Location : 132 kms from Bijapur,
Karnataka
Known For : Its Cave Temples
Best Season : October To February
Historical Significance : The
Capital City of Chalukya Dynasty
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Tourism in
Badami
The capital of the Early Chalukyas, Badami
is picturesquely situated at the mouth of a
ravine between two rocky hills, Badami is
famous for its cave temples - all hewn out
of sand stone on the precipice of a hill.
The largest and most ornamental 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.
PRIME ATTRACTIONS
Archaeological Museum:
Nearby is the museum set up by the
archaeological survey of India.
It houses superb examples of local
sculptures, including the remarkable
Lajja-Gauri images of fertility cult, which
flourished in the era. A visit to the museum
is sure to be a rewarding 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 ornamental is the
third cave temple dedicated to Vishnu. Here
are some splendid 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
dotted 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.
TRAVEL INFORMATION
HOW TO GET THERE
Air: The nearest airport is Belgaum (150 kms).
Rail: Badami is on the Hubli - Sholapur rail
route.
Road: Badami is connected by road to: Hubli
(128 kms) Bijapur (132 kms.)
Local Transport: Cycle Rickshaws, Tongas,
City Bus Service.
WHERE TO STAY
Hotel Badami Court, Station Road. Hotel
Mayura Chalukya, Ramdurg Road.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Population: 18,200
Main Languages: Kannada, Hindi, English.
STD Code: 08357
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