Badami, the erstwhile capital of
Chalukyas, is situated about 30 km from
Bagalkot, in
Bagalkot District of
Karnataka. Formerly known as Vatapi, the city was founded in AD 543 by Pulkeshin I. This ancient city was referred in history as ‘Vatapiadhishtana’. Badami is picturesquely situated at the mouth of a ravine between two rocky hills.
During the 8th century, the Chalukyan Empire was overthrown by the Rashtrakutas and in the next few hundred years the region saw anarchy, chaos and destruction.
Badami is famous for the Badami Cave Temples, a group of four cave temples hewn out of sand stone on the precipice of a hill. Besides the rock-cut temples, the town is also dotted with several other temples. Other tourist attractions include the sacred Agastyatirtha Tank, Archaeological Museum, Sculpture Gallery, Badami Fort, Bhutanatha Temples and Jambulinga Temple.
The nearest airport is at Belgaum (190 km). Badami Railway Station is a major railhead of South Western Railways. Badami Central Bus Station is situated close to the railway station.
