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The
capital of the Early Chalukyas, Badami is picturesquely situated at the
mouth of a ravine between two rocky hills, Badami is famous for its cave
temples - all hewn out of sand stone on the precipice of a hill.
The largest and most ornamental 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.
PRIME ATTRACTIONS
Archaeological Museum:
Nearby is the museum set up by the archaeological survey of India.
It houses superb examples of local sculptures, including the remarkable
Lajja-Gauri images of fertility cult, which flourished in the era. A visit
to the museum is sure to be a rewarding 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 ornamental is the third cave temple dedicated to
Vishnu. Here are some splendid 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 dotted 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.
TRAVEL INFORMATION
HOW TO GET THERE
Air: The nearest airport is Belgaum
(150 kms).
Rail: Badami is on the Hubli - Sholapur rail route.
Road: Badami is connected by road to: Hubli (128 kms)
Bijapur (132 kms.)
Local Transport: Cycle Rickshaws, Tongas, City Bus Service.
WHERE TO STAY
Hotel Badami Court, Station Road. Hotel Mayura Chalukya, Ramdurg Road.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Population: 18,200
Main Languages: Kannada, Hindi, English.
STD Code: 08357