Badami Excursion : Places nearby Badami - Karnatka

Places to visit nearby destination - Badami

Aihole

Along with Badami and Pattadakal, Aihole completes the third dimension of Chalukyan architectural centres. Situated some 129 km off Bijapur, the place had an important position during the rule of the Chalukyas. There are a number of richly carved Hindu temples constructed in the 6th and 7th centuries. Some of the important temples of Aihole are Lad Khan Temple, the Meguti Temple, and the Durga Temple. There is also a small museum run by the archaeological department that showcases objects found in Aihole, mostly of the Chalukyan era.

Banashankari

Situated some 50 km off Badami, the temple of Banashankari is dedicated to Banashankari or Shakambari, a form of Goddess Parvati. The original temple was built by the Chalukyas of Kalyan, but the present structure was built in the 17th century. The temple reflects the Dravidian style of architecture.

Mahakuta Temple

The Mahakuta Temple is situated around 14 km from Badami and is a well-known place of worship. The architecture of the temple has visible influence of both northern as well as southern styles.

Pattadakal

Pattadakal was the second capital of the mighty Chalukyans. It is a place which hosted most of the important state functions at that time. Along with Badami and Aihole, Pattadakal is also a centre of Chalukyan architectural extravaganza. There are many temples here, mostly dating back to 6th and 7th centuries AD. Some of the important temples are of the Virupaksha Temple, Mallikarjuna Temple, and the Papanatha Temple. Pattadakal is situated some 20 km from Badami.

The Naganath Temple

Around 10 km east of Badami on the way to Mahakuta, the Naganath Temple dates back to the Chalukyan times. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva.