Badami Cave Temples
ಬಾದಾಮಿ ಗುಹಾಂತರ ದೇವಾಲಯಗಳು
Four rock-cut temples carved into red sandstone cliffs by the Chalukya dynasty in the 6th century, with fine reliefs of Shiva as Nataraja and Vishnu's incarnations, overlooking Agastya Lake.
The Badami cave temples were carved between the 6th and early 7th centuries under the Chalukya dynasty. Along the southern sandstone cliff, four caves rise from low to high. Cave 1 is dedicated to Shiva, with a relief of Shiva as the eighteen-armed Nataraja at its entrance. Cave 2 is dedicated to Vishnu and has images of his boar and dwarf incarnations. Cave 3 is the largest and most finely carved, completed in 578 CE, with colossal images including Vishnu reclining on the serpent and the man-lion incarnation, along with traces of painted ceilings. Cave 4 is a Jain cave, with carvings of Mahavira and Bahubali. Steps connect the caves at each level, and the higher you climb, the better the views over the lake and the North Fort opposite. Entry is about 25 rupees for Indian visitors and about 300 rupees for foreign visitors, and the site is open roughly 9:00–17:30. It is on the south side of town and walkable. Monkeys are plentiful, so keep an eye on your food and bags.
Opening hours
About 09:00–17:30
Nearby sights
- Agastya Lake
- Archaeological Museum, Badami
- Bhutanatha Group of Temples
- Badami North Fort & Upper Shivalaya
- Malegitti Shivalaya
- Sidlaphadi Cave
- Banashankari Temple
- Mahakuta Group of Temples