Badami is a place of ancient splendor in Karnataka. It was the capital of the Chalukya Empire in the 6th and 8th centuries. The place is a major tourist attraction due to the scenic temples and other archeological marvels.
History:
This city was founded in 540 A.D. by Pulakesi I, one of the earliest rulers of the Chalukyas. In 642 A.D. it was seized by the Pallavas. Vikramaditya I of Chalukyas reclaimed the capital from Pallavas in 654 A.D. It was around 757 A.D. that the town lost its significance after the Rashtrakutas got the entire state of Karnataka under their influence.
Badami is also symbolic of the religious tolerance that was a feature amongst the rulers at that time. The structures built during those days not only include the temples but also the durgahs that were symbolic of the Muslim religion. This speaks about the religious temperaments of the people. Structures reflect the shades of Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism.
Best For:
Rock cut temples
Picturesque terrain
The temperature ranges between 15°c to 45° c. The winters are pleasant and the summers are intense. The rainfall is 50 centimeters. The best time to visit Badami is between November and March.
The Indian Rupee (INR) is the most acceptable form of currency here. It is advisable to exchange foreign currency and travelers cheques at bigger cities such as Bangalore and Goa before arriving here.
No special permits required but all foreign nationals need a visa for visiting India.
Air Badami is a small town and therefore there is no airport here. The nearest international airports are at Bangalore [500 kms] and Goa [190 kms]. Apart from Goa and Bangalore another domestic airport is at Belgaum [191 kms]. However, fewer flights operate to Belgaum.
Road Badami is connected by road to important places in the south. Some of the places are Ailhole (44 kms), Bangalore (499 kms), Bagalkot (34 kms), Bijapur (163 kms), Gadag (70 kms), Hospet (108 kms), Hubli (128 kms), Panaji (359 kms), Pattadakal (22 kms). Regular state run buses as well as those run by private operators are available from most of these places.
Train Badami is on the Solapur-Hubli railway line. The train station is 5km from the center of town. Hubli is on the broad-gauge line. There is a direct passenger train daily to Hospet and Hampi [6 hrs]. It is not on the station timetable so ask about this train.
Badami Cave Temples, Fourth Cave Temple, Buddhist Cave Temple, The Bhutanatha Temple, Badami Fort situated on top of the hill,. The Dattatreya temple, The Mallikarjuna temple, A Dargah and the famous Banashankari Temple
Nearby Places:
Hampi which is a place of spectacular ruins is 3 hours by road. It is advisable to hire a vehicle and explore Hampi.
Aiholeis popularly known as the "Cradle of Indian Architecture". This place has over a hundred temples scattered around the village.
Pattadakal is 22 km away from Badami.The best temples made by the Queens of Vikramaditya II in his honor are found here. The Sangameshwara, Chandrashekhara, Jambuling and Kadasideeshwara are the other major temples here.
Bijapur is another place that can be explored. It is close to Belgaum, the gateway to Karnataka from Goa and Bombay. Bijapur has many places of historical, cultural and architectural interest.
The South Indian cuisine is popular here and available at most of the hotels and restaurants.
Where To Stay:
Since Badami is gaining popularity as the tourist spot in Karnataka, there is a rise in the number of hotels here but one of the most popular hotels is The Hotel Badami Court. Another popular hotel is the Hotel Mayura Chalukya located on Ramdurg Road.
