Badami was the capital of the early Chalukyas of Badami, who ruled from this place during 6th–8th century AD. The place is known with ancient names Vatapi, Vatapiadhistana and Badavi. Even during the succeeding centuries, right up to the beginning of 19th century, it was an important politically strategic place forming part of the dominions of many later dynasties. A number of religious and defense structures were built during these periods at Badami. Beautifully excavated rock caves of Bramhanical, Buddhist and Jaina affinity with massive sculptures, structural temples of Dravida vimana type illustrating different stages of experimentations all set around Agasthya Theertha tank with in the scenic beauty of sand stone formations, make this place a unique tourist destination.
was an important politically strategic place forming part of the dominions of many later dynasties. A number of religious and defense structures were built during these periods at Badami. Beautifully excavated rock caves of Bramhanical, Buddhist and Jaina affinity with massive sculptures, structural temples of Dravida vimana type illustrating different stages of experimentations is the main attraction in Badami, all set around Agasthya Theertha tank with in the scenic beauty of sand stone formations, make this Badami a unique tourist destination.
There is an archaeological museum located near the famous Pallava Narasimhavarmman’s inscription. It was established in 1979, as a sculpture shed and was converted into a full fledged site museum in the year 1982.
Another destination in the trip to Badami is the famous Banashankari Temple in Cholachigud about 5 kilometers from Badami. Though the original structure is said to have been built by the Chalukyas of Kalyan, the existing temple was built in the 17th century. The temple has a marked Dravidian style of architecture.
Banashankari or Shakambari is the form of Goddess Parvati, the consort of Lord Shiva. Idol of Goddess Banashankari
Badami - The Land of Caves
Banashankari is of Blackstone. Here the Goddess can be seen seated on lion and trampling a demon by foot. The Goddess has eight arms holding trishul-damaruga, kapaalpatra, ghanta, veda scripts and khadg-kheta.
Mahakuta once a center of the Shaiva cult is home to the Mahakuteswara Temple dedicated to Shiva built in Dravidian Style and features a natural spring called Vishnu Pushkarni . There are also a few Shiva Temples in Mahakuta dating back to the Chalukyan era.
For accomodation in Badami there are many hotels and resorts in Badami for a comfortable stay in Badami.
Hotel Badami Court
08357-720207
Email: rafiqmht@blr.vsnl.net.in
Tariff : Rs. 1480-2500/-
Hotel Mookambika Deluxe
Station Road, Opposite KSRTC Bus Stand,
Bagalkot - 587 201
Tel: 08357-220067/720637
Email: mookambikabadami@sify.com
Tariff : Rs. 250-950/-
KSTDC Mayura Chalukya,
Ramdurg Road, Badami,
Bagalkot - 587 201
Tel: 08357-720046
Tariff : Rs. 160-350/-
Hotel Anand Deluxe
Near Bus Stand, Badami,
Bagalkot - 587 201
Tel: 08357-720074/ 720904
Tariff : Rs. 150 -300/-
