Famous for its rock-cut cave temples dedicated to Hinduism and Jainism, Badami was the capital of the Chalukya dynasty. From the centre, all the main sites are reachable by foot. However, plenty of rickshaws would be happy to transport you. The best way to explore this small town is by walking, though. The best way to get around is by hiring an auto-rickshaw for a day trip, including caves, museums, bhootnath temples, a fort, Pattadkal, and Aihole. Auto-rickshaws are waiting at the railway station and next to the bus station. There are plenty of ancient temples, forts, and historical places to visit in Badami.
About Badami
Image Credit: Sanyam Bahga for Wikipedia
Badami is a town in northern Karnataka state, southwestern India. It is situated in an upland region just west of the Malprabha River. One to two days are required to explore the tourist places of the region. Apart from this, you can also visit nearby fabulous destinations like Hampi, Aihole, and Pattadakal. The geographical location makes it a semi-arid region; therefore, Winter and Spring, i.e., October to April, are the best times to visit Badami.
The temperature during this time of the year usually remains moderate, allowing tourists to explore the site fully. Take home some handmade artefacts and rugs from Badami. Shop for sandalwood and rosewood sculptures as well as traditional jewellery. The food here is a little tangy and sour and usually cooked in coconut oil. One can also relish numerous meat, fish, and seafood delicacies here. Halwa, Chiroti and Mysore Pak are the local favourites among sweets.
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Places To Visit In Badami
Here is the list of top places to visit near Badami to make the trip memorable.
1. Badami Cave Temples
The Badami cave temples are a complex of Buddhist, Hindu and Jain cave temples located in Badami, a town in the Bagalkot district in the northern part of Karnataka, India. The first cave temple is dedicated to Nataraja (Lord Shiva). Lifesize 18-handed Nataraja image striking 81 dance poses welcomes the visitors here. The Badami cave temples represent some of the earliest examples of Hindu temples in the Deccan region. Along with the temples in Aihole, they transformed the Malaprabha River valley into a cradle of temple architecture that influenced the components of later Hindu temples elsewhere in India.
Location: Badami, Karnataka, India
Distance: Located within Badami town, near the Agastya Lake.
2. The Bhuthanatha Temple
Image Credit: Nicolas Vollmer for Wikimedia Commons
The Bhutanatha group of temples are 7th—to 12th-century Hindu temples to the east of Agastya Lake in Badami, Karnataka state, India. The Bhuthanatha Temple is a group of temples on the eastern bank of Agastya Lake dedicated to Bhutanatha, the God of souls form of Shiva. Built-in sandstone, the temple has an open mandapa (hall) that reflects the South Indian Dravidian and North Indian Nagara styles of architecture. The inner shrine is believed to have been built by the Chalukyas in the 7th century.
Location: On the eastern edge of Agastya Lake, Badami, Karnataka, India
Distance: Within Badami town, adjacent to Agastya Lake.
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3. Banashankari Devi Temple
Image Credit: Nvvchar for Wikipedia
Banashankari Devi Temple is a Hindu shrine at Cholachagudda near Badami, in Bagalkot district, Karnataka, India. The main deity is Banashankari Amman (a form of Durga). So, Tuesday and Friday are special days for worship here. On those days, annadhanam is carried on. Offering lemon vilakku is a unique way of prayer here. The idol of the mother goddess Banashankari is found in the main sanctum of the temple. The idol is made up of a black stone sculpture depicting the goddess seated on a lioness, crushing a demon (evil spirit) under her foot.
Location: Banashankari, about 5 km from Badami town, Bagalkot district, Karnataka, India
Distance: Approximately 5 km from Badami.
4. Agastya Lake
Image Credit: Vijayanarasimha for Pixabay
Located on the city’s outskirts, the enormous Agastya Lake lies below the cave temples. It is said to have been formed in the 5th century, and many believe its water has curative properties. The village residents usually crowd the lake to wash clothes and bathe. The water quality is okay, but there are better places to swim. The lake’s surroundings provide great views of the hills surrounded by historical monuments. The Bhoothanatha temple, which emerges into the lake, is a beautiful sight with a backdrop of large hillocks.
Location: Badami, Karnataka, India
Distance: Located within Badami town, adjacent to the Badami Cave Temples and Bhuthanatha Temple.
