Badami, formerly known as Vatapi, was the regal capital of the Badami Chalukyas rulers from 540 to 757 AD Presently it is located in the Bagalkot district of Karnataka. Badami now is a small town situated at mouth of a ravine between two rugged and steep red sandstone hills. It is famous for rock cut and other structural temples.
A day or two is sufficient to explore the treasure troves of Badami. However, curious onlookers may spare another day or two in historical treasure hunt in places around Badami.

Nearest major railhead is Hubli, which is about 100 km away. Hubli is well connected to all major cities. There is a small station near Badami which is about 5 km from the heart of the city. Auto rickshaw and taxis are available to facilitate the journey from Hubli to Badami.
KSRTC buses run between Badami and Hubli. Buses from Bujapur to Badami are also available. Daily tourist buses head for Badami from Bangalore.

October to February.

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There are four ornately carved cave temples. These caves are the world’s first monolithic shrines. One has to walk up about 200 steps to get to them. Three caves are built in Hindu-style and the fourth one is a Jain cave.

The first cave is dedicated to Lord Siva. The intricately designed cave has an excellent sculpture of Nataraja or dancing Siva. The second and the third caves are dedicated to Lord Vishnu. They also have idols of Shiva, Parvati, Bramha and Ganesha. The third cave is the biggest of all. The Jain cave ensconces the statue of Jain Tirthankars.

Between the second and the third caves is a Buddhist temple located in a natural cave. It ensconces the sculpture of Padmapani, an incarnation of Buddha. The cave overlooks the Agasthya Lake.

There is an Archaeological Museum on the north side of Agasthya Lake. It houses the regions best pieces of sculptures from Badami, Aihole, Pattadakal and other sites. Open daily except Friday from 8a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Entry fee is Rs. 2/- per head. Camera is not allowed inside the museum.

Up in the hills behind the Archaeological Museum lies a Chalukyan temple, Upper Shivalaya. It is situated on the tip of a natural gorge. Built by Pulakeshin II who was a devout follower of Lord Vishnu, it is capped by a Dravidian pyramidal tower. Heads of lions and elephants adorn the corner pieces of the temple steps. The outer wall of the temple is decorated with carvings depicting mythological stories. A little further up is the Lower Shivalaya. It is dedicated to Lord Ganesha.

The Bhutanath Temples celebrates Shiva as the master of five elements or pancha bhuta. The Bhutanath group of temples is situated near the ancient Agasthyatirtha Tank, which itself reflects a distinct Chalukyan-style architecture.

The Malegitti Sivalaya Temple is perched atop a jagged sandstone hill. The shrine is dedicated to Shiva of Flower Sellers.

Jambulinga and Virupaksha temples are inside the city. The 7th century Jambulinga temple is one of the first three-celled sanctum temples in Karnataka. Virupaksha temple is just in front of Jambulinga.

The Yellamma temple, originally a Vishnu temple, is now dedicated to Yellamma, an incarnation of Parvati.

The nearby places like Aihole and Pattadakal are also worth visiting. Aihole is 46 km from Badami. It is a university town that patronized art, culture and education.

Pattadakal is 29 km from Badami. It was the second capital and the coronation town of the early Chalukyas. It is a place full of Hindu and Jain temples. Some of the Hindu temples are Kaddi Siddesvara Temple (8th century), Galaganatha shrine, Jambulinga Temple, Sangameshwara Temple, Papanatha, Virupaksha and Mallikarjuna Temples. Jain temple includes Rasthrkuta Jain Temple.

Early evening is the best time to visit the Bhutanath Temples.

Pattadakal has no accommodation or places to eat. Local food stalls are the only refuge.