Badami Cave Temples

I recently visited the Badami Cave Temples and had a great time exploring them. The temples are carved into the rocks and have some really cool ancient sculptures of Hindu gods and Jain figures. It’s pretty impressive how detailed the carvings are. The climb up to the caves is a bit tough, especially in the heat, but once you get to the top, the views of the town and surrounding area are amazing. The temples are mostly well-kept, but you can tell they’ve aged, which adds to their charm. It’s definitely worth a visit if you’re interested in history or just love beautiful, peaceful places.

These are a complex of Buddhist, Hindu and Jain cave temples located in Badami. The caves are important examples of Indian rock-cut architecture, especially Badami Chalukya architecture, and the earliest date from the 6th century. There are about 4 caves in all. One of them near the car park is easier to access. Watch for lots of monkeys who are daring at times in pinching food from visitors. Popular place, need to go early. Uneven terrain, lot of walking. Toilets available. Wear comfy shoes, take water, wear hat, sunscreen. Very humid and hot at by noon. Fee charged for entry. Higher fees for foreigners. Parking is hard to find.

A must-visit place if you’re interested in history and architecture. The Badami Caves are beautifully carved and have stood the test of time – it’s truly impressive to see how well they’ve been preserved. There’s a small entry fee, and you’ll need to climb a series of steps to explore the site, so be prepared for a bit of a walk. It typically takes around 1 to 2 hours to cover, depending on your pace. There’s ample parking space for cars, and the area isn’t overly crowded, which makes for a pleasant visit. One thing to be cautious about – there are a lot of monkeys around. Avoid carrying food or even bags, as the monkeys tend to grab anything they find interesting. If you’re keen to learn more, official guides are available. We had Ms. Mridula as our guide – she explained everything in detail and even helped us take some great pictures. Guides usually charge between ₹800 to ₹1000. There are plenty of scenic spots for photography, so if you're into taking pictures, you won’t be disappointed. Overall, a great place to explore and soak in some history.

Badami Cave Temples are a true marvel of ancient Indian rock-cut architecture. The intricate carvings of deities like Shiva, Vishnu, and Jain figures are impressive and well-preserved. The sandstone cliffs, views over Agastya Lake, and peaceful surroundings make it a great experience. A bit of climbing involved, so wear comfortable shoes. Ideal for history, art, and culture lovers—don’t miss it if you’re in Badami!

We visited Badami Cave Temples over the weekend, primarily to witness the sunrise, and it turned out to be an unforgettable experience. Being from the Malnad region, where the climate is much cooler, the heat here was quite intense during the day. That’s why I highly recommend visiting either early in the morning for sunrise or in the evening for sunset, as the temperatures are more bearable, and the views are spectacular. We entered through the museum gate, which led us to explore each temple one by one. The intricate carvings, the historical significance, and the rock-cut architecture left us in awe. Every cave has its own unique charm, showcasing the brilliance of ancient craftsmanship. The sculptures of Hindu deities, the detailed inscriptions, and the overall structure make this place a must-visit for history and architecture lovers. The highlight of our visit was undoubtedly reaching the top. The view from there was breathtaking! Watching the sun rise over the rugged landscape was truly magical. The golden light reflecting on the red sandstone cliffs created a surreal atmosphere. Even now, that sunrise picture is fresh in my mind. However, I’d suggest carrying water and wearing comfortable shoes, as the climb can be tiring, especially in the heat. Also, it's better to visit early to avoid the crowds and enjoy the tranquility of the place. Overall, Badami Cave Temples are a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts, nature lovers, and anyone who enjoys breathtaking views.

The place is beautiful and the rock cuts were beyond imagination. The caves are poorly maintained and it smells bat shit. There is no ticket required for entry and the parking could be a challenge. Visiting early to skip the crowd.

Absolutely breathtaking!** I visited the Badami Cave Temples today and the experience was unforgettable. The rock-cut architecture is truly awe-inspiring — each cave has intricate carvings that reflect the rich history and artistic brilliance of ancient India. The Shiva Nataraja in Cave 1 and the various Vishnu avatars are stunning. The Jain cave at the end offers a peaceful vibe, adding to the spiritual essence of the place. The entire area is clean, well-maintained, and offers beautiful views of the town and lake below. I especially loved the way the sunlight hit the red sandstone during sunset — magical! If you're someone who appreciates art, culture, history, or just wants to experience something unique, this is a must-visit. Proud to have such heritage in Karnataka!"

World famous cave temples carved out of natural rocks is a magnificent sight to see as the temples sit majestically over a vast area. Like other heritage sites, this place holds a special place. Quite a bit of climbing and going round is involved and it is worth the effort for one will get to see the wonders and the Beauty the temples hold