Places to visit in Badami, Karnataka

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Badami Fort

Badami is a small town located in Karnataka. Badami, previously referred to as Vatapi, is a municipality and administrative center of a Taluk bearing the same name, situated in the Bagalkot district of Karnataka, India. The town was originally recognized as Vatapi and was the seat of government of the Badami Chalukyas in the 6th century AD. The name Vatapi has its origins in a legendary tale of the Ramayana. Badami is patently located at the mouth of a gorgeous narrow valley, flanked on either side by beautiful sandstone hills.

Badami was the ancient capital of the early Chalukyas kingdom. A tour to Badami will allow you to wonder at the delightfully carved monuments and caves which belonged to Chalukyas. The architectural monuments display a beautiful combination of North Indian Nagara style and the South Indian Dravidian style of architecture. Badami, more than anything else, is famous for its rock-cut cave temples. These temples, over thirteen centuries old, have been carved out of the hills of red sandstone that particularly surrounding Badami.

Badami is obviously recognized for rock sculpture and temple architecture. It was under the Chalukyas age Badami got some of the best specimen of rock-cut temples. The rock-cut Badami Cave Temples were formed mostly between the 6th and 8th centuries. The cave temples represent the secular nature of the rulers and inclines towards Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism. Landmarks in Badami consist of cave temples, gateways, forts, inscriptions and sculptures.

Badami is characterized by high humidity and warm to hot temperatures throughout the year. The best time to visit Badami is between low humid season from November and March. The Banashankari Temple Festival during January and February attracts set of pilgrims from dissimilar parts of India. The closest airport to Badami is at Belgaum, which lies 150 km away. Badami has a railway station which serves direct trains from most of the important Indian cities. KSRTC buses are also available to arrive at Badami from major cities of India.

Main Sightseeing Attractions of Badami

Badami in Karnataka offers a fascinating destination with its artificial lake, ancient temples, museum, and Hindu and Jain caves carved into the sandstone hills. Renowned for its rich history and ancient architecture, Badami boasts numerous attractions for tourists. The architectural and sculptural marvels created during the Chalukya period in Badami continue to influence later traditions significantly. Known for its rock-cut cave temples, Badami is surrounded by several historical sites of interest. Badami is also known for its high stone cliffs, which find favor among the sports enthusiasts. A few of the main sightseeing attractions of Badami are as follows;

Badami Cave Temples

Badami Caves

The Badami cave temples are a set of temples situated at Badami, a town in the Bagalkot District in the north part of Karnataka, India. The cave temples are considered as an example of Indian rock-cut architecture, in particular Badami Chalukyas Architecture. Badami town is recognized for its ancient cave temples carved out of the sandstone hills above. The Badami cave temples are composed of four caves all engraved out of the soft Badami sandstone on a hill cliff in the late 6th to 7th centuries.

Badami is well-known for its sandstone cave temples. Cave temple 1 may be the oldest in Badami which is mainly made of red sandstone. Cave temple 2 is dedicated to Vishnu with one foot master and Vishnu is also depicted as Varaha and Krishna. Cave temple 3 dates back to 578 AD and the  frontage of the cave is almost 70 feet wide, with carvings of Ganas on the base. It includes examples of Deccan art especially illustrating the culture and clothing of the 6th century. There are lofty relief carvings of Vishnu with a serpent and Vishnu is represented as Narasimha, Varaha, Harihara and Trivikrama. Cave temple 4 associates to 6th century Jainism.

The four cave temples of Badami have elaborate carvings, citing the mythological events and religious teachings of Buddhism, Hinduism and Jainism. Of the four cave temples, three are Brahmanical, while the fourth is Jain. These cave temples are just nearby to the Bhutanatha tank where Nagamma, Siva & Vishnu shrines can also be observed. Every year thousands of tourists both nationally and internationally used tom visit the cave temples.

Badami Fort

Badami Fort

Badami is well branded for its loveliness and prosperous history.  In Badami, Badami Fort is the most renowned archaeological site soaked in the history of the Chalukyas and the Pallavas. The Badami Fort, guarded by the iconic Nandi or Shiva’s bull at its entrance, is steeped in archaeological splendor and cultural significance, transporting visitors back to prehistoric eras. This gorgeous fort is spread across two hills and further separated into North Fort and South Fort.

It is floating on top of a hill lying at just about 2 km away from the Badami town. The fort houses a carved temple raised on top of the northern end of the hill. The Badami Fort is indeed an isolated area and part of the front gate of the fort has been blocked for the tourists because of few accidents and misfortunes in the past. Visitors have to walk all the way up to the fort. Adjacent to the North Fort in Badami, there are several temples and a museum. These historical edifices have finely tuned the significance of the place, Badami. The museum is the wealth house of admirable ancient sculptures from the sites of Badami.

