Badami

About Badami

Badami was the capital of the Chalukyas in the 6th century, and its four rock-cut cave temples are carved straight into a red sandstone cliff above the Agastya lake. Half an hour away, Pattadakal's UNESCO-listed cluster and the temple laboratory at Aihole complete what is probably the best day of temple architecture in South India. It is also a serious sport-climbing destination — the sandstone here draws climbers from across the country between November and February. **Getting there.** Overnight bus or train from Bengaluru to Badami (10–12 hours) via Hubballi; only 7 hours from Hyderabad, and often paired with Hampi. **Where to stay.** Hotels in Badami town and a few heritage-style stays near the lake.

Things to do

• • Badami cave temples
• • Pattadakal UNESCO temple group
• • Aihole's Durga temple
• • Bouldering and sport climbing
• • Agastya lake and Bhutanatha temples
• • Mahakuta temple complex

Best time to visit

November to February. Summer here is brutally hot — the cliffs hold the heat well into the night.

How to reach

Overnight bus or train from Bengaluru to Badami (10–12 hours) via Hubballi; only 7 hours from Hyderabad, and often paired with Hampi.

Where to stay

Hotels in Badami town and a few heritage-style stays near the lake.

Related destinations