Destination Features

Located in the Bagalkot district of Karnataka, Badami was once the capital of the dynasty known as the Badami Chalukyas. Known as Vatapi at the time, the capital was situated on the serene banks of the Malprabha river.

Badami is widely regarded as the cradle of Indian architecture. The rock-cut temples of the area are the earliest experiments in defining a sense of native construction. The red sandstone adds mystique to the temples and they are beautiful to behold in the light of either the rising dawn or the falling dusk. The sun’s rays strike them in such a manner that the sandstone comes alive.

Construction was begun by the Chalukya king Pulakesi I in 540 A.D. His descendants went on to form a powerful dynasty. Pulakesi II was the most renowned king of this house who he gained fame for defeating the powerful Chalukya king Mahendra Verman I.

Badami reflects the syncretic milieu of its time. The caves and temples at the site are equally representative of eth Hindu, Buddhist and Jain influences. It is a major archaelogical and cultural site for it is believed that the structures here reflect the earliest evidence of the Deccan style of construction.