Dramatically situated within a horseshoe of red sandstone cliffs, overlooking the green waters of a large lake, this historic town was the capital of the powerful early Chalukya kings, who ruled the Deccan during the 6th – 7th centuries AD. Most of Badami’s temples are situated on the imposing cliff that lies north of the man-made Agastya Lake. The boulder-strewn landscape and large lake acted as natural defences of the site. Among the rock-cut and structural monuments, the most richly decorated are the cave temples, which are carved into the cliff on the southern side. Of these, Cave 1 is dedicated to Shiva. Caves 2 and 3 to Vishnu ad Cave 4 to Jain saints.
A short drive from Badami is Aihole and Pattadakkal. The sacred complex at Pattadakal is picturesquely situated on the banks of the Malprabha river. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, its superb 8th century temples are a fitting climax to the artistic achievements of the Chalukya kings. About 17 km downstream from Pattadakkal is the small dusty town of Aihole. Fortifications encircle much of the town. Within are ancient sandstone temples of varying types, some of which were used as dwellings and are named after their former inhabitants. The temples are associated with both the early and later Chalukya rulers of Badami, and date from the 6th – 11th centuries.
