A picturesque town in the Bagalkot district
of Karnataka, Badami is situated by the Agastya Lake. This town was
previously known as Vatapi, which according to legend was the name of the
wicked Asura slain by sage Agastya, christening this town Vatapi. The
Chalukyas, the erstwhile rulers of Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh during the
sixth and eighth centuries renamed Vatapi to Badami. The royal Chalukya
family is famed for their spectacular Dravidian architecture finely woven
with the Nagara mode of North India. Badami is a town of historical and
religious importance for its majestic rock cut temples created of red
sandstone surrounding the Agastya lake.
Visitors looking to visit Badami can make arrangements by air, rail or
road. Hubli and Belgaum are the nearest airports with connectivity to Mumbai
and Bangalore, the Badami railway station which is five kilometres from the
nearest bus stand and through wide, smooth roads from Bangalore, Hubli,
Gadag, Solanpur and Bijapur.
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Within the town, one can commute by Auto Rickshaw, taxis
and buses. The most popular travel route is Hubli-Badami-Hampi where one gets
to visit architectural marvels in Karnataka in the span of about five days. The
best season to visit Badami is between winter and summer, during the
October-March span. Some of the popular tourist destinations within this scenic
town are outlined below.
Attraction: Monolith rock-cut temples and
exquisite sculptures
The rock-cut Badami temples were sculpted
between the late sixth century and early eighth centuries. These cave temples
feature carvings depicting the great Chalukya rulers and their grand
lifestyles as well as the benevolent and secular nature of the reign, with a
large number of sculptures and wall carvings representing Hindu idols and God
as well as the Buddhist and Jain way of life. Many temples are carved out of
a single rock and bear witness to the craftsmanship and skill of the great
sculptors of the age. The four cave temples are famous world over for their
architectural prowess.
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Archaeological Museum
Attraction: Storehouse of cultural artefacts
and beautiful sculptures
The museum is an excellent medium for
historians and tourists to relive the age of the Chalukyas. The museum houses
the finest sculptures and artefacts from the glory days of the Chalukyas. The
Lajja-Gauri image of the fertility cult that once flourished in the area is a
rare and unique item preserved in this museum. One can visit the archaeological
museum between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. from Saturday to Thursday.
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The Bhutanatha temple
Attraction : Beautifully carved shrine in a
scenic location
Visitors to Badami can also offer prayers
at the Bhutanatha temple that houses a small but beautifully crafted shrine.
The temple has been in existence since the early fifth century, one of the
few surviving structures of the Chalukya period, also bearing testimony to
the tolerance and craftsmanship of the age. The shrine is located facing a
shimmering lake, making for a calm and tranquil atmosphere for devotees to
offer prayers.
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Badami Fort
Attraction: An edifice of historical value,
popular for its stunning view of the cliff overlooking the famous cave temples.
The famous Badami fort is a must-see for
tourists visiting the architectural hub of Badami. It lies to the East of the
Bhuthnath temple, and is ensconced among lush green trees, resting atop a
steep cliff, overlooking the fabulous Badami cave temples. Tourists are
required to negotiate a steep climb and are rewarded with a spectacular view
of the valley and small yet historically important shrines that dot the
ascent. The fort houses a temple that showcases the grandeur and splendour
typical of the Chalukyas.
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Entry Fee:
Citizens of India and visitors from SAARC countries
including Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Pakistan and
Afghanistan and BIMSTEC Countries including Thailand and Myanmar pay a rate of
Rs. 5 per head.
Others:
US $2 or Indian Rs. 100/- per head
