In the district of Bagalkot, Karnataka, is a pocket of architectural wonder, ever present history and elaborate temple sculpture art. Badami was ruled by the enduring dynasty of the Chalukya’s, founded by the ruler Pulakesin I. Evidently, the rulers were great patrons of art, architecture, literature and beauty. You might never tire of the things to do in Badami once you’re there.
Badami is more than just a heritage spot. The large and lovely rocks and hills call out to trekkers, hikers; beginners and experts alike. It is also home to some of the easiest, safe and engaging trails for hikers. Their temples are replete with exquisite carvings and each points you in a different direction of mythology and history. If there was a definite list of things to do in Badami, it would be to visit the Cave Temples, The Badami Fort, Aihole and definitely the Agastya Lake. This lake overlooks the Bhuthanatha Temple that dates back to the 5th century. These are just a few of the many things to do in Badami. You could spend days travelling to nearby towns, engrossing yourself in the rich and important culture that Badami hosts or even engage in sporty activities such as rock climbing.
Its sandstone cliffs colour the town in hues of brown and green with the golden rays of the sun beating down on you. At the peak, you are bound to catch a 360 degree glimpse of the town standing still with you. Spotting the temples, caves, lakes, forts and museums of Badami offer a very picturesque series of Chalukyan monuments and how they have positively stood the test of time.
Badami is a town carved and brought to life from the finest red sandstone rocks. The blood and sweat of the people that built those monuments and buildings at the time of the Chalukya Dynasty is visible and marvelled at till date. It is only right that Rock climbing is one of the chief activities to engage in at Badami. Often noted for its rich history, lots of climbing routes that were hidden away amongst the temples and cliffs are being discovered and mounted by trekkers and hikers. It is sometimes referred to as the ‘Mecca of Rock Climbing’.
Rock climbing in Badami is an experience unlike any other. The rocky terrain here gives birth to some beautiful paths; some easy to conquer, others that demand perseverance. Rock climbing in India can be pursued in many places but the benefits of starting in Badami are immense. The trails here are truly beginner friendly and leave you with the confidence and desire to do more. Be that as it may, Badami has something for every type of climber. If you’re an adventure junkie, the climbs here will never disappoint. On the path there you will not only practice resilience but also be rewarded with some of the most awe-inspiring sights that will validate your climb. The difficulty level ranges from 3b - 8b+ and will leave you eager to participate and perfect your sport.
Rock Climbing in Badami is a perfect 3/3 with trained professionals for safety, engaging beginner friendly trails and spectacular views at sunrise or sunset. To cut your search short, we offer trustworthy resources. Read on.
Karnataka has a long and arduous history that must be remembered and revisited. At Badami, there really is something for every tourist to experience.
Badami, a town in North Karnataka was discovered in the 6th century. Today, eons later, we look at monuments and structures that date back hundreds of years. The Chalukya Dynasty is distinctly remembered for building the town from ground up and aiding the growth of the scenic town we have today. Viewing such places through a phone screen or a postcard will never do it justice.
With over 120 temples, Badami, Aihole, Pattadakal have been termed the cradle of Indian architecture. Heritage tours in Badami will aid our understanding of the history with personal anecdotes, gripping and riveting details about the structures and a clearer timeline.
With the large number of sources we have access to now to learn about something, it can be difficult to zero in on whom to trust and believe. The main testament to take into account while attempting to learn about a place is those of the locals themselves. Being part of a heritage tour with the locals present there plays a significant role in strengthening their economy. Coupled with a walk along the monuments whose walls speak for themselves, a heritage tour in Badami is the best way to learn about the town and its history that surprises even its inhabitants to this day.
Camping in Badami
The joy in traveling comes from having small, brief moments to yourself when you're one with the land, sky and air. These are often moments of quiet or shared moments with your loved ones. Camping is a successor to a hike, trek or a climb and nurtures many qualities in people like teamwork, communication and an exchange of smiles and stories. A mere 450 kms from Bangalore, it makes the perfect weekend getaway from the hustle of the city.
