are plain rock without any carvings. The tower of inner sanctom is built in typical Rashtrakuta style of architecture. The main shrine has a pillerd mukha madapa, an enclosed madhya mandapa followed by the inner sanctom. The inner walls and pillars are mostly plain. Several smaller shrines are built to the eastern and nortern sides of the main temple. Most of them are closed for renovation.

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Hampi- Aihole- Pattadakal- Badami

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Karnataka, as the tagline says ‘One state Many Worlds’ is a perfect destination for every traveller. The remarkable heritage and history of the state attract history lovers, travellers, students, and all those who admire the magnificent architecture of the times. The Northern Karnataka sector has always been very special in terms of tourism because of the presence of UNESCO Heritage sites. Badami – Aihole- Pattadakal – Hampi is on a must-to-do list for every tourist visiting Karnataka.

Located in the heart of Vijayanagara District, which once was the capital of the Vijayanagara Empire, Hampi was its capital. Vijayanagara was part of Deccan (now Hyderabad) and dominated all of Southern India and was probably the strongest empire in the Indian subcontinent. Vijayanagara Empire is considered to have been a golden age of culture and learning.

A 4 days itinerary can be planned to keep in mind the distance travelled from Bangalore. One day each at Aihole- Pattadakal, Hampi, and Badami is enough. But if you wish to study the heritage sites deeper, you can choose to stay a little longer.

Day 1 – Hampi

Hampi Elephant Stable

The iconic Chariot, the image of which can be seen on a 50 rupee note in Indian Currency, needs no introduction. A vast area of ruins, a live temple, a Lotus temple, and many more heritage sites in the compound makes Hampi the most visited monument in Karnataka. The glorious capital of the Vijayanagara Empire, Hampi is a UNESCO World Heritage site. A must-do destination, Hampi is famous for its historic significance, heritage, temples, ruins, and exquisite craftsmanship. The major attractions at Hampi include Virupaksha Temple, Ugranarsimha Vigraha, Lotus Palace, Hampi Bazaar, Vittala Temple, and much more. The 7th century Virupaksha Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva with gigantic Gopuram is the highlight of Hampi. The temple is still active and the pilgrims offer prayers to their deity. The other attractions include Sasive Kalu Ganesha, Kadale Kalu Ganesha, Anegundi, Vijaya Vittala Temple, and Atal Bihari Vajpayee Zoological Park.

Spend some time at Hampi to understand and study the ruins of Hampi and its glorious historical past.

Day 2 – Aihole

Vastuchitra Aihole

The next nearest destination to be planned can be Aihole. Just 140 km away from Hampi, Aihole takes about 2 and a half hours to reach by road. A cluster of around 120 temples from the 4th century AD, Aihole is a historic site along the Malaprabha river valley in Northern Karnataka. Aihole is a delight to visit for those interested in history, archaeology, architecture, heritage, and ancient temples. The most popular and the face of Aihole is the Durga Temple. A cluster of temples mainly comprises Hindu, Jain, and Buddhist temples. The Durga temple complex also has an art gallery and an archaeological Museum which should not be missed. There is a collection of exquisite antiques excavated from the region. Contrary to its name, Lad Khan Temple showcases the iconography from Shaiva, Vaishnava, and Shakti or Durga traditions of Hinduism. Also known as the ‘cradle of Indian Rock Architecture’, Aihole was the first capital of Chalukyas, who ruled the north Karnataka region. The temples are now being conserved and protected by the Archaeology Survey of India. A 6th-century rock-cut Ravana Phadi Cave that houses Shiva and Parvathi is another attraction not to be missed. The caves consist of intricate craftsmanship featuring Lord Shiva, Parvathi, Ganesha, and Lord Vishnu. The other famous temples are Garudagudi, Chakragudi, Ambigaragudi, Rachigudi, Kuntigudi, Hallibasappa Gudi, Badigargudi, Trimbakeshwar temple, Mallikarjuna Temple, and Jyotirlinga Temple.

Day 3- Pattadakal

Just 13 km away from Aihole Pattadakal takes about 20 minutes to reach. A UNESCO World Heritage site from the 7th and 8th centuries consist of Hindu and Jain temples. Unique craftsmanship depicts both the North and South Indian styles of architecture. Chalukyas used Pattadakal for coronation ceremonies. One of the main attractions at Pattadakal is Virupaksha Temple. Constructed by queen Lokamahadevi in the 8th century AD to celebrate her husband and King Vikramaditya’s victory over Pallavas. Unparalleled craftsmanship at Virupaksha temple showcases the sculptures of Ugra Narshimha and Nataraja. The other popular temples in the complex are Papanatha temple, Galaganatha Temple, Sangameshwara temple, Chandrashekara temple, Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Mallikarjuna Temple, Jambu Lingeshwara Temple, and Kadasiddeshwar Temple. One of the most attractive events at Pattadakal is the Pattadakal Festival . A mesmerizing amalgamation of music and dance with Pattadakal temples in the backdrop makes the festival a visual treat for the spectators.

