Introducing Badami
Looking at the scuffy village today, it’s difficult to believe that Badami was once the capital of the Chalukya empire, which covered much of the central Deccan between the 4th and 8th centuries AD. However, climb up into the red sandstone ridge and explore the magnificent rock-cut cave temples surrounding the village, and you’ll find ample evidence of Badami’s former status.
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Nearby Aihole hosted the earliest Chalukya capital; later the site was moved to Badami, with a secondary capital in Pattadakal. The result of this relocation is that the whole area around Badami is liberally scattered with ancient temples. Badami is the best base for taking in all these sites; a day or two should cover it.
Last updated: Oct 7, 2008
