Badami (ಬದಾಮಿ) (formerly Vatapi) is a city in the Bagalkot district of Northern Karnataka, in Southern India. It is a historical place.
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 A.D. by Pulakesi I (535-566 AD), an early ruler of the Chalukyas. His sons Kirthivarman (567-598 AD) and his brother Mangalesha I (598-610 AD) constructed the cave temples. The greatest among them was Pulakeshi II (610-642 AD) who defeated many kings including Pallava king Mahendra Verman I and extended the kingdom.
Almost all the main attractions of Badami are around the Agasthya Tank.
- Archaeological museum. A museum regrouping sculptures of various era from the region.
- Bhutanatha temple. A temple built in 5th century.
- Cave temples. The main attractions of Badami are its caves. There are four main caves. The first one, dedicated to Shiva, was excavated by the Chalukyas in 550 AD. The second one is dedicated to Vishnu. In this cave there are statues of Vishnu avatars like Varaha, the boar or Krishna. The third cave is also dedicated to Vishnu and the last one is a cave with Jain representations. Entrance ₹100 for foreigners and 5 for Indians.
- Dattatreya temple.
- Malegitti Shivalaya. This temple is the oldest one of the town. It is built on a flat rock and offers a nice view on Badami.
- Upper Bhootnath Temple, Badami (across the Agastya lake facing the Badami Caves. 10AM-6PM. A flight of 300+ steps will get you top the hill. Ideal spot for sunset and offers a panoramic view of Badami Caves and Agastya lake. Free.
Archaeological museum. A museum regrouping sculptures of various era from the region.
Bhutanatha temple. A temple built in 5th century.
Cave temples. The main attractions of Badami are its caves. There are four main caves. The first one, dedicated to Shiva, was excavated by the Chalukyas in 550 AD. The second one is dedicated to Vishnu. In this cave there are statues of Vishnu avatars like Varaha, the boar or Krishna. The third cave is also dedicated to Vishnu and the last one is a cave with Jain representations. Entrance ₹100 for foreigners and 5 for Indians.
Dattatreya temple.
Malegitti Shivalaya. This temple is the oldest one of the town. It is built on a flat rock and offers a nice view on Badami.
Upper Bhootnath Temple, Badami (across the Agastya lake facing the Badami Caves. 10AM-6PM. A flight of 300+ steps will get you top the hill. Ideal spot for sunset and offers a panoramic view of Badami Caves and Agastya lake. Free.
- Climbing. With all the cliffs surrounding the tank, Badami is a nice spot for climbing.
Climbing. With all the cliffs surrounding the tank, Badami is a nice spot for climbing.
- Geeta Darshini, Station Road (100 m after bus stand. A nice veg restaurant.
- Banashree, Station Road (opposite bus stand. ideal for veggies Cheap.
- Heritage Resort, Station Road (300 m after bus stand. Good vegetarian options. Moderate.
Geeta Darshini, Station Road (100 m after bus stand. A nice veg restaurant.
Banashree, Station Road (opposite bus stand. ideal for veggies Cheap.
Heritage Resort, Station Road (300 m after bus stand. Good vegetarian options. Moderate.
Buttermilk made from cow's or buffalo milk. Tea is the popular drink of the local people, available at road side shacks and restaurants.
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.