I still remember the moment I first looked down from a cave mouth and saw Badami spread out below — a green-blue lake hugged by red sandstone cliffs, tiny temples peeking out of the rocks, and a slow town that seemed untouched by hurry. If you love history, rock-cut architecture, and quiet mornings watching water glitter, this place will surprise you. It’s one of those places that stays with you long after you leave.
Below I’ve written a full, easy-to-follow guide based on how I explored this magical place: how to reach it from Delhi, the best time to visit, the must-see places in and around the town (with short intros), where to stay and eat, and a practical Delhi → Badami itinerary you can follow.
Table of Contents
How to reach Badami from Delhi — options I used and saw
There are two sensible ways to reach Badami from Delhi — by air plus road, or by train. Flying is faster and more comfortable if you have limited time; the train is slower but cheaper and gives you a fuller India-on-the-road experience.
The quickest route I took was to fly from Delhi to Hubli (Hubballi) Airport, then take a taxi or bus to Badami. Hubli is the closest airport to Badami (around 100–110 km by road), and from there the drive to Badami takes roughly 2–3 hours depending on the vehicle and traffic. If flights are available and timed well, this saves you a lot of transit time.
If you prefer trains, Badami has its own small railway station (station code BDM), which connects to nearby railway hubs. Some long-distance trains stop at stations close to Badami, or you can get down at Hubli / Bagalkot and take a short taxi or bus. Trains are slower from Delhi — expect a long overnight journey — but they can be an adventure if you’re not in a rush.
A third option: fly to Belgaum (Belagavi) if flight schedules suit you better. From Belgaum the surface journey to Badami is longer than from Hubli but still manageable. In short — fly to Hubli or Belgaum, then road to Badami; or take a train overnight directly into the Badami/Hubli region.
Best time to visit Badami
From my experience and from the locals I met, the best time to visit Badami is the cool, dry season — roughly October to March. The days are pleasant for walking the rock-cut caves and exploring the cliff edges, and the early mornings and evenings have beautiful light that makes the sandstone glow. November to February is especially comfortable. Monsoon (July–September) can be green and atmospheric but sometimes slippery on the rock paths; summers (April–June) are hot and not ideal for long walks.
What to see in Badami — places I loved
1. Badami Cave Temples
These are the heart of Badami. Carved directly into the cliff face between the 6th and 8th centuries, the cave temples show masterful Chalukyan stone carving and large statues of Hindu deities. Each cave has its own feel — some are grand and open, others are more intimate. Walking inside them felt like stepping into a very old story.
2. Agastya Lake and the temple steps
Agastya Lake sits below the cliffs and gives Badami its calm center. The stepped ghats and the small temples at the water’s edge make for a peaceful evening walk. On a hot day, sitting by the lake and watching locals and pilgrims come and go was one of my favorite slow moments.
Also Read: Kalpa – The most beautiful village of Himachal
3. Bhutanatha Group of Temples
On the shore of Agastya Lake are the Bhutanatha temples — a small cluster of stone shrines with lovely carvings and simple, quiet courtyards. They make a perfect stop between the caves and the lake view.
4. Badami Fort and cliff viewpoints
Climb up to the fort and the higher viewpoints for dramatic panoramic views of the town, the lake, and the red cliffs dotted with caves. The walk up is a mix of steps and easy hiking; the view at the top is a great reward.
5. Archaeological Museum (Badami Museum)
If you want context for the sculptures and carvings you see at the caves, this small museum keeps rescued sculptures, inscriptions, and helpful displays that explain the region’s history.
Nearby places worth a day trip (short intros)
Aihole — the cradle of Chalukya architecture (about 35–40 km)
Aihole is a compact village of ancient temples — the place where many early experiments in South Indian temple architecture happened. There are more than a hundred temples in various states of preservation, and each one reveals a different idea of shape and decoration. It’s like a concentrated open-air museum. (Allow 2–3 hours or half a day.)
