One time capital of the Early Chalukyas, Badami is picturesque little town noted for its caves temples of the 6th & 7th century. The famous four cave temples of Badami are hewn out of sand stone on the face of a hill. All the four temples are a fine example of ancient Hindu cave temple architecture. The first cave temple house Lord Shiva's, the eighteen-armed Nataraja with striking 81 dance poses. The largest and most ornate is the third cave temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Overlooking the cave temples is an artificial lake dotted with temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva.

Located at the mouth of a ravine between two rocky hills, Badami in Karnataka was previously known as Vatapi, the foundations of which were laid by Pulakeshi I (535 - 566 AD) his son Kirtivarman, the Ist (567 - 598 AD), built beautiful temples & other buildings to add to the beauty of the place. Mangalesha (598 - 610 AD) brother of Kiritavarman I completed the construction of the cave temples & bestowed the temples with the village on the occasion of the installation of the image of Vishnu. The greatest ruler of the dynasty was Pulakeshi II (610-642 AD) who among others defeated the Pallava King Mahendra Verman I. But, later the Pallava conquered & ruined Badami to avenge their defeat. Badami was also in the possession of the Adil Shahis of Vijayanagar Empire, the Savanur Nawabs, the Marathas, Hyder Ali & finally the British who made it part of the Bombay Presidency.