Day 4- Badami

Formerly known as Vatapi and serving as the capital of Chalukyas, Badami was constructed between the 6th and 8th centuries. Located in the district Bagalkote headquarters, Badami invites tourists, travellers, researchers, and all those who love history and heritage for its sandstone cave temples and carvings. Badami cave temple complex is home to a Jain temple and three Hindu temples. The caves at Badami are based on themes depicting, Tandava Dance by lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu, and his carnations. The stunning and mesmerizing backdrop of Agastya Lake and cave temple landscapes, these monuments are of great historical importance and invite photography enthusiasts. Another attraction not to be missed near Badami is the Bhutanatha temple complex. Just a kilometre away from the main Badami cave temples, these clusters of sandstone shrines were built over a period from the 7th to 11th century AD.

How to Reach

The Northern Karnataka Circuit comprising Hampi, Aihole, Pattadakal, and Badami can be best covered by road. Keeping the base station as Hampi, the other places of interest are within the 150 km range.

Hampi or Badami can be best reached by air either from Bangalore or Mangalore. Bangalore International Airport is 340 km from Hampi and Mangalore International airport is 460 km from Badami.

Hampi and Badami are connected via rail from all the major towns of Karnataka. For the trains coming from all other major towns of India, Guntakal is the major rail junction for changing the trains. Hospete is the station to reach Hampi.

The best and easiest way to reach these UNESCO Heritage sites is by road. The state-run transport buses ply from most of the major bus- stations in Karnataka. City cabs are also available at most of these locations. The nearest bus station is Hospete from where Hampi is just 12 km away and can be reached by local auto rickshaw.

Travel Tips

1. The weather in North Karnataka is usually warm and dry. However, it is cooler during winter. The best time to visit these heritage sites is between November to February. 2. Carry a layer of clothing for winter evenings. 3. Dress appropriately to respect the local traditions and beliefs. 4. Indulge in local / North Karnataka food like Jowar roti meals at local restaurants or homestays. 5. Make sure you wear comfortable shoes as there is a lot of walking involved. 6. Wear sunscreen and a sun hat. During the day sun can be a little harsh. 7. The best time to visit temples and other monuments is early morning or late evening hours. 8. Hospete or Hampi is the biggest town, hence most of the star-category hotels are available in Hampi and around. 9. Most of the temples are open from 7 am to 6 pm. ( kindly check the local timings before visiting the individual temples).

Other Places of Interest

While visiting the renowned UNESCO World Heritage sites, there are many other attractions or places of interest that one must incorporate into their itinerary. Chitradurga Fort is one of the architectural and engineering marvels of its time. Vani Vilas Sagar Dam is built across the river Vedavathi and is often visited along with Chitradurga Fort. Mahakuta trek is one of the other major attractions in the area, especially for adventure seekers. Chalukya Utsava : An annual cultural and heritage festival celebrated in Badami and Aihole, usually, in February every year is one of the other highlights. The musical festival also showcases sports games and competitions, wrestling competitions, stunt shows, and art exhibitions. Mahakoota Temples just 6 km away from Badami, Mahakoota temples were built between the 6th and 8th centuries. Lord Shiva temples like Mahakuteshwara temple, Ardhanareeshwara, and others temples are worth visiting.

Know More About Hampi Utsav

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Badami Cave Temples
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Top 5 Tourist Attractions in Badami
Top 5 Tourist Attractions in Badami
Best Tourist Places to Visit in Badami
Best Tourist Places to Visit in Badami

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Badami Caves Vlogs
Upper Shivalaya temple l Places to visit l Badami Caves l Agastya Lake l Karnataka Vlog
या गावात आहेत शंभराहून अधिक मंदिरे। शिल्पसमृद्ध ऐहोळे
ಬದಾಮಿ ಗುಹಾಂತರಗಳು
VISITED 1500 YEARS OLD ROCK CAVE TEMPLES IN KARNATAKA| BADAMI TRAVEL GUIDE

