Badami Travel Guide

Explore Badami with this detailed travel guide, which covers everything from the best places to visit and things to do to the food scene and local culture.


A Comprehensive Tour Guide for Badami

If you’re looking for a destination in Karnataka, India that combines history, scenic beauty, and adventure, look no further than Badami. This picturesque town is known for its cave temples that date back to the 6th and 7th centuries, as well as its rock-cut architecture, stunning landscapes, and rich cultural heritage. In this travel guide, we’ll provide you with all the information you need to plan a trip to Badami, including places to visit, food and drink options, where to stay, and more.

List of Places to Visit in Badami

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Badami is a treasure trove of historical and culturally significant attractions. Start your trip by exploring the following:

  • Badami Cave Temples: These cave temples are the town’s biggest draw, and for good reason. The temples were carved out of the red sandstone cliffs in the 6th and 7th centuries and are known for their intricate carvings, stunning architecture, and religious significance.
  • Badami Fort: This fort is believed to have been built by the Chalukya dynasty in the 6th century and stands atop a hill overlooking the town. Climb to the top for panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.
  • Mahakuta Temple: This temple complex is located about 6 kilometers from Badami and is a great place to visit for a peaceful and serene experience. The complex has over 100 temples, many of which are still in active use today.
  • Banashankari Temple: This temple dates back to the 7th century and is dedicated to the goddess Banashankari. The temple complex covers an area of 5 acres and has a large tank that is used for religious ceremonies.

Natural Attractions of Badami: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Badami is surrounded by beautiful landscapes that are perfect for outdoor adventures and scenic views. Here are a few places you should include in your itinerary:

  • Agastya Lake: This lake is located near the Badami Cave Temples and is a great place to relax and enjoy the views. Take a boat ride on the lake to experience the stunning surroundings.
  • Badami Gudda: This hill is located 2 kilometers from Badami and is a great place to go for a hike. The hill offers panoramic views of the town and the surrounding countryside.
  • Bhootnath Temple: This 5th-century temple is located on a hill overlooking the town and has a beautiful view of the surrounding landscape. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is believed to have been built by the Chalukya dynasty.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Badami

If you’re looking for some adventure and love the outdoors, Badami offers plenty of options for hikes and bike rides. Here are a few popular routes:

  • Badami to Pattadakal: This is a popular biking route that takes you through scenic countryside and past ancient temples. The route is about 23 kilometers long and is relatively flat, making it accessible to most bikers.
  • Badami to Aihole: This is another popular biking route that takes you through lush paddy fields and past ancient temples. The route is about 30 kilometers long and is best done early in the morning or late afternoon when the sun isn’t as harsh.
  • Badami Gudda Hike: This is a popular hike that takes you to the top of Badami Gudda hill. The hike is relatively easy and offers amazing views of the town and surrounding countryside.

Best Things to Do in Badami: Activities and Tours

In addition to the places to visit and the outdoor activities, there are several other things to do in Badami that you won’t want to miss. Here’s a list of some must-do activities and tours:

  • Heritage Walk: Take a guided heritage walk of Badami to learn more about the town’s rich history and cultural heritage.
  • Rock Climbing: Try your hand at rock climbing on the red sandstone cliffs that surround Badami. The cliffs offer a unique challenge for climbers of all levels.
  • Spice Plantation Visit: Take a tour of one of the nearby spice plantations to learn more about India’s famous spices and how they’re grown and harvested.
  • Cultural Shows: Attend a traditional dance or music performance to experience the local culture and customs.

Week-Long Itinerary for Badami

If you’re planning a week-long trip to Badami, here’s a sample itinerary to help you make the most of your time:

Day 1: Arrival in Badami, explore the town and visit the Badami Cave Temples. Day 2: Visit the Banashankari Temple and Mahakuta Temple, go for a boat ride on Agastya Lake. Day 3: Take a hike to the top of Badami Gudda hill, visit the Badami Fort. Day 4: Visit the nearby town of Pattadakal and explore its ancient temples. Day 5: Take a biking tour of the nearby countryside, visit a spice plantation. Day 6: Attend a cultural show, visit a local market to buy souvenirs. Day 7: Departure from Badami.

Food and Drink Scene of Badami

Badami has a rich culinary heritage that combines local flavors with influences from neighboring regions. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Jolada Rotti: A staple food of the region, this unleavened bread is made from jowar (sorghum) flour and is best eaten with a spicy vegetarian curry.
  • Saaru: This is a spicy and tangy soup made with lentils, tamarind, and a variety of spices.
  • Badanekayi Ennegai: This is a popular vegetarian dish made with stuffed eggplants.
  • Karantaka-style Chicken Curry: This is a spicy and flavorful chicken curry that’s a must-try in Badami.

