Badami

The red sandstone cliffs of Badami and the lake between them are a picturesque sight. But more impressive are the caves in these cliffs, and their intricate sculptures, carved over 1200 years ago!

The caves were carved out of the mountains by the early Chalukyas, who reigned here between the 6th and 8th centuries. Earlier, the city was known as Vatapi, after the demon killed by the sage Agasthya. It is said that the lake here was also created by the sage then. Among the four main caves, the first, and the oldest one is dedicated to Shiva. The figure of Nataraja, the dancing Lord, greets you at the entrance, his 18 arms depicting the 81 postures of dance. The second and third caves are dedicated to Vishnu, and the image of the seated Vishnu in Cave 3 is said to be a representation of the Chalukyan King sitting in his court. Seen from the rows of pillars which line this cave, it is indeed an impressive sight. The fourth cave is a Jain cave, reiterating the fact that people from various religions managed to live in harmony till political forces dragged them apart. There is even a Buddhist cave in these hills, but it is not very easily accessible.
The temples on the banks of the lake are no less impressive, with their detailed carvings and depictions of the gods. The old fort, which is now in ruins, is less visited than the caves, but it gives an insight into the life of the Chalukyas, who were at constant war with the Pallavas of Kanchipuram in present day Tamil Nadu. That they survived numerous conflicts and continued to rise against all odds speaks volumes of their determination. At the base of the fort is the ASI Museum, which is a must-visit. The museum houses artifacts found at Badami, as well as the nearby heritage sites of Aihole and Pattadakal, some of which are extremely ancient, and rarely seen.

Additional information:
Badami is around 150 km from Hampi.
How to reach:
Buses are available from Hospet, but they aren’t frequent, so hiring a vehicle is easier.
Where to stay:
The Karnataka Tourism Hotel is a good place to stay, and affordable, though Badami has plenty of other options to choose from. Badami has plenty of other options to choose from.