Badami Fort is in fact a treat to visit in particular its caves and exceptionally architected steps. In the inside of fort, the visitors will get to observe spectacular piece of sculpting and architecture. Hall within that is understood to be private place of rulers living here. It is also considered that in the private treasures were kept. Main attraction that will take hold of the visitors’ eyeballs at the fort is Tipu’s treasury.

Archaeological Museum

Archaeological Museum

Archaeological Museum situated in Badami which is among the main attractions of the town. It is assumed that the museum was built by the Archaeological Survey of India in 1979. The museum was initially used for preserving inscriptions, sculptures and explored material. Though, in 1982, it was converted into the museum that exhibits a unique set of local sculptures. The archaeological museum indeed houses outstanding examples of local sculpture, including an extremely explicit Lajja-Gauri image of a fertility cult that was once thrived in the region.

In the archaeological museum Lajja-Gauri figures of fertility cult together with the primeval inscriptions that were mainly made between 6th and 16th centuries. The museum patently has four galleries that display chiefly Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu sculptures in diverse forms, Lord Ganapati and several scenes depicting Bhagavad Gita. A gorgeous statue of Nandi, the ride of Lord Shiva, is sited at the doorway of the museum.

The archaeological museum mostly consists of pre-historic stone implements and sculptures, architectural members, inscriptions, hero stones etc that are predominantly datable from 6th to 16th century. Amidst the four galleries of the museum, two are open air. The museum really has an open gallery in the veranda and an open air gallery in front. Sidlaphadi Cave is one of the galleries that call to the mind of the visitors of an ancient rock shelter. Together with stone artifacts, this gallery also displays pre-historic art and several inscriptions. The archaeological museum is a must visit sightseeing attractions of Badami.

Bhutanatha Temple

Bhutanatha Temple, Badami

Bhutanatha Temple is located at Badami in the state of Karnataka, India. The Bhutanatha group is a bunch of sandstone temples that is patently devoted to the deity Bhutanatha, in the Badami town of Karnataka. The Bhutanatha group of temples consisted of a cluster of sandstone temples and truly all the temples are dedicated to Lord Shiva. This group of temples can be found in Badami, close to the famous Badami cave temples.

The Bhutanatha group of temples together with the cave temples on the hills is the major attraction in Badami. The Bhutanatha temples vividly consist of two major temples. One of the temples is on the east and the other one on the north-east side of the Agastya-Tirtha or Agasthya Lake. The Bhutanatha temple is positioned on the eastern part of the Agastya Tirtha. It is one of the most primitive examples of structural temples in South India. It is considered that this temple was put up during the rule of the Chalukyas of Vatapi which was Badami’s previous name. Later additions were constructed by the Kalyani Chalukyas of the west.

Bhutanatha Temple was built in the style of the early Eastern Chalukyas. The style is a combine of North Indian and early South Indian temple architecture. Bhutanatha Temple is a sandstone temple which is very popular amongst followers of Lord Shiva, who is worshipped here in his Bhutanatha avatar, the God of Souls. The open Mantapa or   hall or veranda that stretches to the lake will hark back tourists of the early South Indian Dravidian or North Indian Nagara styles of architecture.

Jambulinga Temple

Jambulinga Temple

Jambulinga Temple is a northern style temple located at Pattadakal, Badami in the state of Karnataka. Pattadakal is largely considered as the second capital of the Chalukyan kings. Jambulinga Temple is a beautiful temple which is in fact dedicated to Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. Pattadakal is situated just about 29 km away from Badami. The nearest railway station is at Badami. Taxis and private buses are accessible from Badami to Jambulinga Temple at any time so travel to Jambulinga Temple may not be a tough task.

Amidst the tall buildings in the heart of Badami, the Jambulinga Temple as per the inscription was assumed to be put up in AD 699. The remarkable trait of the temple is the fine figure of the Dancing Shiva with Nandi and Parvati by his side. The temple is put up in simplest architecture comprising of only a sanctum and a Mandapam. There are three chapels inside the temple and the three chapels of the temple are devoted to Lord Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh.

Jambulinga Temple is built with the sensational landscape. The surrounding beauty of the temple is remarkable. Many of the film makers were attracted to the beauty of the temple and its surrounding s and many films were shot in the place. Jambulinga Temple really reminds the skills and imagination of the past artists. Jambulinga Temple attractively located next to the river, which may have been used in rituals. The sculptures within and exterior the wall as well as the architecture charm of the temple used to attract the attention of many of the tourists each year considerably.

