Badami, Aihole and Pattadakal Chalukya Trail

A village of 11th and 12th century stone temples with deep carved step wells. Quiet and uncrowded.

A temple with three shrines facing a shared hall, known for its detailed carved pillars and ceiling.

Early Chalukya temples on the lake edge, with red cliffs behind. The light is best in the last hour before sunset, around 6:00 PM in December.

Four caves cut into red sandstone, for Shiva, Vishnu and the Jain faith. Cave 3 has the large Vishnu carvings. There are many steps, so wear grip shoes. Keep food away from the monkeys.

A group of early temples around a spring fed pond, on the road to Pattadakal. Quiet and peaceful.

A UNESCO World Heritage site beside the Malaprabha river, where northern and southern temple styles stand side by side. The Virupaksha temple is the largest.

The old Chalukya temple town, where temple building was tried out. See the Durga temple and the Lad Khan temple, and the small museum if time allows.

A busy temple of the goddess Banashankari, about 5 km from Badami, beside a large old water tank. Cover your shoulders and knees.