The capital of the Early Chalukyas, Badami, earlier known as Vatapi, is ideally located at the mouth of a ravine between two rocky hills. Badami is famous for its rock cut cave temples as well as the Chalukyan style strucutal temples. Badami is famous for its four cave temples - all hewn out of sand stone on the face of a hill. The largest and most ornate is the third cave temple dedicated to Vishnu. Overlooking the cave temples is a reservoir dotted with temples dedicated to Vishnu and Shiva. Also a must are the Bhutanath temples that lend their name to the lake beneath the cave temples. 

Sightseeing at Badami

Archaeological Museum : Nearby is the museum set up by the archaeological survey of India. It houses excellent examples of local sculptures, including the breathtaking Lajja-Gauri images of fertility cult, which flourished in the era. A visit to the museum is sure to be a prized experience. 

Jain Temple : A little east of the shrine, on top of this cliff is a Jain temple. Here one can find many Jain temples and a huge figure of Parswanatha.

Nataraja : The first cave temple, past Shiva's doorkeepers. Here one can see the eighteen-armed Nataraja striking 81 dance poses. 

Vishnu : The largest and the most pleasing is the third cave temple dedicated to Vishnu. Here are some exquisite carvings of the Hindu pantheon, such as Narasimha, the half-man-half-god lion incarnation of Vishnu, Harihara, the composite god who is half Shiva and half Vishnu and Vishnu, Narayana sitting as well as reclining on the snake 'Shesh' or 'Anantha' (eternity). There are also some paintings on the ceiling and wonderful bracket figures on the piers.

Cave Temple : Overlooking the cave temples is a reservoir crowded with temples dedicated to Vishnu and Shiva. Also a must are the Bhutanatha temples that lend their name to the lake just beneath the cave temples.

Lake : A dip in the tranquil waters of this lake is said to cure leprosy as the water of the lake is said to have healing properties. 

Best Season to Visit : October to February, when the weather is cool and pleasant.