Photo spot in Badami
Banashankari Temple
Badami, Karnataka
An ancient temple to the goddess Banashankari with a large stepped tank (Haridra Tirtha) and a lamp tower, ~5 km from Badami.
Best time
Morning, 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.
Best angle
Walk to the far side of the Haridra Tirtha tank and take a wide photo across the water, with the steps in front and the temple and lamp tower behind; photos near the shrine inside are usually not allowed.
Entry fee
Free
Opening hours
6:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Crowd level
Medium
Best outfit colors
Overview
Best time to visit Banashankari Temple
Morning, 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. Crowds here are typically medium. Arrive a little early to claim your angle and catch the softest light before the day tips over.
Poses & angles
Photo tips for Banashankari Temple
Walk to the far side of the Haridra Tirtha tank and take a wide photo across the water, with the steps in front and the temple and lamp tower behind; photos near the shrine inside are usually not allowed. Work a few of the pose ideas below, shoot wide for context and tight for detail, and give yourself a couple of extra minutes to get the frame right.
By the temple tank
At the lamp tower
Outfit guide
What to wear at Banashankari Temple
For photos at Banashankari Temple, red, saffron and cream work beautifully — they stand out against the setting without fighting it. Pick one hero colour and keep the rest of the look calm so you stay the subject of the frame.
Best outfit colors for photos
Trending wear for this spot
Popular modern looks travellers are wearing across Badami.
Traditional wear for this spot
Timeless, cultural looks that suit Banashankari Temple.
Eat nearby
Food near Banashankari Temple
Round out the visit with something to eat. Look for holige (obbattu) nearby, or settle in at one of the 1 restaurants close by.
Special dishes to try
Restaurants & food places nearby
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Good to know
Local tips
Take an auto-rickshaw or taxi from Badami, as the temple is about 5 km out of town.
Visit in the morning for a calmer temple and soft light on the tank.
Dress modestly and leave your shoes at the stand before entering.
Walk around the Haridra Tirtha tank for the best views of the temple.
Expect very large crowds during the January fair, especially on the main days.
Ask before taking photos inside the temple and near the shrine.
Carry some cash for offerings and the stalls outside.
About the Banashankari Temple
The Banashankari Temple stands at Cholachagudd, about 5 km from Badami, and is dedicated to the goddess Banashankari, who was worshipped by the Chalukya kings as their family deity. The present temple is a later rebuild of the original, and it remains a busy place of worship for families from across north Karnataka.
In front of the temple is the Haridra Tirtha, a large square stepped tank with a path running around it, and a tall lamp tower near the water. The temple is at its busiest during the Banashankari Jatre, a fair that begins around the full moon in January and runs for several weeks.
Questions
Banashankari Temple — FAQ
What is the best time to visit Banashankari Temple?
Morning, 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. Walk to the far side of the Haridra Tirtha tank and take a wide photo across the water, with the steps in front and the temple and lamp tower behind; photos near the shrine inside are usually not allowed.
Is there an entry fee at Banashankari Temple?
Entry to Banashankari Temple is free.
What are the opening hours of Banashankari Temple?
Banashankari Temple is open 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM.
What should I wear at Banashankari Temple?
Red, saffron and cream photograph especially well here. Explore the trending and traditional outfit ideas on this page for full looks.
How crowded does Banashankari Temple get?
Crowd levels are typically medium. To miss the busiest window: morning, 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.
What food should I try near Banashankari Temple?
Try holige (obbattu), available at nearby restaurants.
What is the Banashankari Temple famous for?
It is famous as the temple of goddess Banashankari, the family deity of the Chalukya kings, and for its large stepped tank, the Haridra Tirtha, and its annual fair in January.
How do I reach the Banashankari Temple from Badami?
The temple is about 5 km from Badami. The easiest way is by auto-rickshaw or taxi, and local buses also run on the route.
How much time do I need at the Banashankari Temple?
Allow around 1 hour for darshan, a walk around the tank and photos. On fair days, allow much longer because of the crowds.
Can I take photos at the Banashankari Temple?
Photos of the tank, the lamp tower and the outside of the temple are usually fine. Photography is often not allowed near the shrine, so ask or look for signs before you take pictures inside.