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5. Mahakuteswara Temple
The Mahakuta group of temples is located in Mahakuta, a village in the Bagalkot district of Karnataka state, India. It is an important place of worship for Hindus and the location of a well-known Shaiva monastery. A Deepa shamba is inside the temple after the entrance. This temple complex consists of more than 12 temples: Shiva Temples, Maha Vishnu Temples, and a Temple Tank called Vishnu Pushkarni or Papavinasha Thirth. Mahakuteswara temple is the only renovated and largest Temple in the group. A Pancha mukha Shiva Linga is installed inside the tank with a mandapa.
Location: Mahakuta, about 14 km from Badami town, Bagalkot district, Karnataka, India
Distance: Approximately 14 km from Badami.
6. Akka-Tangi Falls
If you feel like something needs to be added to the list of attractive places to visit in Badami, add this great Akka-Tangi Falls, which will quench your thirst for adventure. Surrounded by a splendid environment, this most incredible place gushes out water from the height and falls on your head like a snowball. Akka Tangi Falls, also known as Acche Kanne Falls, is near Aralasurali village in Karnataka. This is the first fall of the Sharavathi River, which is not more than 5 km from its birthplace.
Location: Near Badami, Karnataka, India (exact distance varies based on the falls within the region)
Distance: Generally within a short drive from Badami, the exact distance varies.
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7. Chalukya Shiva Temple
The Chalukya Shiva Temple, dedicated to Shiva, is one of the oldest Hindu temples and is located in the group of monuments at Aihole in Karnataka, India. It is dedicated to Shiva. In the 16th century, a Bijapuri general named Lad Khan attacked the temple. He threw out the Main Garbhagriha Murtis and every other deity. He made the temple his place of residence. The temple’s sloping two-tiered roof, which imitates wood construction, is furnished with stone “logs” that cover the joints between the roofing slabs. The temple on the left is Suryanarayana.
Location: Pattadakal, about 12 km from Badami town, Bagalkot district, Karnataka, India
Distance: Approximately 12 km from Badami.
8. Badami Fort
Image Credit: Vijayanarasimha for Pixabay
This place is nothing but a renowned archaeological site in Badami. Nestled atop a cliff, the Badami Fort is opposite the Badami caves. It offers a magnificent view of the town and its structures. Additionally, the fort is circled by large granaries, a huge underground chamber, temples, strategically located watchtowers and various other attractions. The fort provides magnificent views of all the monuments of the region, including Caves, Lake, Bhoothanatha temples and other monuments. The entire town can be seen from Fort Hill. Though the initial structures were constructed during the Chalukya period, most of the existing fort on the eastern side was built in the 18th century by Tipu Sultan, who was so impressed with the place and ordered to build a fort. The fort’s main attraction is the 16th-century Tipu’s cannon.
Location: Badami, Karnataka, India
Distance: Located within Badami town.
Further Read: Places To Visit In Badami
Now that you have a list of things to remember for your next adventure to Badami, plan your trip to Badami. Visit the nearby Bhutanatha Temple, a haven for history buffs and nature lovers, and experience the thrill of discovering ancient ruins amidst the beauty of nature. Explore Badami’s stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage of the region, and book your tour packages now to get ready to uncover the secrets of this ancient town!
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Cover Image Credit : Sarangib for Pixabay
Frequently Asked Questions About Badami
What is Badami famous for?
Badami is famous for its rock-cut cave temples, particularly the ones dedicated to Hindu and Jain deities. These temples, dating back to the 6th and 7th centuries, are notable for their architectural and historical significance.
When is the best time to visit Badami?
The best time to visit Badami is during the winter, from November to February when the weather is pleasant and ideal for exploring outdoor attractions.
Are there any festivals or events celebrated in Badami?
Badami celebrates various Hindu and Jain festivals throughout the year, which can be a great way to experience the local culture and traditions.
What languages are spoken in Badami?
The primary languages spoken in Badami are Kannada and Marathi. Kannada is the official language of the state of Karnataka, to which Badami belongs.
What are some local dishes or food specialities to try in Badami?
Some local dishes to try in Badami include Jolada Rotti (sorghum bread), Enne Badnekayi (stuffed eggplant curry), and various traditional sweets like Holige (a type of stuffed flatbread). Restaurants and eateries in Badami offer a mix of South Indian, North Indian, and local Karnataka cuisine.
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