Suggested Itinerary

Important Hotels of Badami

Badami Hotels are one of the best hotels in the India as well as abroad. Badami has a range of options for accommodations. There are quite a few luxury, deluxe, economy and budget hotels in Badami. All type and range of hotels as per the tourist’s budget are available at Warangal. Warangal houses lots of hotels which are star and budget hotels offering all the comforts to a tourist. Following are a few of the main hotels of Badami that the tourists can decide from;

Badami Court Hotel

Badami Court Hotel can be found out is Badami in the state of Karnataka. Badami Court Hotel is situated in Station Road. The hotel is placed just around 110 km away from Hubli Airport, and 150 km away from Belgaum Airport. The hotel is placed well among many of the sightseeing attractions of Badami which makes the hotel more lovable among the tourists.  The hotel also provides sightseeing packages to the tourists for their handiness.

Badami Court Hotel has 27 spacious rooms with modern facilities. The rooms of the hotel are divided into 2 are Suites, 1 is a Family room, and 24 of them are Double rooms. The additional facilities provided by Badami Court Hotel are Doctor on call, Travel desk, Swimming pool, Car parking, Laundry service, Conference hall, Room service, accepts credit cards, Gymnasium and Health club. The hotel has a mini bar and a coffee maker in all the rooms.   The hotel also has an In-house restaurant.

The Heritage Resort

The Heritage Resort is located at Badami in the state of Karnataka. The resort is well connected by rail, air and road which makes journey to the hotel so simple and easy. The resort is placed well among many of the sightseeing attractions of the Badami which makes the hotel much favored among the tourists. The resort offers sightseeing packages to the guests for making them more contented and pleased.

The resort makes available comfortable accommodation. The cottages at The Heritage Resort have been attentively designed with spacious suites.   All care has been taken into care to make the tourists stay comfortable. The cottages are filled with modern facilities. The resort has a Multi cuisine restaurant that patently serves South and North Indian dishes. The restaurant will surely make the guests to feel the taste of vegetarian dishes. Doctor on call, Travel desk, Car parking, Laundry services, and Room services are some other amenities that the hotel provides to its guests.

Hotel New Satkar

Hotel New Satkar is placed at opposite Bus stand, Station Road, Badami. The hotel is well connected by rail, air and road which makes trip to the hotel so simple and easy. The hotel is placed just around 100 kms away from Hubli airport, 4 Kms away from Badami railway station and less than a Km away from Badami KSRTC bus stand. The resort offers sightseeing packages to the guests since the hotel is placed well among many of the sightseeing attractions of the Badami.

Hotel New Satkar makes available comfortable accommodation for the guests. The rooms are filled with almost all the modern amenities for the comfort of the guests. The hotel has a multi-cuisine restaurant that serves many of the delicious dishes including Continental, Chinese, South Indian and Tandoor. Business Centre, Bar, Health & Fitness Club, Laundry, Doctor on call, Safe Lockers, Gift Shop, Cable Television, Car Rental Desk  are some of the amenities that hotel provides.

Hotel Mayura Chalukya

Hotel Mayura Chalukya is positioned at Badami in the state of Karnataka. The hotel s well linked by rail, air and road which makes drive to the hotel so uncomplicated and easy. The hotel is placed well among several of the sightseeing attractions of the Badami which makes the hotel much preferential among the tourists. The resort makes available sightseeing packages to the guests for making them more satisfied and delighted.

Hotel Mayura Chalukya consists of 10 rooms. The guest rooms are luxury rooms designed with care to suit the needs and wishes of the visitors. The rooms are well styled and have all the essential modern facilities to its recognition. A few of the general features that the Mayura Chalukya features are joined bathrooms with 24 hour supply of hot and cold water, 24&7 room service, color television and telephone connection. The restaurant of the hotel specializes in both vegetarian and non-vegetarian recipes.

Hotel Rajsangam International

Hotel Rajsangam International is situated on the station road Badami in the state of Karnataka. Situated just opposite KSRTC bus stand with a magnificent sight of the red rock hills and the world renowned rock cut Shivalaya temple makes the tourists stay in Badami a contented and unforgettable holiday. The hotel is placed just around 5kms away from Railway station and about 103kms away from Hubli Airport. The hotel is located near the natural Red Rocks and bounded by lush Green gardens.

Hotel Rajsangam International makes available comfortable accommodation for the guests. The rooms are filled with almost all the modern amenities for the comfort of the guests.

