Badami – Where Gods Abide in Caves

The emerald-green Agasthya Lake sparkles in the evening light, surrounded by a glowing sandstone outcrop that was once the capital of the Chalukya rulers. This town, which once answered to the name of Vatapi, was built back in the 6th century. Today we know it as Badami, and it is named after the ruddy colour of the rocky cliffs here.

Join LAKSHMI SHARATH on a visual tour of the spectacular rock-cut caves of Badami in Karnataka's Bagalkot district.

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The sun comes down, touching the cliff and lighting up some of the sculptures. I start walking back as many tourists are still posing for photographs against the pillared caves. The guides are loud and the monkeys are boisterous, grabbing water bottles and bags from the hands of the tourists. Yet, in that noisy moment, there is a certain peace that is inexplicable.
The sun comes down, touching the cliff and lighting up some of the sculptures. I start walking back as many tourists are still posing for photographs against the pillared caves. The guides are loud and the monkeys are boisterous, grabbing water bottles and bags from the hands of the tourists. Yet, in that noisy moment, there is a certain peace that is inexplicable.