About Badami Cave Temples
The Badami Cave Temples are a group of four shrines cut directly into the red sandstone cliff that rises above Agastya Tirtha lake in Badami, Bagalkot district, northern Karnataka. Badami was once Vatapi, the capital of the early Chalukya kings, and these caves are among the oldest surviving Hindu temples of the Deccan. Three caves are Hindu, honouring Shiva and Vishnu, and the fourth is Jain. Together with nearby Aihole and Pattadakal, they show how temple building in this river valley shaped later temple design across South India.
The caves are numbered in the order in which they are thought to have been carved, from the late 6th century onwards. Cave 3, the largest and finest, carries an inscription of the Chalukya king Mangalesha dated to 578 CE, one of the earliest dated records of a Hindu cave temple. Tradition links the town with the sage Agastya, who is said to have defeated the demons Vatapi and Ilvala here, and the lake still bears his name. The site later saw rule by the Rashtrakutas and other dynasties, and the surrounding hills carry forts from several periods.
A flight of steps climbs the cliff face from one cave to the next. Cave 1 is famous for an eighteen-armed dancing Shiva, along with Ardhanarishvara and Harihara. Cave 2 is devoted to Vishnu, with large panels of Varaha and Trivikrama. Cave 3, high on the hill, has a deep pillared verandah with carved brackets and traces of old ceiling painting, and grand images of Vishnu seated on the serpent Ananta, Narasimha, Varaha and Harihara. Cave 4, a little lower, shows Jain Tirthankaras, including Parshvanatha and Bahubali. From the upper caves there are wide views of the lake, the old town and the temples on its far shore.
Badami Cave Temples timings
Usually open from sunrise to sunset as an ASI monument. Times may vary; check locally before visiting.
Timings change on festivals, eclipses and special days. Please confirm locally before you travel.
How to reach Badami Cave Temples
By air
Hubballi Airport is the nearest, about 105 km away; Belagavi Airport is about 150 km away.
By train
Badami railway station is about 5 km from the caves, on the Hubballi–Solapur line.
By road
Badami is well connected by bus to Bagalkot, Hubballi and Bijapur (Vijayapura). Autos and taxis run from the town to the caves, and many visitors combine Badami with Aihole and Pattadakal by road.
Festivals at Badami Cave Temples
- Banashankari Jatre (at nearby Banashankari temple)Jan/Feb
- Chalukya Utsav (held in some years)Jan/Feb
- Maha ShivaratriFeb/Mar
Visitor tips
- Dress code
- No formal dress code at the protected site, but modest clothing is respectful; comfortable shoes help on the steps.
- Entry
- ASI entry ticket (separate rates for Indian and foreign visitors). Regular worship is not conducted in the caves.
- Start early in the day; the climb between caves gets hot by noon, especially from March to June.
- Watch your belongings, as monkeys are common around the caves.
- Wear shoes with a good grip for the stone steps.
- Plan a full day to see Badami with Aihole and Pattadakal, or stay overnight in Badami.
- Hire an authorised guide at the gate if you want the carvings explained in detail.
Places to visit near Badami Cave Temples
- Bhutanatha Group of TemplesEarly Chalukya temples on the shore of Agastya lake, about 1 km away
- Badami Fort (North Fort)Hilltop fort and early temples across the lake, about 1 km away
- Banashankari TemplePopular goddess temple at Cholachagudda, about 5 km away
- PattadakalUNESCO World Heritage temple complex, about 22 km away
Frequently asked questions
What are the Badami Cave Temples timings?
The caves are usually open from sunrise to sunset. Check locally before visiting, as times can change.
How many caves are there at Badami?
There are four main caves: three Hindu caves dedicated to Shiva and Vishnu, and one Jain cave.
Who built the Badami caves?
They were carved under the early Chalukya kings of Vatapi from the late 6th century; Cave 3 has an inscription of King Mangalesha dated 578 CE.
How to reach Badami?
Badami has its own railway station about 5 km from the caves, and Hubballi Airport is about 105 km away. Buses link Badami with Hubballi, Bagalkot and Vijayapura.
Is there an entry fee at Badami caves?
Yes, an ASI entry ticket is needed, with separate rates for Indian and foreign visitors.
Is there a dress code at Badami Cave Temples?
No formal dress code at the protected site, but modest clothing is respectful; comfortable shoes help on the steps.
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