Hotel Rajsangam International offers a spectrum of other facilities like TV with satellite channels, STD & ISD, Broadband Internet, Doctors on call, Tour Guidance, Efficient and Qualified Staff and Management offering hassle free exclusive service, Laundry & Shoe shine service, Safe Lockers, Travel desk, cars on Rent, sightseeing packages, Fax, Mail box and Secretarial services, Foreign Money Exchange, Credit Cards Accepted,   Car Parking, Banquet & Conference Hall.

Hotel Anand Deluxe

Hotel Anand Deluxe is suitably placed near bus stand Badami, Bagalkot in the state of Karnataka. Hotel Anand Deluxe is a handsome hotel that welcomes its guests with lots of liveliness and fervor. The hotel is well situated near to the rail, road and air which obviously make the journey of the tourists so easy to the hotel. The hotel is an ideal spot for many of the tourists owing to the fact that several of the tourist’s attractions of the city are encircled by the hotel.

Hotel Anand Deluxe makes available a warm accommodation to its guests in the well-furnished and spacious rooms with approximately all the modern facilities. The hotel has an outstanding dining option in its in house restaurant that mainly serves scrumptious and healthy cuisines to its guests. The hotel   offers 24 hours room service to its guests and also provides laundry service, taxi service, doctor on call, travel desk.

Mookambika Deluxe Hotel

Mookambika Deluxe Hotel can be found out opposite Bus stand, Station road, Badami in the state of Karnataka. The hotel is placed just around 110 Km away from Hubli Airport, at a distance of 5kms from Badami Railway Station and Less than a Km away from Badami Bus Stand. The hotel is well recognized for the relaxed atmosphere and proper hospitality is the main reason why many tourists choose this hotel for their stay.  The hotel is designed to harmonize with the natural and cultural environment.

Hotel provides good lodging to the guests in its well-appointed and airy rooms. Many of the modern facilities are offered at the rooms. Many of the tourist’s attractions of the city Badami are bordered with the hotel that obviously makes it as much loved spot among the various tourists both nationally and internationally. The hotel has an excellent restaurant that mainly serves Continental, Chinese, South Indian, Vegetarian and Non Vegetarian dishes.

Pulakeshi Hotel

Pulakeshi Hotel is located on Gandhi Nagar, Badami in the state of Karnataka. The hotel is well bounded by air, rail, and road. The hotel can be found out just around 5kms away from Railway station and about 103kms away from Hubli Airport. The hotel is located near the natural Red Rocks & Surrounded by lush Green gardens. The hotel is a 2star budget property in Badami. The hotel is so suitable for the business travelers and local tourists.

Pulakeshi Hotel is situated in a serene atmosphere that mostly offering a superb view of a few tourists’ attractions of the Badami city.  Pulakeshi Hotel makes available comfortable stay for the tourists with spacious guest rooms. All the guest rooms are comprised of modern amenities.  The additional facilities that the hotel offers are Doctors on call, dining options, travel desk with cars on Rent, Fax, TV, STD & ISD, Room service etc.

Hotel Malligi

Hotel Malligi is sited at J.N. Road, Hospet in the state of Karnataka.  The hotel is a three star property that welcomes both the business and luxurious travelers alike. Hotel Malligi is a luxurious hotel that makes available lots of remarkable amenities to its guests.  With more than 35 years of experience in the trade of hospitality, hotel Malligi have attended and served to each and every requirement of domestic and foreign tourists to make their stay enjoyable and memorable.

Staying at Hotel Malligi will be a marvelous experience and it offers a feeling of a home away from home. Hotel Malligi offers 140 rooms that are abundantly furnished and are set with all the necessary facilities such as telephones, refrigerators and television sets. This three star luxurious hotel situated in Hospet in Karnataka and offers all the facilities that make for a luxury hotel for instance restaurants, conference and banquet facilities etc.

Hotel Royal Orchid Central Kireeti

Hotel Royal Orchid Central Kireeti is situated in Hospet near Badami in the state of Karnataka. The hotel is placed just about 1 km away from the railway station and short drive from Hampi. Royal Orchid Central Kireeti is a luxury hotel and is good for the business and leisure traveler. Hospet always had mid-segment accommodations and therefore Royal Orchid Central Kireeti has emerged as the best accommodation in Hospet. The hotel makes available 135 rooms with modern amenities.

Many of the tourist’s attractions of the city Badami are bordered with the hotel that obviously makes it as much loved spot among the various tourists both nationally and internationally. The hotel has excellent dining options that make the guests to feel more comfortable and delighted. Business Centre, Bar, Health & Fitness Club, Laundry, Doctor on call, Safe Lockers, Cable Television, Car Rental Desk  are some of the amenities that hotel provides.

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