The Temples of Badami Caves are a series of four temples in Hindu caves, representing the Chalukyan dynasty’s rock-cut architecture. The caves are strangely made out of a single stone and have statues hewn from the rock itself.
Tourists in Badami, who are searching for popular places to visit, have to come here once. One’s journey to Badami is incomplete without visiting this exciting place. With beautiful surroundings that can be engraved in your mind, the place is a pure blessing.
Highlights of Badami Cave Temple
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Badami, Karnataka, India |
| Ticket Prices | – Indians: 30 INR (~1 USD) <br> – Foreigners: 500 INR (~7 USD) |
| Free Entry | Children under 15 (with a paying parent) |
| Best Time to Visit | Early morning to avoid crowds and heat |
| Peak Hours | Around 1 pm (expect long queues) |
| Ticket Counter | Located near the entrance, close to the parking area |
| Suggested Duration | 2-3 hours for a thorough visit |
| Facilities | Limited; it’s advisable to carry water and snacks |
| Accessibility | The site involves climbing steps; may be challenging for those with mobility issues |
| Photography | Allowed, but check for any restrictions on flash or tripod use |
| Nearby Attractions | Agastya Lake, Bhutanatha temples, Archaeological Museum (subject to change) |
Exploring the Cave Temples
The Badami Cave Temples is renowned for the sculpting of its four magnificent temples. On a hill cliff with impressive carved murals, entrances lead to the main hall. And pillared hallways connecting with sculptures to a small space. The dedication of each temple is to a Hindu god. Its appearance is to represent the features of the god.
Cave 1: The Oldest Caves
The first cave, the oldest of the caves. Its dedication is to Lord Shiva and the completion of the building was in 578 A.D. It is made from red sandstone including 40 steps leading to the entrance. Carving of the servants of Lord Shiva who seem to keep the floor up. The cave also portrays the deity with an 18-arm dance carving of Shiva, generally known as Nataraja.
Cave 2: The Cave of Vishnu
The second temple is a dedication to Lord Vishnu, which is 60 steps above the first. Its veranda entrance, along with guardians holding flowers, is known to have been built between the 6th and 7th centuries. The cave portrays the Trivikrama form of Vishnu. In which the consideration is that the deity is to measure the earth with one foot. The sky with another foot, and the third foot resting on the head of Mahabali.
Cave 3: The Largest Cave
The third cave is considered the best one and the largest in the complex by locals. Both Lord Shiva and Vishnu are devoted to the 100-feet (30.5 meters) deep temple. It highlights ceiling paintings and massive columns that provide a historical history of 6th-century culture. As well as the four-armed Brahma, murals are portraying the union of Shiva and Parvati.
Cave 4: The Cave of the Jain
The fourth temple in the region is the only Jain temple. And also, the construction of the last caves between the 7th and 8th centuries. Although, during the 11th and 12th centuries the addition of other features come into existence. It features the sitting portrait of Saint Mahavira and a few other varied murals adorning the sanctum..
Significance of the Badami Caves
The Badami Caves have great historical and cultural significance in India. They are considered one of the finest examples of Indian rock-cut architecture and have influenced Indian art and architecture for centuries. The caves are also compared with other rock-cut monuments in India such as the Ajanta and Ellora Caves.
Best Time to Visit the Badami Cave:
In Karnataka, Badami is a famous city. The cave temples are very famous in the town. From July to March, Badami is the perfect time to visit. Minimum temperature variations are present during the year. Badami has mild winters, and in the monsoon season, it receives medium to heavy rainfall.
Tickets for Badami Cave Temple:
Tickets for the Badami Cave Temple can be purchased directly at the site. The ticket counter is conveniently located near the entrance, close to the parking area. The cost for entry is 30 INR (approximately 1 USD) for Indian nationals and 500 INR (around 7 USD) for foreign visitors. Children under 15 years of age can enter for free when accompanied by a paying adult. To maximize your visit and explore the area thoroughly, it’s advisable to arrive early. Expect longer wait times, especially around the peak hour of 1 pm, so planning to visit earlier in the day is recommended to avoid the queues.
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How to Reach Badami?
