Nestled amongst the lush green environment of Karnataka, 23 km from Pattadakal lies the fantastic Badami, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Badami, formerly the royal capital of the Chalukyas, boasts several remarkable instances of Dravidian architecture that blend elements from both South and North Indian styles. Within the Badami Caves, one can find three Hindu Temples and one Jain Temple, showcasing the religious diversity of the region.
The Badami Cave Temples comprise a collection of four distinct temples, adorned with exquisite carvings and depictions. The first three temples exhibit intricate sculptures portraying various avatars of Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu, reflecting the distinct characteristics of the Brahmanical style. The fourth temple is devoted to the revered Jain Tirthankaras. These magnificent temples, crafted from captivating red sandstone, are being considered for inclusion in the prestigious UNESCO World Heritage Sites list.
The Badami Fort, originally constructed by Chalukyan King Pulakeshi in 543 AD, stands proudly atop a cliff. It is accompanied by two Shivalaya complexes dating back to the 5th century. Additionally, two watchtowers, one from the 16th century and another from the 14th century, grace the summit of this hill. Having served as the Chalukyan capital from 540 AD to 757 AD, the Badami Fort suffered destruction at the hands of the Pallavas in 642 AD. However, it was later reconstructed by Tipu Sultan during his reign.
Nestled in Bagalkot, Karnataka, Aihole is a captivating historical site adorned with over 125 splendid Chalukyan temples and monuments. This remarkable place has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site and is enveloped by breathtaking sandstone hills and quaint villages along the banks of the Malaprabha River. Once serving as the capital of the illustrious Chalukya Dynasty, Aihole boasts a collection of more than 100 Hindu and Jain temples, dating back to the 6th to 12th century. Today, Aihole stands as a prominent hub for temple architecture and showcases intricate stonework of extraordinary craftsmanship.
Situated merely one kilometer away from the Badami Bus Station, Agastya Lake holds a significant presence. Revered for its purported healing properties, this enchanting lake offers a panoramic view of the illustrious cave temples of Badami. Standing gracefully on the eastern bank of the lake is the Bhoothnath Temple, crafted from captivating red sandstone. Although there are no boating activities available, locals can often be seen washing their clothes and taking refreshing baths in the lake.
Situated at the base of the northern hill, this museum helps in preserving a wide array of discovered artifacts, sculptures, inscriptions, and architectural fragments found in and around Badami. The museum predominantly houses ancient stones, tools, and sculptures, showcasing a diverse collection of architectural elements, inscriptions, hero stones, and carvings dating from the 6th to the 16th century. With four galleries housed within the building, alongside an open gallery on the veranda and an open-air gallery in the front, visitors can explore a wealth of captivating exhibits. The displays predominantly feature sculptures depicting various forms of Lord Shiva, alongside revered deities such as Lord Ganesha.
Karnataka
Pattadakal
Belgaum airport
The key ingredients of the food here are Rice, Ragi, Jowar, Urad Dal, Jaggery, and Coconut. Local cuisine like chiroti and halwa is a must-try option for visitors.
Kannada is widely spoken in Badami but tourists can communicate with locals in English and Hindi.
Badami can be visited throughout the year but to avoid hot weather conditions tourists can visit ideally from October to April.