Camping in Badami is an experience on its own. The sky at night has countless bright, twinkling stars and is a sight to behold from the top of the hills. Badami has within it many short canyons that can be explored. You can camp at the foothills or peak of the hills here in Badami. It's safe and has spectacular views. There are no significant camping spots in Badami but to be sure of solo camping plans and the best time and place to set up camp on these hills, check with the organisers and locals there.
Make that impromptu plan! Go camping in Badami and live out your camp fantasies.
In a town as small as Badami, you wouldn’t expect to have an array of things to actively engage yourself in but be prepared to be proven wrong. This town and its red sandstone monuments will keep you on your toes, literally!
The key to any trip being an eventful and valuable one is the level of comfort and energy you wake up with. While the thrill and happiness of being in a new place already helps this, choosing the right place to stay at through the duration of your trip can make all the difference. Most of Badami can be explored by foot or hikes and requires physical strength. The homestays in Badami can offer quiet and comfort after a long day of sightseeing, trekking or climbing. With the warmest staff and practical trip packages, the homestays will work their magic on you.
With modern, cleanly designed rooms and the other important utilities and facilities; homestays in Badami are made convenient and safe for you and your loved ones. Waking up rejuvenated to spend one more day exploring and revelling in Badami’s beauty should be your top priority while booking your stay here. After all, good planning and thinking ahead for all your trips helps you remember the place fondly. The homestay experience will give you nothing short of that.
Can you think of a better way to explore this rock-cave town than trekking through the beautiful paths? Trekking in Badami will leave you with an immense amount of appreciation for land and nature. Upon reaching the summits, you will be blessed with the view of the forts and temples from the hills.
The best way to see Badami is undoubtedly to trek up the Northern Hills through the pathway between the rocks. A few of the most popular spots to go trekking in Badami are the Badami Fort, Shivalaya, Temple Caves to Mahakuta and the Bhutanatha Temple. Discover Badami by foot with a water bottle, backpack and camera in hand for the warm and lovely pictures you can remember it by later.
Trekking in Badami is also beginner friendly and is a good spot to do your first trek. The paths are safe and the land has good grip. You can choose to look at this hike up the hills as a lovely walk in the afternoon or as an adventure jungle trek if you are up for a challenge. Be prepared to encounter more rocks and small, insignificant structures built by the Chalukyans and learn about how the dry forests here can source potential medicine, fruits, gum, fuel, food, fodder and oil yielding plants. There are also a number of rare plants found here like the Purple Witch plant belonging to the Scrophulariaceae family and Graham’s Groundsel belonging to Compositaea family.
Travel tip: Badami is best visited in the months of October-March but are also said to be charming in the months of July-August before the heavy rains start and make the paths unmountable.
It takes a great deal of planning, effort and vision to create difference and nurture originality in each structure that would essentially serve the same purpose. Badami, a town built by the Chalukya Dynasty in the 8th century, is synonymous with a grand exhibition of temple architecture, skill, history and art. Meticulously dug and carved out of stone, this town is home to many temples made of sandstone and serve as epicentres for conversations surrounding the Hindu and Jain faith.
The Badami Cave Temples, Aihole, Bhutanatha Temples, Mallikarjuna Temples, Ravana Phadi Temple, Agastya Lake and Badami Fort are some places that must feature on your list while sightseeing in Badami. A trip to Badami is incomplete without temple visits where one spends time looking in all four directions, taking in the sight of splendour.
By virtue of no two stones looking the absolute same, all temples here are built vastly different from one another in terms of the stories they tell and the sculptures contained within their walls. One might say that sightseeing in Badami tends to be monotonous with just temples on the list, when in reality, a large chunk of what Badami has to offer and their culture is this.
How can I commute within Badami?