By Air: Hubli (about 106 km) and Belgaum (about 150 km) are the closest airports to Badami. Mumbai and Bangalore have a strong connection to these airports. You can reach Badami via a taxi or a bus once you reach Hubli or Belgaum.
By train: You can take the train from Chennai Central to Hubli Jn, which is a 15-hour journey. From there, it will take approximately 2 hours to switch to the trains going to Badami. Take a cab to Badami Cave Temples from the station. It is just 5 km (3 mi) from the station.
By Road: Take a bus to Bangalore from Chennai Bus Station, which will take approximately 7 hours. Take another bus to Badami when you arrive in Bangalore, which is a 9-hour journey. From the train, you can walk to the attraction in about 12 minutes. Read Also: 20 Best Places to Visit in Chennai
Nearby Attractions Badami Cave Temples:
Agastya Lake: Situated right next to the Badami Cave Temples, Agastya Lake offers a serene atmosphere and picturesque views. You can enjoy boating or simply take a leisurely stroll around the lake.
Bhutanatha Temple: Located on the eastern banks of Agastya Lake, the Bhutanatha Temple is known for its intricate carvings and beautiful architecture. It’s dedicated to Lord Shiva and is a popular pilgrimage site.
Badami Fort: Perched on top of a hill overlooking the town of Badami, the Badami Fort offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. The fort itself has historical significance and is worth exploring.
Archaeological Museum: Located near the Badami Cave Temples, the Archaeological Museum houses a collection of sculptures, artifacts, and inscriptions dating back to the Chalukya period. It provides valuable insights into the region’s rich history and heritage.
Aihole: Just a short distance from Badami, Aihole is known as the “cradle of Hindu rock architecture” and is home to numerous ancient temples and monuments. The Durga Temple and Lad Khan Temple are among the notable attractions here.
Pattadakal: Another UNESCO World Heritage Site, Pattadakal is renowned for its group of 8th-century temples built in various architectural styles. The Virupaksha Temple and Mallikarjuna Temple are particularly noteworthy.
Banashankari Temple: Located about 5 kilometers from Badami, the Banashankari Temple is dedicated to Goddess Banashankari. It’s known for its unique architecture and is an important pilgrimage destination.
FAQs:
What is the history of Badami Cave Temples?
Badami Cave Temples are a group of four Hindu and Jain temples carved out of sandstone cliffs in Badami, a town in the Bagalkot district of Karnataka, India. The temples were built between the 6th and 8th centuries CE during the reign of the Chalukya dynasty. The Chalukyas were known for their patronage of art and architecture, and the Badami Cave Temples are considered one of their most significant architectural achievements.
What is the significance of Badami Cave Temples?
The Badami Cave Temples are significant for their unique rock-cut architecture and intricate carvings depicting Hindu and Jain deities. They are considered a fine example of Indian rock-cut architecture and have been declared a UNESCO World Heritage site. The temples also have historical and cultural significance as they are believed to have played a role in the development of the Chalukya style of architecture.
How many caves are there in Badami?
There are four caves in Badami, each with its own set of carvings and sculptures.
What are the opening hours of Badami Cave Temples?
The Badami Cave Temples are open from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM every day, including weekends and public holidays.
How much is the entry fee for Badami Cave Temples?
The entry fee for the Badami Cave Temples is INR 25 for Indian citizens and INR 600 for foreign nationals. There may be additional charges for photography and videography.
What is the best time to visit Badami Cave Temples?
The best time to visit Badami Cave Temples is from October to February when the weather is pleasant and the monsoon season has ended. It is advisable to avoid visiting during the summer months of March to June as the temperatures can be very high.
What are some nearby attractions to Badami Cave Temples?
Some nearby attractions to the Badami Cave Temples include the Bhutanatha Group of Temples, Agastya Lake, and the Badami Fort.
How can I reach Badami Cave Temples?
Badami is well-connected by road, rail, and air. The nearest airport is in Hubli, which is approximately 106 km away. The nearest railway station is in Badami itself. Buses and taxis are also available from major cities in Karnataka such as Bangalore, Mysore, and Hubli.
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