Badami Tourism | How to Plan a Trip to Badami

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Badami Travel Guide

Badami is a beautiful place to visit while you are on a tour of Karnataka. The regal capital of the Badami Chalukyas, the city lies near Bijapur in Karnataka. Badami is the center of Early Chalukyan art, a significant attraction. Located about 450 km from Bangalore, the capital of Karnataka, Badami is easily accessible from different Indian cities and by road with nearby cities in Karnataka. A tour to Badami can make it easier for you to understand Karnataka’s glory better.

Badami, also known as Vatapi, is the center of ancient Chalukyan glory. Badami has a cave temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the largest in India. The reservoir in front of the cave temples is also dotted with temples dedicated to Vishnu and Shiva. The lake beneath the cave temples is named after the Bhutanath temples in Badami.

Keep reading for more information about the Badami travel guide, including how to reach, the best time to visit, things to do, etc.

Badami Tourism

Housing ancient cave temples, Badami tourism majorly surrounds culture, religion, and history. In addition, the city, located in a valley of rugged red sandstone, is a hub for archaeology. Sandstone cave temples, fortresses, and intricate carvings make up a major part of Badami tourist places. This has earned the city a place among the UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Also, as Badami was once the Chakulyan capital, it has numerous examples of Dravidian architecture, evident in South and North Indian styles of architecture. Badami Caves, another significant attraction, holds three Hindu and one Jain Temple.

Why Visit Badami?

If history, art, and architecture pique your interest, Badami is your place to be. As it has been a big part of Chalukyan history, the city has many ancient Hindu temples that attract many history buffs. Moreover, the ruined monuments are a substantial puller of historians and archaeologists as well. 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.

Where is Badami Located?

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

Places to Visit in Badami

Known for its history and architecture, Badami tourist places consist of ancient temples, forts, and other historical monuments. In addition, there are rock-cut cave temples carved out of red sandstone hills and mighty forts that were once the most celebrated parts of Badami.

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

Things to Do in Badami

On your Badami tour, indulge in fun activities that interest kids and adults. Apart from visiting the historical monuments, there are fairs and festivals celebrated annually in and near Badami, like Virupaksha Temple Car Festival and Mallikarjuna Temple Festival in Pattadakal during the March-April period. In addition, a festival is held at Banashankari in January-February, which is worth visiting. 

Some fun things to do in Badami are:

  • Rock climbing
  • 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

October to March is the ideal time to visit Badami for a trip. 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.

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. Avoid summers as they are extremely hot, but as it is off-season, the deals on hotels and flights are great, perfect for budget travelers.

How to Reach Badami?

Belgaum has the nearest airport to Badami, around 132 km away. It is connected to major cities in India, like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, etc., via regular flights. Hubli has the nearest train station, approx. 102 km and is linked to significant cities in Karnataka and other states. Taxis buses are available from the airport and the railhead to Badami. You can also take buses from Bangalore, connected via the national highway, or drive yourself.

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 is Thankyou

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.

How many days are enough to visit Badami?

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

Accommodation in Badami

If you come to Badami, you will have many accommodation options, from budget to luxury. Thus, select from a range of hotels that suit your budget and convenience. The hotels in Badami provide great amenities and make the stay comfortable.

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

Where to Eat in Badami?

Badami has an interesting platter, which is simple yet delicious. The main ingredients in Badami cuisine are rice, ragi, jowar, urad, dal, coconut, and jaggery. The dishes are tangy and sour and are cooked in coconut oil. Meat and seafood are widely available in Badami. Try halwa, chiroti, and Mysore Pak if you have a sweet tooth.

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.