Exploring the Ancient Wonder - Badami in 2 Days

1. Day 1: Cave Temples of Badami
   Starting Point: Badami railway station
   Duration from last stop: 5 minutes
   Distance from last stop: 1.5 km

   The cave temples of Badami are a UNESCO World Heritage Site that dates back to the 6th and 7th centuries. The caves are carved out of sandstone cliffs and have intricate rock-cut sculptures and carvings. The four different caves are dedicated to different Hindu deities, and the fifth cave is a Jain temple. The temples are a great example of Badami's ancient architecture and rich cultural heritage.

2. Day 1: Badami Fort
   Starting Point: Cave Temples
   Duration from last stop: 30 minutes
   Distance from last stop: 1 km

   The Badami Fort was built in the 6th century AD by the Chalukya dynasty. The fort is perched on top of a hill, overlooking the town of Badami. It is surrounded by a moat and three layers of walls, with impressive gates that are adorned with beautiful sculptures. There are many temples inside the fort complex, including the famous Bhutanatha group of temples. The views from the fort are breathtaking.

3. Day 1: Agastya Lake
   Starting Point: Badami Fort
   Duration from last stop: 5 minutes
   Distance from last stop: 1.5 km

   The Agastya Lake is a serene man-made lake in the town of Badami. It is named after the sage Agastya, who is said to have meditated on its banks. There are many temples and shrines around the lake, and it is a popular spot for boating and picnicking. The lake is especially beautiful during sunset.

4. Day 2: Pattadakal Temples
   Starting Point: Hotel in Badami
   Duration from last stop: 22 minutes
   Distance from last stop: 20.8 km

   Pattadakal is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located about 22 km from Badami. It is a complex of temples built in the 8th century by the Chalukya dynasty. The temples here showcase a blend of North and South Indian architectural styles and have a mix of Hindu and Jain deities. The Virupaksha temple is the most famous and largest temple in Pattadakal.

5. Day 2: Aihole Archaeological Site
   Starting Point: Pattadakal Temples
   Duration from last stop: 23 minutes
   Distance from last stop: 13.2 km

   Aihole is a historical village located about 13 km from Pattadakal. It was the first capital of the Chalukya dynasty and has many ancient temples and monuments dating back to the 6th century. The Durga temple, Lad Khan temple, and Ravana Phadi cave temple are some of the must-visit temples in Aihole.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Entry fee for cave temples: INR 25 (1-2 hours)
• Entry fee for Badami Fort: INR 25 (1-2 hours)
• Boating charges at Agastya Lake: INR 50 (30 minutes)
• Entry fee for Pattadakal temples: INR 25 (2-3 hours)
• Entry fee for Aihole Archaeological Site: INR 10-30 (3-4 hours)
Total Estimated Costs: INR 185-235

Useful Tips

For those with more time, consider exploring nearby attractions like Banashankari Temple (6.8 km from Badami), Mahakuta Temple (12.5 km from Badami), and Kudalasangama (60 km from Badami).

For those with less time, consider skipping Aihole and spending more time at Pattadakal or exploring more of Badami's attractions.