- Best time
- November to February
- Nearest airport
- Hubli (about 100 km)
- Nearest major railway station
- Hubli
- Distance from Bengaluru
- About 500 km
- Built
- 6th to 8th century (cave temples)
What to see
The cave temples are cut one above the other into the southern cliff. Two are dedicated to Vishnu, one to Shiva and one to the Jain tirthankaras, which shows how these faiths flourished side by side under the Chalukyas. Look for the carved ceilings, the eighteen-armed dancing Shiva and the large Trivikrama panel in the Vishnu cave.
Across Agastya Lake, the northern hill carries the fort walls and the Upper and Lower Shivalaya temples. The Archaeological Survey museum near the lake displays sculpture from the area, and old Kannada inscriptions can be seen on the rocks.
- Cave temples 1 to 4
- Agastya Lake and Bhutanatha temples
- Badami Fort and Shivalaya temples
- Archaeological Museum
The story behind the name
The present name is linked to the almond colour of the sandstone, since 'badam' means almond. The older name comes from the Ramayana-era legend of the demon brothers Vatapi and Ilvala, who were defeated by the sage Agastya; locals say the two hills stand for the brothers. Badami's cliffs are also popular with rock climbers.
Best time to visit
November to February is the most pleasant period, with daytime temperatures roughly between 16°C and 27°C. Start early, because the caves and fort involve steps and the sun is strong by noon. April to June is hot and dry, and heavy rain in the monsoon can make travel harder.
How to reach
Hubli is the closest airport, about 100 km away, and Belgaum is another option. Badami has its own small railway station, though Hubli has better connections, and buses and taxis run from there. Bengaluru is roughly 500 km by road, so most visitors pair Badami with Hampi, Aihole and Pattadakal on a longer circuit.
Also nearby
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