Local Beverages

  • Filter Coffee: Coffee is a popular beverage in Karnataka, and Badami is no exception. Enjoy a cup of freshly brewed filter coffee at one of the town’s many cafes.
  • Thindi: This is a refreshing buttermilk beverage that’s perfect for cooling down on a hot day.
  • Sugarcane Juice: Badami has plenty of street vendors selling freshly squeezed sugarcane juice that’s perfect for quenching your thirst.

Where to Stay in Badami: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Badami has plenty of options for accommodation, including hotels, hostels, and guesthouses. Here are a few popular options:

  • Hotel Mayura Chalukya: This hotel is located near the Badami Cave Temples and offers comfortable rooms and great views of the town and surrounding landscape.
  • Badami Heritage Resort: This resort is located on the outskirts of Badami and offers comfortable rooms, an outdoor pool, and beautiful gardens.
  • KSTDC Hotel: This budget hotel is located in the heart of Badami and is a great option for budget travelers.

What to Buy in Badami: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

When visiting Badami, there are several souvenirs and local products you can bring back home as a reminder of your trip. Here are a few options:

  • Sandalwood Products: Karnataka is known for its sandalwood, and you can find a variety of products made from sandalwood, including incense sticks and essential oils.
  • Spices: As mentioned before, Karnataka is famous for its spices, so be sure to stop by a local market to pick up some spices to bring back home.
  • Pattadakal Style Silk Sarees: Pattadakal is a nearby town known for its silk sarees, so consider buying one of these as a souvenir.

Local Culture and Customs of Badami

Badami has a rich cultural heritage that’s worth experiencing during your trip. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

  • Dress Modestly: Badami is a conservative town, so it’s best to dress modestly in public.
  • Respect Local Customs: Be respectful of local customs and traditions, especially when visiting religious sites.
  • Bargain: When shopping for souvenirs, bargaining is expected, so be prepared to negotiate prices.

Best Time to Visit Badami

The best time to visit Badami is between October and February, when the weather is cool and pleasant. Summers can be hot and humid, while monsoons can make it difficult to explore the outdoors.

Do’s and Don’ts of Badami

Do:

  • Visit the Badami Cave Temples for a glimpse into ancient Indian architecture.
  • Try the local cuisine and beverages.
  • Take a guided heritage walk to learn more about the town’s history.

Don’t:

  • Wear revealing clothing in public.
  • Take photographs of locals without their permission.
  • Damage or deface any historical or religious structures.

Safety and Health

Safety in Badami

Badami is a relatively safe town, but it’s always important to take precautions when traveling. Here are a few safety tips:

  • Take care of your belongings, especially in crowded areas.
  • Be mindful of pickpockets and scams.
  • Avoid walking alone at night, especially in deserted areas.

Health in Badami

While Badami is generally safe for travelers, it’s always a good idea to take precautions to protect your health. Here are a few tips:

  • Stay hydrated and bring plenty of water bottles, especially during the summer months.
  • Use insect repellent to avoid mosquito bites.
  • Be careful when eating street food and make sure it’s cooked thoroughly.

Getting to Badami: Transportation Options and Logistics

Badami is located about 500 kilometers from Bangalore, the closest major city. Here are a few transportation options to get to Badami:

Airports Near Badami

The closest airport to Badami is Hubli Airport, which is located about 100 kilometers away. You can also fly into Bangalore International Airport, which is about 450 kilometers away.

Bus Stations Near Badami

Badami has a bus station that’s well-connected to nearby towns and cities. You can also take a bus from Bangalore or Hubli to reach Badami.

Other Options

You can also hire a private car or take a taxi to get to Badami. This is a great option if you’re traveling with a group or have a lot of luggage.

How to Get Around in Badami

Badami is a small town that’s easy to navigate on foot. However, if you want to explore the surroundings, you can take a taxi, hire a bike, or take a local bus.

Where to Go Next from Badami: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Badami is located in a region that’s rich in history and natural beauty. Here are a few destinations you can explore after visiting Badami:

  • Hampi: This ancient town is known for its temples, boulders, and stunning landscapes.
  • Aihole: This town is known for its ancient temples, including the Durga Temple and Lad Khan Temple.
  • Bijapur: This town is known for its Islamic architecture, including the famous Gol Gumbaz mausoleum.

Conclusion

Badami is a destination that offers a little something for everyone, whether you’re interested in history, scenic beauty, or outdoor adventures. With this comprehensive travel guide, you’re ready to plan your trip to Badami and experience everything this town has to offer. Remember to respect local customs and traditions, and have a great trip!

Bhutanatha group of temples facing the Agasythya Tank Bhutanatha group of temples facing the Agasythya Tank View of Agasthya Tank from Caves View of Agasthya Tank from Caves Badami Caves Badami Caves Maha Vishnu Maha Vishnu