The Badami Caves truly are a lesser-known treasure of South India, celebrated for their exquisite rock-cut architecture and rich historical importance. Although they may not enjoy the same renown as other South Indian landmarks, they provide a distinctive and rewarding experience.

The Badami Cave Temples, a complex of Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain sanctuaries, are located in Badami, a town in the Bagalkot district of northern Karnataka, India. These caves are significant as they showcase Indian rock-cut architecture, particularly that of the Badami Chalukya style, dating back to the 6th century. Formerly known as "Vatapi," Badami was the capital of the early Chalukya dynasty, which dominated Karnataka from the 6th to the 8th centuries. Badami is positioned on the west bank of an artificial lake, encircled by an earthen wall with stone steps, and flanked by forts from the Early Chalukya period and later times to the north and south.

These temples are among the earliest Hindu temples in the Deccan region. Together with the temples at Aihole, they turned the Mallaprabha River valley into a hub of temple architecture, influencing the design of later Hindu temples across India.

The four caves, carved into the hill's escarpment in soft Badami sandstone to the southeast of the town, each have distinct features. Cave 1 houses various Hindu deities and themes, including a prominent depiction of Shiva as Nataraja. Cave 2, similar in layout to Cave 1, contains Hindu imagery such as Hari Hara, Ardhanarishvara, Mahishasuramardini, Dwi Bahu Ganesha, and Skanda, with an antechamber housing a grand Nataraja sculpture. The highlight of Cave 2 is the relief of Vishnu as Trivikrama. Cave 3, the largest, showcases Vishnu in various forms: as Ananta, Varaha with Bhudevi, Harihara, Narasimha, Trivikrama, and Virata. This cave's carvings represent a mature stage of ancient Karnataka art. Cave 4 is dedicated to Jain figures. Beyond these, Badami has additional caves, including a possible Buddhist cave, near the lake.

The cave temples in Badami, numbered 1 to 4 according to their chronological creation, are significant historical structures from the late 6th century. Cave 3, dedicated to Vishnu, is the only one with a precise date, established by an inscription that credits Mangalesha with its creation in Saka year 500 (578/579 CE). Written in ancient Kannada, this inscription has been pivotal in dating these rock-cut temples to the 6th century, making Cave 3 the oldest Hindu cave temple in India with a definitive date.

The Badami Cave complex is a candidate for UNESCO World Heritage Site status, under the title "Evolution of Temple Architecture – Aihole-Badami-Pattadakal," located in the Malaprabha river valley, a site of seminal temple architecture. The artwork in Caves 1 and 2 reflects the northern Deccan style of the 6th and 7th centuries. Cave 3 embodies a confluence of two ancient Indian artistic traditions: the northern Nagara and the southern Dravida styles. It also features Vesara style icons and reliefs, yantra-chakra motifs, and some of Karnataka's earliest colored fresco paintings. The first three caves are adorned with sculptures of Hindu deities and legends, predominantly Shiva and Vishnu, while Cave 4 is dedicated to Jain figures and themes.

BADAMI CAVES

To reach the Badami Caves in Karnataka, India, you can follow these steps:

1. By Air:

- Nearest Airport: Belagavi (Belgaum), approximately 100 kilometers from Badami. Flights connect here from major cities like Bangalore, Mumbai, and Hyderabad.

- From Belagavi Airport: Hire a taxi or catch a bus to Badami.

2. By Train:

- Nearest Railway Station: Badami, which is well-connected to various cities.

- From Badami Railway Station: Take an auto-rickshaw or taxi to the caves.

3. By Road:

- From Bangalore: Roughly 500 kilometers to Badami, with an 8-10 hour drive or bus ride.

- From Hubli: About 130 kilometers away, offering a shorter and more convenient route.

- Bus Services: KSRTC buses run from Bangalore, Hubli, and other towns to Badami.

4. Local Transport:

- In Badami: Auto-rickshaws and taxis are available for local travel to the caves.

Tips:

- Timetables: Check and book train or bus tickets in advance.

- Weather: Visit from October to March to avoid extreme temperatures.

- Cave Visit: Wear comfortable footwear and bring water for the walk to the caves.