Badami Tourism | How to Plan a Trip to Badami

Badami, also known as Vatapi, is a beautiful place in Karnataka. It was the regal capital of the Badami Chalukyas and is located near Bijapur. It is most famous for its cave temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is the largest in India. There is a reservoir in front of the cave temples, surrounded by temples dedicated to Vishnu and Shiva. A visit to Badami can help you better understand the glory of Karnataka. We have provided a comprehensive Badami travel guide to simplify your trip planning. It includes everything you need to know, including how to get there, tourist attractions, and accommodations. Take a look at this complete guide and plan your trip accordingly.

Badami Tourism

The main reason for tourism in Badami is its cave temples. Every year, thousands of pilgrims visit this town to seek blessings from Lord Vishnu. The city is also a hub for archaeology, situated in a rugged red sandstone valley. Sandstone cave temples, fortresses, and intricate carvings are some of the major tourist attractions in Badami. Due to this, the city has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Also, as Badami was once the Chakulyan capital, it has numerous examples of Dravidian architecture.

Why Visit Badami?

If you’re interested in history, art, and architecture, Badami is the place for you. As it has been a big part of Chalukyan history, the city has many ancient Hindu temples that attract many history buffs. In addition, the ruins of ancient monuments are a major draw for historians and archaeologists. Apart from this, rock climbing is a fun activity to indulge in if you want to take a break from witnessing old forts, temples, and caves.

Are you looking to explore Karnataka? Check out our comprehensive Karnataka Travel Guide.

Where is Badami Located?

Badami is located in the northern part of Karnataka state, in Bagalkot District. It is an upland region west of the Malaprabha River.

Places to Visit in Badami

Badami is known for its many historical monuments and temples, which are known for their history and architecture. There are also rock-cut cave temples and mighty forts that were once the most celebrated parts of Badami, carved from red sandstone hills.
Some famous places to visit in Badami are:

• Badami Cave Temples
• Agastya Lake
• Badami Fort
• Aihole
• Bhutanatha Group Of Temples
• Archaeological Museum Badami
• Mallikarjuna Group Of Temples

These are some of the most famous places to visit in Badami. Apart from these, there are many more historical places that you can explore. It’s not possible to include all of them in this Badami travel guide, so if you want to know more places, contact our travel experts. They will provide you with all the information you need for your trip.

Things to Do in Badami

On your tour of Badami, you can enjoy various activities suitable for both kids and adults. Here are some:

• Rock climbing
• Attend Virupaksha Temple Car Festival
• Witness intricate carvings at Badami Cave Temples
• Learn the rich history of Badami Fort, built by Tipu Sultan
• Take a day trip to Aihole
• Visit the Archeological Museum to see exhibits ranging from mythological to prehistoric times.
• Seek blessings at Banashankari temple

Best Time to Visit Badami

Winter: October to March is the ideal time to visit Badami. The mild and calm weather, with temperatures between 15°C and 28°C, makes sightseeing a pleasant experience. However, carry woolen, as it can get chilly at times. Also, many festivals in Badami are celebrated in winter, giving you a deep insight into the region’s culture and traditions.
Monsoon: Monsoons are also a good time to visit Badami as the landscape turns lush green and the temperature drops. But there will be heavy rains, so be prepared for that.
Summer: Summers are extremely hot, which can make sightseeing challenging. However, as it is the off-season, the deals on hotels and flights are great and perfect for budget travelers.

How to Reach Badami?

By Flight: Belgaum’s airport is the nearest to Badami, around 132 km away. It is connected to major cities in India, like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, etc., via regular flights.
By Train: Hubli’s train station is the nearest, approximately 102 km away, and is linked to significant cities in Karnataka and other states. Taxis and buses are available from outside the station to Badami.
By Road: Badami town has good connections with the nearest cities in Karnataka such as Bangalore, Mysore and Mangalore. Travelers can take states buses from there to reach Badami.

How to Get Around Badami?

You can travel within Badami via local buses and taxis. Badami has a good network of buses connecting most parts of the city. Also, you can hire pre-paid taxis.

Languages Spoken in Badami

Kannada is the widely spoken language in Badami. You will find people speaking English in more urban areas, but as you move towards the village area, you will see people speaking their mother tongue. So, for easy communication, learn a few phrases. For example, shubhodaya means Good Morning, and Dhan’yavādagaḷu means Thank You.

How many days are enough to visit Badami?

1-2 days are enough to explore the best of Badami. Visit the top tourist places and enjoy activities for a memorable experience.

Accommodation in Badami

When visiting Badami, you will find a variety of accommodation options ranging from budget to luxury. The hotels in Badami offer excellent amenities to ensure a comfortable stay.
Some of the best accommodation options in Badami are:

• KSTDC Hotel Mayura Chalukya
• Grand Clarks Inn
• Hotel Badami Court
• Krishna Heritage Resort
• StayVista at Agastya Villa

What to Eat in Badami?

Badami has an interesting platter, which is simple yet delicious. Rice, ragi, jowar, urad, dal, coconut, jaggery, and dal are the main ingredients in Badami cuisine. The dishes are tangy and sour and are cooked in coconut oil. Here are some of the famous dishes you should try in Badami:

• Meat
• Sea Food
• Halwa
• Chiroti
• Mysore Pak

Famous Places to Eat In Badami

Some popular restaurants in Badami where you can satiate your cravings are:

• Golden Cave Cuisine
• Baneshwar
• Geeta Darshini
• Bridge Restaurant
• Heritage Restaurant

Shopping in Badami

Badami is a popular place for shopaholics. There are many local and street-side-style shopping areas you can explore. Some popular things to buy in Badami are sandalwood, rosewood carvings, and handicrafts. Other items include perfumes, metal lamps, incense sticks, wood carvings, sandalwood oil, and sandalwood sculptures.

Some popular shopping places in Badami are:

• Salimath Arcade
• Siddappa Kadapatti Shopping Complex
• Hunashikatti Complex
• Gp Patil Complex
• Mujawar Complex

Travel Tips for Badami

• Book your flight/train tickets and hotels in advance to avoid last-minute troubles.
• Summer is the off-season. If you are traveling on a budget, consider this time.
• Respect the local culture and wear appropriate clothing while visiting temples.
• Learn local phrases for easy interaction.
• Take woolens, as winters can get chilly in Badami.
• Carry essential medicines with you.
• Do not roam alone in isolated places to be safe.
• Take permission before clicking pictures at some temples.