Karnataka · India
Badami
The red-sandstone cradle of Chalukyan art — rock-cut cave temples above a green lake, ancient shrines and forts, gateway to the temple towns of Pattadakal and Aihole.
Badami is early-Chalukyan India: the 6th-century cave temples, the Bhutanatha shrines on Agastya Lake, Pattadakal's UNESCO temples nearby, and rustic North Karnataka food.
Plan your trip
Badami Tour Itineraries
Timed, walkable day plans — plus the best season to go.
Where to shoot
Badami Photo Spots
Medium crowdEntry Ticketed
Badami Cave Temples
- Best timeEarly morning, soon after the gates open, for soft light on the carvings and empty caves; late afternoon for warm light on the cliff and the lake below.
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Low crowdEntry Nominal
Badami Fort
- Best timeMorning, for a cooler climb and clear views over the lake; late afternoon, when the low sun turns the red cliffs and the town below a warm orange.
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Entry Free
Banashankari Temple
- Best timeMorning, when the tank and temple are in soft light and the crowds are smaller; evening during the fair, when the stalls and lights make it lively.
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Medium crowdEntry Free
Bhutanatha Temples
- Best timeEarly morning, when the lake is still and the temples are reflected in the water; late afternoon, when the low sun lights the shrines in warm colours.
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Medium crowdEntry Ticketed
Pattadakal
- Best timeEarly morning, when soft light falls on the east-facing temple fronts and the site is quiet; late afternoon for warm light on the sandstone towers.
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For the feed
Trending Wear in Badami
Modern, Instagram-friendly looks
Rooted in the city
Badami Traditional Wear
Local, cultural, handcrafted outfits
Taste the city
Food to Eat in Badami
Trusted tables
Where to Eat in Badami
About Badami
Badami is a small town in Bagalkot district in north Karnataka, set in a gorge between two red sandstone cliffs with Agastya Lake in the middle. As Vatapi, it was the capital of the early Chalukya kings from the 6th to the 8th century, and they left their mark on almost every rock face: four cave temples cut into the southern cliff, the Bhutanatha shrines at the edge of the lake, and small Shivalaya temples and fort walls on the northern hill.
The town is compact, so the caves, the lake and the fort can all be seen on foot in a day. Start early at the caves, spend the late afternoon by the Bhutanatha temples, and give a second day to Pattadakal and Aihole, the other two Chalukya temple sites nearby. The Banashankari Temple, a short drive out of town, is worth a stop too. For food, this is jolada rotti country: jowar flatbread with spicy stuffed brinjal and a full North Karnataka thali.
Questions
Badami — FAQ
What is Badami famous for?
Badami is famous for its 6th-century rock-cut cave temples, the Bhutanatha temples on Agastya Lake and its red sandstone cliffs. It was the capital of the early Chalukya dynasty and is the base for visiting Pattadakal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and Aihole.
How many days are enough for Badami?
2 days works well for most visitors: one day for the cave temples, Agastya Lake, the Bhutanatha temples and the fort, and one day for Pattadakal and Aihole. Add a morning if you also want to visit the Banashankari Temple.
What is the best time to visit Badami?
October to March is the most comfortable time, with dry, sunny days and cool mornings. April and May are very hot, and the monsoon months bring some rain and greener countryside. See the best time to visit Badami for a month-by-month guide.
How do I reach Badami?
Badami has its own railway station, a few kilometres outside the town, on the line between Hubballi and Solapur. The nearest airport is at Hubballi, about 100–110 km away, and Belagavi airport is about 130 km away. Buses and taxis connect Badami with Hubballi, Bagalkot and other towns in north Karnataka.
Can I visit Badami, Pattadakal and Aihole in one trip?
Yes, and most visitors do. Pattadakal is about 22 km from Badami and Aihole is a little further on, so you can see both in one day by taxi and return to Badami in the evening. Start early to avoid the midday heat.