Badami: Visit The Beautiful Rock-cut Monuments Of Karnataka!

Are you seeking a perfect destination to spend your coming vacation? Then, Badami in Karnataka can be a choice for you. Having been the capital of the Badami Chalukyas during the period of 540 AD to 757 AD, Badami was very much prevalent as ‘Vatapi’- a mythical name. The year 500 AD observed the foundation of the Chalukya Empire and the introduction of a fort in Vatapi by the Chalukya King Pulakeshi. That was how Badami became the valuable capital of the Chalukya Empire.

The magnificent remnants and archeological monuments take travelers back to the bygone period of the Badami Chalukyas. Whether or not you are a history buff, Badami makes a great place for you to spend a couple of days with your close and dear ones. Thus, not only do visitors get life-long experiences but also get an understanding of the cultures, traditions, and heritages of this delightful town.

The mainstream structures in Badami demonstrate marvelous Dravidian architectural styles, which seized the attention of beholders. An exciting fact is that the town in Karnataka observed diverse rules from different empires, such as the Adil Shahi Dynasty, Vijaynagar Empire, Marathas, Mughals, Mysore Kingdom, and the British.

Agastya Lake

Agastya Lake has situated just a km from the Badami Bus Station. Said to hold healing powers, this lake faces all the beautiful cave temples of Badami and is enclosed by the red sandstone Bhoothnath Temple which deceits on the eastern bank. There is no activity concerning boating as such at the lake. The local individuals wash their clothes and take a bath in the water of Agastya Lake. The insight of the hills from the banks looks attractive.

One of the outstanding places to visit in Badami, this lake is considered to wash away your sins when you dip in this blessed water. There are attractive Bhootanatha Temples on the eastern side while the southwest part accentuates the cave temples. It may not be a perfect place for swimming but you can seize the scenic view of stunning hills and different historical monuments behind the lens of your camera.

Badami Cave Temples

The Badami Cave Temples, the assortment of caves are situated in Badami, in the state of Karnataka, India. These beautiful caves are a reminder of India’s amusing history and assorting arts with spirituality and religion. The surrounding has a number of beautiful and astonishing caves of a town which has got a tourist lure to the place to spend quality time here with loved ones. The first 4 caves are located on steep slopes, some are there across the lake, and some are presently explored caves. 

Sparkling in the red sandstone, this cave incorporates a hall along with different columns and a temple. In addition, the ceilings and pillars are ornamented with paintings of enthusiastic couples. In this temple, Lord Vishnu is imagined as ‘Trivikarma’, wherein he puts one foot on the ground which demonstrates his control over the universe. However, the other foot is declaring governance over the sky.

Bhutanatha Temples

The group of Bhutanatha temples comprises two major temples, one on the east and the other on the northeast side of the Agasthya Lake and Agasthya Tirtha. On the easter side, the Bhutanatha Temple is located in the Agasthya Tirtha. In South India, it is one of the earlier examples of structural temples. This beauty was constructed throughout the region of the Chalukyas of Vatapi, as Badami was better known then. Later additions were constructed by the Kalyani Chalukyas of the west. Additionally, the mere place is prevalent for its astonishing views and rock climbing adventures. 

An exciting fact is that the Badami Chalukya architecture is an incorporation of South Indian styles and North Indian styles of architecture. The captivating stone-carved structures would leave you in admiration. Goddess Ganga stands on one side of the doorway of the beautiful temple whereas the other side is enthusiastic about the river Yamuna.

Badami Fort

The Chalukya King Pulakeshi initiated the marvelous Badami Fort in 543 AD. Although only remnants are there today to practice the brilliance of the bygone era, you should not miss discovering this place at all. The serene environment of the vicinity would soothe your body, mind, and soul. The location is another benefit for travelers, which allows them to observe picture-perfect natural sceneries.

The gate and walls are bearing the recollections of the once magnificent Badami Chalukya architecture. The location is another benefit for travelers, which allows them to observe picture-perfect natural sceneries. The gate and walls are bearing the recollections of the once magnificent Badami Chalukya architecture.

Akka Tangi Falls

In the language of Karnataka, Tangi can mean kid sister and Akka means elder sister. There is actually a pair of two beautiful falls nearby, therefore the name Akka-Tangi. The Badami sight tour is not finished without the visit to the astonishing and memorable Akka-Tangi falls. Snuggled amidst incredible natural and lush greenery, it is the first fall of the Sharavathi river. 

Aihole

Aihole is an astonishing village in Karnataka, also referred to by dissimilar names like Ahivolal, Aivalli, and Aryapura. It’s a religious location consisting of the ancient and medieval duration of Buddhist, Hindu, and Jain monasteries.

The temples are enthusiastic to Lord Vishnu, Shiva, and Brahma unconnectedly, and it carries the prevalent sculptures on their walls and pillars. Stimulatingly, the temples’ exterior looks modest and does not comprise any of the sculptures or statues. Apart from beautiful temples and monuments, Aihole also carries space to the Museum and Art Gallery.

Malegitti Shivalaya Fort and Temple

Malegitti Temple is enthusiastic to Lord Shiva the Temple is constructed above the Badami fort and overlooks the attractive Agastya Lake. This beautiful temple is the oldest in Badami and was constructed during the 6th century AD. The insights from the temple are marvelous and must be visited.

