Badami Cave Temples
About
Exploring the Badami Cave Temples is one of the essential things to do in Badami karnataka. These four rock-cut temples, carved into the sandstone cliff above the Agastya Tirtha tank, date from the 6th and 7th centuries. Each Badami Karnataka temple is unique: Cave 1 (578 CE) is dedicated to Shiva, with an 18-armed dancing Shiva. Cave 2 is Vishnu-focused with a remarkable relief of Vishnu as Trivikrama. Cave 3 (578 CE) is the largest and most ornate, with a massive Vishnu on Shesha. Cave 4 is Jain, dedicated to the Tirthankaras. All four show the early Chalukya synthesis of north and south Indian architectural styles.
Highlights
What makes this place special
Cave 1 Dancing Shiva
A 6th-century 18-armed Nataraja — one of the earliest surviving depictions of Shiva’s cosmic dance, a must-see sculpture in Badami karnataka.
Cave 3 Vishnu on Shesha
A monumental relief of Vishnu reclining on the serpent Shesha — a masterpiece of early Chalukyan sculpture found within this Badami Karnataka temple complex.
Things to Know
- •Open 9 AM to 5:30 PM
- •Entry ₹25 for Indians, ₹300 for foreigners
- •Steep climb
- •Carry water
- •Allow 3 hours
