Bangalore to Badami: distance, travel time and trip plan

About Badami

Badami was the capital of the early Chalukya kings in the sixth to eighth centuries. Its main attraction is a set of cave temples carved into red sandstone cliffs, with detailed sculpture, above the Agastya lake. The town has a quiet, small-town feel.

Two other early Chalukya sites lie nearby. Pattadakal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is about 20 km away, and Aihole, with many early temples, is about 35 km away. Together they make a full heritage trip, and summers are very hot, so the cooler months are better.

Things to do in Badami

• Badami cave temples
• Agastya lake and the Bhutanatha temples
• Badami fort and the hilltop views
• Pattadakal temples, a UNESCO site
• Aihole’s early temples

Who Badami suits

History and architecture lovers, photographers and travellers who combine this trip with Hampi.

Getting to Badami from Bengaluru

Badami has its own railway station, with trains linking it to Bengaluru and Hubballi. Driving from Bengaluru takes eight to ten hours. Many travellers stop at Chitradurga or Hampi on the way.

A sample Badami trip from Bangalore

Day one: arrive by afternoon and walk around the lake and the Bhutanatha temples. Day two: the cave temples in the morning, then Pattadakal and Aihole by car. Day three: start back, with a stop at Hampi if time allows.

Planning tips for Badami

• Visit the caves early or late in the day to avoid the heat.
• Wear shoes with good grip on the steps up to the caves.
• Hire a local guide at Pattadakal to understand the sculptures.

Stays and planning

Tell us your dates, group size and budget range and we shortlist stays in and around Badami, then confirm availability and the final price before anything is booked. Request a quote for Badami.