Archaeological Museum Badami

In Badami, the Archaeological Museum of India is one of the foremost attractions around the town. The amazing museum captivates you with its natural attractiveness as much as its sculptures, cave temples, and beautiful rock-cut shrines. It comprises 4 galleries. Snuggled in the astonishing veranda, the grand gallery demonstrates an amazing pair of Dwarapalaka pictures and inscriptions. An explorer can also visit other close attractions like Agastya Tirtha Tank, the astonishing Badami Cave Temple, and Bhutanatha Temples. 

Established during the year 1979, the museum contains different inscriptions and historic materials. Subsequently, it was transformed into a full-fledged museum in 1982. Prehistoric stone implements & sculptures, architectural marvels, notes, and hero stones are well-maintained in this museum. Further, displays of Shiva in different forms are obtainable here.

Mallikarjuna Temple

The Mallikarjuna Group of Temples is situated right near the Bhutanatha Group of Temples. The temples represent several styles of architecture which is the cause for the pyramidal shape of the buildings. The temples were constructed during the 11th century by the Badami Chalukyas.

Fashioned in Phamsana style, these temples were built during the era of Kalyani Chalukyas and Rashtrakutas. The plane rock surfaces can be seen on the outer walls of the sanctum. The internal part of the tower is constructed in the typical Rashtrakuta style of architecture. The plain inner walls and pillars along with angled eaves around the roof will unquestionably stun you. 

The pyramid-shaped superstructures top up this memorial and are made up of closely located horizontal tiers. One can celebrate the charming insight of blue-green Agastya Lake outside the temple attended by attractive pictures of the enormous rocky hills of Badami.

Lower Shivalaya

Constructed during the 7th century by the ancient Chalukyan dynasty, the Lower Shivalaya temple is part of a sequence of temples located across the northern hill of Badami. This complicatedly carved rock-cut structure is perhaps the earliest and finest-surviving example of the brilliance of the Dravida style in early Chalukya architecture.

While the results of time and war have taken away some of its innovative construction, the remnants have been magnificently preserved, with the present building enduring to attract tourists from far and near to marvel at its brilliance.

Upper Shivalaya

Located on top of the northern hill of Badami, the Upper Shivalaya is a great example of the rock-cut architectural style of the ancient Chalukyan empire. Constructed during the 7th century, this inspiring structure gives one a wonderful panoramic view of the town of Badami and the attractive Agastya lake.

A large granary, double fortification walls, different architectural marvels, and an underground chamber are also present around the area of the grand boulder. From here, the Lower Shivalaya and Malegitti Shivalaya can be witnessed.

Ravana Pahad

If you’re seeking ancient destinations to visit in Badami, where caves are intensely drawn and sculptured, you must visit the astonishing Ravana Phadi Temple. It is constructed during the 6th century and is enthusiastic to Lord Shiva. One can find a broken column located right next to the cave entrance, which opens to the southwest.

Mahakuteshwara Temple

Surrounded by hills, the holy Mahakuteshwara Temple is keen to the Shaiva Culture. Built to honor Lord Shiva, this place is displaying the elaborate art of Dravidian style. Have a glimpse of the sculptures and carvings of this location wherein outstanding artistic intelligence is presented. Being one of the unsettled tourist places in Badami, Mahakuteshwara Temple is an excellent piece of art with exceptional carvings.

Pattadakal

A gem trove of Jain temples and Hindu temples, Pattadakal is a portion of the Aihole-Badami-Pattadakal multipart that got the UNESCO World Heritage name and it is the prodigious representation of Chalukyan Architecture. Inactive on the banks of River Malaprabha, its assertions of a rich legacy that dates back to the 4th century. Excavations have exposed that the region was originally named Raktapura and was under the control of the Badami Chalukyas.

Best Time to Reach Badami

Across South India, the monsoon comes first and therefore you can experience weighty rainfall throughout the months of July and Aug. Temperature remains good and varies from 25°C-37°C. The best months to visit this region are from July-September.

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How to Reach Badami? 

Badami can only be retrieved by road and rail and is linked to all foremost cities. The nearest airport is at Belgaum (150km). Badami has a minor station of its own where trains from cities such as Bangalore and Bijapur halt frequently. This town can also be retrieved by bus, with the bus stand being situated across the center of the town.

How to reach Badami by Air: Closest airport to Badami is in Belgaum which is situated at a distance of 190 km from here. From the Airport, you can rent a prepaid taxi or you can take a bus to arrive at Badami which is directly linked via the road to Belgaum. Different domestic flights from the foremost cities of India land in Belgaum therefore it’s easy to arrive at this place.

How to reach Badami by Rail: Closest railway station to Badami is in Hubli which is located 100 km away from this city. Hubli runs a state bus to Badami sprightly and you can also rent a prepaid taxi to arrive in this city from Hubli directly.

How to reach Badami by Road: Badami is situated between Belgaum and Bangalore which are directly linked via national highway hence you can arrive at this city conveniently by bus or by personal vehicle. Different tours and travel agencies in different cities give travel packages to Badami. 

Conclusion 

The once flourishing and majestic capital of the Chalukya Kingdom, Badami is now a great tourist lure in Karnataka. The different archeological findings and monuments that date back to the era of the Majestic kingdom are must-visit places.

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