Pattadakal — UNESCO World Heritage (about 22–25 km)
Pattadakal is a short drive from Badami and is a stunning complex of temples where you can see a mix of northern and southern Indian styles side by side. It’s a must-visit for anyone who loves temple architecture and photography. Spend half a day exploring the main complex.
Both Aihole and Pattadakal are easy day trips from Badami and together make the region feel like a living chapter of Indian temple history.
Where to stay near Badami — real options I found and tried
Badami has a friendly range of places to stay to suit budgets and tastes. I preferred places that kept me close to the caves but also had peace to rest.
If you want comfort and reliable service, consider Clarks Inn or Sterling Banashree Badami — both felt like safe, comfortable choices with decent amenities. For a local, charming stay, The Heritage Resort or Mavi Retreat offers a quieter, resort-style vibe a little away from the town. If you prefer a homestay, there are neat guesthouses like Cave View Homestay or local lodges close to the caves that give you a warm, personal welcome. There are also government-run options such as KSTDC Hotel Mayura Chalukya for a straightforward, clean stay. I stayed in a small family-run hotel and loved chatting with locals at the end of the day.
Budget tip: If you’re traveling in peak season (winter months), book ahead — the best places fill up because the town isn’t huge.
Where to eat — honest local eats and simple restaurants
Food in Badami is simple, hearty, and influenced by North Karnataka tastes — think milder curries, jowar/ragi-based dishes, dosas, and fresh local produce. I enjoyed both small local eateries and a few multi-cuisine restaurants for variety.
Some popular choices locals and travelers recommended: Golden Caves Cuisine, The Bridge Restaurant, Banashree, Pakwan Restaurant, and small family places like Hotel Paradise Family Restaurant. Try local specialties when you can, and don’t miss a simple filter coffee or evening chai by the lake. The town has enough options for every budget — from inexpensive local thali meals to multi-cuisine restaurants with a wider menu.
5-day Delhi → Badami itinerary (comfortable pace)
Day 1 — Travel and arrive
Morning: Fly Delhi → Hubli (if you can get a good timing). Afternoon: Taxi/drive Hubli → Badami (2–3 hours). Evening: Check into your hotel, walk to Agastya Lake to relax and watch sunset.
Day 2 — Badami core
Morning: Start early and visit the Badami Cave Temples to avoid heat and crowds. Mid-morning: Walk to the Bhutanatha temples and stroll the lake. Afternoon: Visit the Archaeological Museum and relax at your hotel. Evening: Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant and rest.
Day 3 — Aihole & Pattadakal day trip
Full day: Drive to Aihole in the morning (explore several temples), then go to Pattadakal to see the UNESCO temple complex. Return to Badami for evening rest.
Day 4 — Fort and neighborhoods
Morning: Hike up to the Badami Fort and cliff viewpoints. Afternoon: Explore small alleys, local shops, or take a short village drive. Evening: Last walk by Agastya Lake and a relaxed dinner.
Day 5 — Return to Delhi
If flying: Drive to Hubli airport early for your flight back to Delhi. If taking train: board from Badami railway station (BDM) for an overnight route to your onward connection.
If you prefer a slower trip, add an extra night to soak in evenings by the lake, or spend a night near Pattadakal for a sunrise visit.
Final tips from my trip
- Carry comfortable footwear — many sites involve steps and uneven rock.
- Start temple visits early in the morning for cooler temperatures and softer light for photos.
- Respect local customs: these are living temples and sometimes active prayer spaces.
- Carry water and a hat; the region can be surprisingly hot outside winter months.
- If you want official context, the local museum and signs at temple sites are worth a quick read.
Badami is not a flashy, tourist-packed spot. It’s quiet, powerful, and honest — a place you go to slow down and listen to stones and water tell a story. If you love architecture, history, and slow travel, I promise Badami will reward you with memories that keep returning like the gentle ripple on Agastya Lake.
