Sep 14, 2015 03:42 PM
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Badami city was the capital of the early Chalukyas. Ancient Badami was known as Vatapi. Legend has it that it was named after the demon Vatapi who was slain by Agastya muni and the twin hills in Badami represent Vatapi and his demon brother Ilavalan. Badami is famous for its rock cut temples. These temples with their magnificent architecture and sculptures really make a visit to Badami worth it.
Badami was the ancient capital of the early Chalukyas who ruled most of Karnataka and the adjoining Andhra Pradesh between the 6th and 8th century. The famous Badami Rock-Cut Temples were carved mainly within this period. Badami witnessed a major power struggle between the Pallavas, Chalukyas and the Rashtrakutas, in the period between the 7th and 12th century. It was later occupied by the Vijaynagar Empire, the Adil Shahis, the Savanur Nawabs, the Marathas and Hyder Ali before the British included it in the Bombay Presidensy.
For Badami, the nearest domestic airport is Belgaum(190 km) and the closest international airports are Hyderabad(413 km) and Bangalore(460 km). Taxis and bus services are available to the cities from these airports.
