The
capital of the Early Chalukyas, Badami, earlier known as Vatapi, is ideally
located at the mouth of a ravine between two rocky hills. Badami is famous
for its rock cut cave temples as well as the Chalukyan style strucutal
temples. Badami is famous for its four cave temples - all hewn out of sand
stone on the face of a hill. The largest and most ornate is the third cave
temple dedicated to Vishnu. Overlooking the cave temples is a reservoir
dotted with temples dedicated to Vishnu and Shiva. Also a must are the
Bhutanath temples that lend their name to the lake beneath the cave temples.
Sightseeing at Badami
Archaeological Museum : Nearby is the museum set up by the
archaeological survey of India. It houses excellent examples of local
sculptures, including the breathtaking Lajja-Gauri images of fertility cult,
which flourished in the era. A visit to the museum is sure to be a prized
experience.
Jain Temple : A little east of the shrine, on top of this cliff is a
Jain temple. Here one can find many Jain temples and a huge figure of
Parswanatha.
Nataraja : The first cave temple, past Shiva's doorkeepers. Here one
can see the eighteen-armed Nataraja striking 81 dance poses.
Vishnu : The largest and the most pleasing is the third cave temple
dedicated to Vishnu. Here are some exquisite carvings of the Hindu pantheon,
such as Narasimha, the half-man-half-god lion incarnation of Vishnu,
Harihara, the composite god who is half Shiva and half Vishnu and Vishnu,
Narayana sitting as well as reclining on the snake 'Shesh' or 'Anantha'
(eternity). There are also some paintings on the ceiling and wonderful
bracket figures on the piers.
Cave
Temple : Overlooking the cave temples is a reservoir crowded with
temples dedicated to Vishnu and Shiva. Also a must are the Bhutanatha
temples that lend their name to the lake just beneath the cave temples.
Lake : A dip in the tranquil waters of this lake is said to cure
leprosy as the water of the lake is said to have healing properties.
Best Season to Visit : October to February, when the weather is cool
and pleasant.
Reaching Badami
Air : There is no airport at Badami. The nearest airport is at
Belgaum, 150 km away.
Rail : Badami is on the Hubli-Sholapur rail route.
Road : Badami is connected by road to: Hubli and Bijapur.
STD/ISD Codes
If dialing from India ------ 08357 (number)
If dialing from abroad -------+91-8357 (number)
Shopping in Badami
Shopping options mostly revolve around handicrafts and rugs with prices
being competitive, which you will find in the local market here.
Badami Attractions
