Badami
Karnataka · 448 km from Bangalore
- Distance
- 448 km
- Ideal duration
- 2–3 days
- Best season
- Nov–Feb
- Avg cost
- ₹6,000
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.