Formerly known as Vatapi, is a taluk in the Bagalkot district. It was the regal capital of the Badami Chalukyas from 540 to 757 AD. It is famous for rock cut and other structural temples. It is located in a ravine at the foot of a rugged, red sandstone outcrop that surrounds the Agastya lake. The nearest airport is Belgaum about 150 kilometers away. It is on the Hubli - Sholapur rail route, and the rail station is 5 kilometers from the town. It is also connected by road to Hubli (150 kms) and Bijapur. Best time to visit October-Febraury.
Bahubali
In the cave temples of Badami there is a 7 feet 8 inch statue of Bahubali sculpted during the 7th century. According to archeological records, this is the oldest. The statue, placed on a lotus seat has locks of hair down to the shoulders. The shoulders and legs are surrounded by the leaf branches with snakes coming out of anthills. On either sides of Bahubali there are statues of his sisters Brahmi and Soundari clearing the leaf branches surrounding him.
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