Badami - Introduction to city Badami - In Karnatka

• Area: 3.32 sq. km
• Population: 19,982 (1991)
• Altitude: 177 m above sea level
• Languages: Kannada and English
• Best Time to Visit: October to February
• STD Code: 08357

Introduction to the City

Capital of the ancient South Indian Kingdom of the Chalukyas, Badami is situated in North Karnataka near a beautiful red sandstone ridge. Formerly known as Vatapi, the city was founded in AD 543 by Pulkeshin I, the great lion king. It remained their capital till AD 757 and it was in this period that Badami, along with Aihole and Pattadakal, became a centre of rock-cut temples. The architectural splendours of Badami later influenced many new architectural and sculpting traditions.

The Chalukyan Empire was overthrown by the Rashtrakutas in the 8th century and in the next few hundred years the region saw anarchy, chaos, and destruction. The place lost its importance and with it any new addition.

Badami has a pleasant climate with cool and dry winter from November through February. Most of the rainfall occurs during June and July, the months of south-western monsoon.

Sightseeing: Places to Visit in Badami

Badami, more than anything else, is known for its rock-cut cave temples. Numbering five, these temples are over thirteen hundred years old. They have been carved out of the red sandstone hills surrounding Badami. Two temples are dedicated to Vishnu, while one is dedicated to Shiva, and the other two are related to Jainism and Buddhism. Apart from rock-cut temples, the town also has some other temples and a beautiful tank. Some of the key attractions are:

• Bhootnath Temple - Lord Shiva is worshipped as the God of Souls.
• Agastyatirtha Tank - A beautiful water body considered holy by pilgrims.
• Archaeological Museum - Features a good collection of objects from Badami as well as Aihole and Pattadakal.
• Jambulinga Temple - One of the oldest temples dedicated to the Trinity of Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh (Shiva).
• Badami Fort - Offers a great view of the entire Badami ruins.

Excursions: Places Nearby Badami

Being a region steeped in history, the vicinity of Badami offers a plethora of attractions to tourists. Some notable excursion points include:

• Pattadakal - The second capital of the Chalukyans and a place that hosted important state functions of the time.
• Aihole - Situated some 46 km off Badami, another architectural centre of the Chalukyas with numerous Hindu temples from the 6th and 7th centuries.
• Mahakuta Temple - Located around 14 km from Badami, a well-known place of worship.
• Naganath Temple - Situated about 10 km east of Badami, on the way to Mahakuta.
• Banashankari Temple - Dedicated to Banashankari, a form of Goddess Parvati, located around 50 km off Badami.