Badami
Morning after breakfast excursion around Badami. Overnight stay at hotel.
Badami or Vatapi was the center of ancient Chalukyan glory. It was home to several rock-cut temples and structural temples. Historically, Vatapi suffered defeat at the hands of the Pallava king Narasimhavarman Pallavan (Mamalla after whom Mamallapuram is named) and his general Sirutonda Nayanar in the year 642 CE. Twelve years later, the Chalukyas recaptured Vatapi and led a successful attack on Kanchipuram the capital of Pallavas.
Cave Temples: The cave temples perched atop a flight of 200 steps, the temple complex consists of four ancient rock-cut caves replete with carved pillars and bracket figures. Of the four temples, three are Brahmanical temples while the fourth one is a Jain cave. The third cave temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu, stands out among the lot for its sheer size and sculptural elegance.
Badami Fort: An uneven, steep and winding flight of steps between caves 2 and 3 lead to the imposing Badami fort. Within the ramparts of the fort, nestle a large granary, an underground chamber which must have served as a treasury or private audience hall and many other architectural marvels. The fort, whose chief attraction is the Tipu's cannon, also houses a carved temple raised on top of the northern end of the hill.
Bhoothanatha and Malegitti Temples: The Bhoothanatha temple houses an 18-armed Shiva, Ganesh, Mahishamardini Durga, Varaha and Nrisingha. The pillared hallway is ornamented with exquisite artwork. The Malegitti Visalia Temple (late 7th century) is another major attraction of Badami.