COMMENTS

Badami Karnataka
Find Discounts on the Best Badami Karnataka. Tripadvisor Helps You Spend Less. Tripadvisor Always Has Low Prices on Hotels in Badami. Spend Less Here.
14 Places to visit in Badami
Read More. 7. Banashankari Temple. 3.6 /5. 4 km. from city center 7 out of 14. Places To Visit in Badami. Banashankari temple, also known as Banashankari Amma temple, is located at Cholachagudd near Badami, Karnataka. It is one amongst the most famous Hindi shrines in the state.
Places to Visit in Badami
The temple is few mins walk from the main entrance . The views are staggering .. lots of photo ops . We went on a weekday and it was empty. It's fFREE too. Take your time and photograph this amazing place .. Must see attraction when you visit badami . If you are in a hotel , get a package with any auto driver for 4 places -600-800 rs .
14 Incredible Places To Visit In Badami To Visit In 2023
This is one of the beautiful sightseeing places in Badami to add to your checklist. Location: It's in Badami town, Bagalkot, Karnataka. Tip: Photography allowed. Time: It's open from 6.00 am to 7.00 pm. Entry fees: NA. Ideal duration: 2 to 3 hours. Best Time: NA. 3. Mallikarjuna Group Of Temples.
15 Best Places to Visit in Badami, Things to Do & Sightseeing
Cave 3. Heritage. #5 of 15 Places to Visit in Badami. At a distance of 1 KM from Badami Bus Station, Cave 3 is situated few more steps above Cave 2. This is the biggest and most attractive part of all four cave temples. Dating back to 578 AD, the cave has paintings and sculptures of both Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu.
Things to Do in Badami, India
Basically badami is famous for its cave .but along with that badami fort also good tourist spot but people ignore it .i will tell you it is a short trek of 1.5 hour and very pleasant in morning time.fort consist of temples and few of them are accessible . Whole badami city can be visible from top of the fort.
Places to Visit in Badami
For temple lovers, it's one of the famous tourist places in Badami, where you can get mesmerized with the shrines, a large dome, topped off by a crowing stupa. Location: Badami, Bagalkot District, Karnataka Timings: It's open from 10.00 am to 5.00 pm (Friday closed) Distance from Bus Stand: Its 700 m away from the Badami Bus Stand
13 BEST Places to visit in Badami || Badami Tourist Places
14 BEST Places to visit in Badami in 2024 1. Badami Cave Temple 2. Sri Bhootanaatha Gudi 3. Shakambhari Shakti Peeth 4. ... Best Time To Visit Badami Cave Temples: October to March. Badami Cave Temples Temperature: 17-35°C. Badami Cave Temples Entry Fees: INR 25 for Indians and INR 300 for foreigners.
Badami Tourism: All You Need to Know Before You Go (2024)
Badami Heritage Resort. 341. Krishna Heritage. 182. Hotel Badami Court. 276. Hotel Mayura Chalukya KSTDC. 283. Badami Tourism: Tripadvisor has 3,207 reviews of Badami Hotels, Attractions, and Restaurants making it your best Badami Tourism resource.
Places to Visit in Badami
Places to Visit in Badami. Nestled in the northern part of Karnataka, India, Badami is a small town renowned for its ancient rock-cut cave temples and structural temples. With its stunning red sandstone cliffs and rich cultural heritage, Badami is a must-visit destination for those interested in history and architecture. ...
Badami Complete Travel Guide
Badami is the main town here that you will reach first. The Badami Caves and other monuments are located within the town. From here people visit Pattadakal (21 KMs) and Aihole (35 KMs), both significant sites on their own. As you can see, there are two routes to cover these. The direct route will help you cover only these two attractions.
7 Best Places to Visit in Badami
7 Top Tourist Destinations in Badami. ... Upon exploration of these magnificent attractions, travelers realize why it was the correct decision to plan a Badami trip. In other words, Badami Cave Temples represent the awe-inspiring Badami Chalukya architecture, which leaves travelers in some sort of trance with its beauty and magnificence. ...
Badami Tourism (2024)
Badami is the centre of ancient Chalukyan glory with its temples dating back to the 6th Century. Cave 3 in Badami is dedicated to Lord Vishnu which is the largest cave temple in India. The lake beneath the cave temples is named after the Bhutanath temples in Badami. All the structures here are made from sandstone that provide a lovely contrast ...
Badami: The Ultimate Guide to the Chalukyan Capital
The landscape of Badami is stunning thanks to the almond-colored rocks. Where to stay in Badami: In the Badami-Aihole-Pattadakal tourism circuit, Badami is the only place to have decent places for overnight stays. We stayed at the KSTDC run Mayura Chalukya. The room was good enough and the food was satisfactory.
Best Tourist Places to Visit in Badami
Badami Fort. Standing on top of the hill on the northern banks of Agastya Lake, Badami Fort is said to have been built by Chalukya ruler, Pulakesin I in 543 AD. Among the popular tourist places in Badami, this fort can be reached by taking a flight of stairs that have been created by carving out a huge hillock of red sandstone.
Badami
Approximately 6 hours should be sufficient to cover Badami's tourist places. If you add not-so-popular spots (out of town) you need a whole day. Visit the caves early morning or evening to get great pictures. To see Pattadka you need 2 hours maximum, whereas Aihole will demand 4-5 hours as temples are scattered across the village. See [edit]
Places to Visit in Badami: Tourist Places in Badami, Badami Tourism
Tourist Places In And Around Badami . Beside the cave temple, there are three Shiva temples on the north hill, of which the Malegitti Shivalaya is perhaps the most famous. Other famous temples are the Bhutanatha Temple, the Mallikarjuna Temple and the Dattatreya Temple. Badami also has a fort that houses many temples and adventure tourists can ...
(2023) 8 Top Tourist Places & Offbeat Places In Badami
Explore "8" Top Places to Visit In Badami, KarnatakaHere's The List of Most Popular Tourist Places to Visit in Badami. Come and Explore These Beautiful Tourist Attractions, Famous Tourist Spots, Best Places to Visit, & Offbeat Travel Destinations in Badami.
A guide to a trip to Badami Pattadakal and Aihole
Pattadakal Group of Monuments . The triplet of Badami, Pattadakal and Aihole lie at the center of the heritage tour of Karnataka. Located in the Bagalkot district of Karnataka and lying in the valley of the Malaprabha river, this trio of towns hold great historical and cultural significance for the entire India. As, one, this is one of the first places in India where the human civilisation ...
Travel guide to Badami, Aihole, Pattadakal and Mahakuta
Badami. There is plenty to see in Badami. One day is needed to visit all the important places. The monuments are spread in three regions across the city but nearby. The rock cave temples are on one side of the hill. Once you come to the opposite side, there is a museum and Badami fort.
Badami
Badami, formerly known as Vātāpi (Sanskrit: from āpi, 'friend, ally'; 'having the wind (vāta) as an ally'; Kannada script: ವಾತಾಪಿ), is a town and headquarters of a taluk by the same name, in the Bagalkot district of Karnataka, India.It was the regal capital of the Badami Chalukyas from 540 to 757. It is famous for its rock cut monuments such as the Badami cave temples ...
CAVE TEMPLES, PLACES TO VISIT & TRAVEL GUIDE TO BADAMI
Cave 3. Heritage. #5 of 15 Places to Visit in Badami. At a distance of 1 KM from Badami Bus Station, Cave 3 is situated few more steps above Cave 2. This is the biggest and most attractive part of all four cave temples. Dating back to 578 AD, the cave has paintings and sculptures of both Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu.
Hampi
The Northern Karnataka Circuit comprising Hampi, Aihole, Pattadakal, and Badami can be best covered by road. Keeping the base station as Hampi, the other places of interest are within the 150 km range. By Air. Hampi or Badami can be best reached by air either from Bangalore or Mangalore.

