Badami, Aihole & Pattadakal travel guide

Things to do in Badami, Aihole & Pattadakal

1. Badami Cave Temples

   2 h · ₹25 entry

   The Badami Cave Temples are a complex of four 6th-century rock-cut cave temples in Karnataka. Cut into a soft sandstone hill, they feature impressive Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain architecture and sculptures, including the famous carving of dancing Shiva as Nataraja.

   Tip: Watch out for the resident monkeys around the temple complex and keep your belongings secure

2. Agastya Lake & Bhutanatha Temples

   1 h · Free

   Agastya Lake and the Bhutanatha temples form a serene lakeside complex in Badami featuring Hindu shrines built between the 7th and 12th centuries. The site showcases a mix of Dravida and Nagara architectural styles created by the Badami and Kalyani Chalukyas.

   Tip: Walk along the rocky shoreline paths to view the shrines from different angles

3. Badami North Fort

   2 h · Free

   Badami North Fort is an ancient hilltop citadel where you climb through a narrow rock cleft to reach the ruins. It offers a fascinating glimpse into the region's rich history alongside views of the town below.

   Tip: Wear comfortable footwear with good grip as the rock surface can be uneven and steep.

4. Pattadakal Group

   2 h · ₹40 entry

   Pattadakal Group is a complex of seventh and eighth century Hindu and Jain temples located on the west bank of the Malaprabha River. This UNESCO World Heritage Site features a harmonious blend of northern and southern Indian architectural forms. Managed by the Archaeological Survey of India, the site includes intricate temples like the Virupaksha and Papanatha.

   Tip: Hire a local guide near the entrance to understand the stories carved on the temple walls.

5. Aihole Temples

   2 h · ₹25 entry

   Aihole Temples is a historic site featuring the iconic Durga temple and over 100 early Hindu, Jain and Buddhist temples. Located in Karnataka, this archaeological site dates from the sixth through the twelfth century CE and served as the cradle of early temple architecture experimentation.

   Tip: Wear comfortable footwear as you will be walking across a large archaeological area to explore different temples.

6. Banashankari Temple

   45 min · Free

   Banashankari Temple is a busy Hindu shrine located at Cholachagudda near Badami featuring a sacred temple tank. Originally built by the seventh-century Badami Chalukya kings, the shrine is dedicated to goddess Banashankari, an incarnation of Parvati.

   Tip: Look out for the statues of Bhima, Bhramari, Shatakshi and Ganesha located within the temple complex

Where to stay in Badami, Aihole & Pattadakal

• Badami town

  ₹800–2,000

  Simple hotels near the caves.

• KSTDC & heritage resorts

  ₹2,500–6,000

  Comfortable stays on the edge of town.

What to eat

• Jolada rotti & ennegai

  local dish · veg

  North Karnataka thali with stuffed brinjal.

• Girmit

  street food · veg

  Spicy puffed-rice snack.