One time capital of the Chalukyas, Badami is renown throughout the world for its exquisite rock cut cave temples. Tracing its origin back to 6th & 7th century, the cave temples of badami are an excellent exmaple of ancient Indian architecture. Once known as Vatapi, Badami was founded by Pulakeshi I (535 - 566 AD), whoce son Kirtivarman, the Ist (567 - 598 AD), enhaced the beauty of the town by raising numerous temples & other buildings around.

This group of four cave temples have been scooped out of the hill just opposite Badami fort. The credit of the completion of these cave temple goes to the Chalukyan king, Mangalesa (598-610)AD). Out of the four caves, three are dedicated to the Hindu deities, while the fourth is associated with Jainism. To reach the caves, one has to climb nearly 2000 steps.

Cave I - Cave I is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The important carvings in this cave are an 18-armed dancing Shiva, a two-handed Ganesha, Mahishasura Mardini, Ardha Nareeshwara & Shankarnarayana. The ceiling is beautified by a serpent motif & other carved figures, which are just awesome.

Cave II - This cave is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The cave influenced with panels of Trivikrama & Bhuvaraha displays carvings of Anantasayana, Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva & other Ashtadikpalas on its ceilings.

Cave III - Cave III is the largest & the best of the lot. This cave has carvings depicting to both Shaivite & Vaishnavite themes. Panels of Trivikrama, Narasimha, Shankaranarayana, Bhuvaraha, Anantasayana & Harihara are engraved in a lively style. From an inscription it is known that the shrine was created by Mangalesha in 578 AD. The finely carved bracket figures on the pillars of this cave are exceptionaly brilliant.

Cave IV - The Cave IV is dedicated to Jain Tirthankaras. There is an image of Mahavira adorning the sanctum. Other carvings here are of Padmavathi & other Tirthankaras.