14 Best Places To Visit In Badami

1. Badami Cave Temples

2. Bhutanatha Group Of Temples

3. Mallikarjuna Group Of Temples

4. Badami Fort

5. Archaeological Museum

6. Agastya Lake

7. Mahakuteshwara Temple

9. Banashankari Temple

10. Pattadakal

11. Malegitti Shivalaya Fort And Temple

12. Beautiful Akka-Tangi Falls

13. Ancient Lower Shivalaya Sanctuary

14. Mysterious Ravana Pahad

Frequently Asked Questions About Places To Visit In Badami

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Places to Visit in Badami

Here are the best places to visit in Badami:

Agastya Lake

Badami Fort

Bhutanatha Temples

Archaeological Museum Badami

Akka Tangi Falls

Malegitti Shivalaya Fort And Temple

Mallikarjuna Temple

Lower Shivalaya

Upper Shivalaya

Mahakuteshwara Temple

Ravana Pahad

Banashankari Amma Temple

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2. Sri Bhootanaatha Gudi / Bhootnath Temple

5. Badami Fort

How to Reach Badami Cave Temples

How to Reach Bhootnath Temple

How to Reach Shree Kshetra Banashankari

4. Agastya Lake

How to Reach Agastya Lake

How to Reach Badami Fort

How to Reach Archaeological Museum Badami

How to Reach Pattadakal

How to Reach Mahakuta Temple

How to Reach Akka-Tangi Falls

How to Reach Aihole

How to Reach Shivana Gudi Badami

How to Reach Sidila Padi

How to Reach Mallikarjuna Temple

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