Being a small town, autorickshaws are a preferable mode of transport. Cycles are also available for rent, but the best way to explore this town is by foot or an auto. If you have a car for rent, it is a good option to tour all the places within a day or two.
Is Rock Climbing in Badami beginner friendly?
The red sandstone rocks of Badami are perfect for beginners. The stone is soft and has good hold. The trails are also extremely safe and engaging! However, try and go with a local guide or an expert as rock climbing can be dangerous if you do not follow safety precautions.
What are the top sightseeing places in Badami?
The top sightseeing places in Badami are Cave Temples, Agastya Lake, Badami Fort, Aihole, Bhuthanatha Temples and the main city.
What is the local food of the Badami region?
The options for mainstream food are somewhat limited here. However, the local Khanavalis serve mouth watering vegetarian South-Indian food for less than 100 Rs. The local restaurants serve local delicacies such as Dosa, Bisi Bele Bath, Akki Roti, Jolada Rotti, Idli, Vada, Sambhar, Mysore pak etc.
What are the things to do in Aihole?
The top things to do in Aihole are visiting the Durga Temple, Aihole, Lad Khan Temple, Ravanaphadi Cave Temples, Archaeological Museum, Aihole, Hucchimalli Temple and Huchappayyagudi Temple.
What is the best time to visit Aihole?
October to March is the best time to visit Aihole. Summers are scorching with temperatures reaching up to 40 degrees Celsius. July, August and September experience generous rainfall and the weather is pleasant to enjoy sightseeing around the area.
What are the things to do in Pattadakal?
This would include visiting the Virupaksha Temple, Pattadakal, Kashiviswanatha Temple, Jain Temple, Sangameshwara Temple, Papanatha Temple and Galaganath Temple.
How did Badami get its name?
Formerly known as Vatapi, this town was the regal capital of the Badami Chalukyas.
What places around Badami are worth visiting?
There are many places in and around Badami like Aihole, Pattadakal, The Cave Temples, Bhutanatha Temple that make it to the priority list for sightseeing in Badami.
What is Badami most known for?
The most popular tourist attraction would have to be the cave temples and its splendid architecture.
What is the best way to get to Badami?
Badami has a small train station on the Hubli-Bijapur railway route, which is about 5 km from the heart of the town. It also makes for a memorable drive. The town is well connected to all modes of transportation.
How far is Badami from Mysore and Bangalore?
It is roughly 450 kms from Bangalore and 540 kms from Mysore.
What can you shop at Badami?
Sandalwood sculptures, incense sticks, perfumes, sandalwood oil, metal lamps and wood carvings are some of the things that Badami shops are known for!
What is the best time to visit Badami?
The best time to visit would be in the monsoon and/or the winters. The summers are harsh and it would make it hard to do any sightseeing to enjoy the trip.
What are the best hotels near the Badami Cave Temples?
The Agastya Villa Homestay, Krishna Villa Badami, The Heritage Resorts Badami are some of the best hotels near the temples.
What is the price range of hotels in Badami?
Depending on the requirements you have, the hotels and homestay pricing can range from Rs. 700 to Rs. 5000.
How to pick the best hotels and properties in Badami?
Stay is slightly tricky to figure out in Badami but there are various options that will present themselves with great options if researched patiently. You can check out our list of homestays in Badami to narrow down your stay options. There are also some packages available with commute covered in Badami, look out for those!
Who built Aihole and Pattadakal?
The temples in Aihole were built in the late 7th century by the Chalukya Dynasty.
Vijayaditya Satyasraya built the Pattadakal Temple. Mallikarjuna and Virupaksha temples were built by two queens of Vikramaditya II commemorating the victory of the Chalukyas over the Pallavas.
Why is Aihole famous?
Aihole, like Badami is famous for its rock architecture. Built by the Chalukyas between the 4th and 12th century AD, it is known as the cradle for Hindu Temple architecture.