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Pattadakal is a city in Karnataka . The town lies on the banks of the Malaprabha River in Bagalkot district of North Karnataka region. The group of 8th-century CE monuments in Pattadakal are the culmination of the earliest experiments in the vesara style of Hindu temple architecture. They were designated a World Heritage Site in 1987. The town displays both Dravidian (Southern) and the Nagara (Northern, Indo-Aryan) styles of temple architecture.
This used to be the site where coronations of Chalukyan kings were performed. The sculpture and architecture here represents the epitome of temple building by the Chalukyans, which began in Aihole. There are no places to stay in either Pattadakal or Aihole and it is best to pack food to take along. Use Badami as a base, and drive out for a day trip to see Aihole , which is further out, and Pattadakal.
It is 22 km from Badami and about 10 km from Aihole .
The nearest town to Patadakallu is Badami. Badami is connected by bus services provided by North Western Karnataka Road Trransport Corporation (NWKRTC), a Karnataka state government undertaking. NWKRTC provides bus services regularly and daily to different cities like Hubballi (Hubli), Bengaluru (Bangalore), Bagalkote, Vijayapura (Bijapur), Gadag and Hospete (Hospet). From Badami one can take auto to reach Pattadakal or local bus.
The nearest railway station to Pattadakal is Badami. Indian Railways run trains from Bengaluru and Hubballi (Hubli) to Bagalkot and Solapur. Some of these trains do stop at Badami and most at Bagalkot which is at 45 km from Pattadakallu. There is train from Mumbai CSMT (11139/ 11140) to Gadag through Pune and Solapur which stops at Bagalkot and runs six days a week.
Hubballi (Hubli) airport (aerodrome) is the nearest about 140 km away.
The group of temples (monuments) are next to each other. There is an entry fee to temple complex charged by Archeological Survey of India (ASI) which looks after these ancient temples. Entry fee are different for Indian citizens and foreign nationals. Photography and videography fee are charged extra. Parking fee is also levied at some places.
Souvenirs sold at shops.
Pack food for the trip as there are no good restaurants in and around Pattadakal. There are local village women who sell Jolada rotti (Jowar or Sorghum bread), Chutney and Palya (cooked vegetable). Also there are some shacks which sell tea and other eatables.
Buttermilk especially after meals and during hot days, to keep hydrated. Tea laced with milk is another favourite of local people.
There are decent hotels at Badami and Bagalkote to stay according to one's budget. Clark's Inn, Mayura Chalukya are prominent hotels in Badami. There are Sangam Deluxe, Mookambika Deluxe, Royal Deluxe lodges at Badami.
Summer months of March, April and May will be very hot in this region. Drink water or buttermilk in plenty to replenish your fluids. BSNL (Cellone) mobile signals are available at these places. Do not write, damage on structures of these temples. There is an information desk at the entrance of the temple and guides are available on payment. Do carry battery backup and torch (flashlight) as electricity supply can be irregular sometimes. Do not travel in the night as some interior roads may be isolated and dark. Public transport is comparatively safe.
Have you ever visited a new place and felt ‘wow’ about it? For many visitors, it happens at Pattadakal.
Pattadakal may not be as popular as other cities in India, but don’t let that fool you. Pattadakal is a smaller but beautiful upcoming tourist destination that is worth a visit. You will be surprised by some of the unique things to do and places you can explore at this hidden destination.
You might wish to revisit it someday again, to take a break and relax at Pattadakal.
If you have plans to visit India and are not sure if Pattadakal should be included in your itinerary, keep reading. In this list, we have put together some of the things to do in Pattadakal and around. We have a hunch that if you include this city in your travel plans, you will be thrilled you did so.
Here is the list of things to do in Pattadakal and tourist attractions in city.
Pattadakal is a small village in the south Indian state of Karnataka famous for its temples of the Chalukyan age. Now declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, this place is situated around 20 km from Badami and 514 km from Bangalore.
The climate of Pattadakal, like other places in North Karnataka, is pleasant. The place is accessible throughout the year. Monsoon starts from mid-April and continues to mid-September. The best season to visit this place is during winter, that is, from October to March.
Pattadakal was the second capital of the Chalukyan Empire after Badami. More than that, it was also the ceremonial center where kings were crowned and commemorated. It was never a part of any town or village though it was on the banks of the Malaprabha River. It seems while most of the building activity took place at Badami, the political capital, Pattadakal was the dynastic cult center of the Badami Chalukyas. The earliest temples of Pattadakal are from the 4th century AD and the addition of new temples continued there for around four more centuries. The latest architecture is a Jain temple of the Rashtrakuta period (9th century).
The temples of Pattadakal display the blending of the Rekha Nagara Prasada and the Dravida Vimana styles of architecture. The oldest is the Sangamesvara Temple built by Vijayaditya Satyasraya (AD 697-733). It is a simple but massive structure.
The Virupaksha Temple of the Chalukyan period served as a model for the Rashtrakuta ruler to carve out the great Kailash at Ellora. The sculptural art of the early Chalukyas is characterized by grace and delicate details. The ceiling panels of the navagrahas, dikpalas, the dancing Nataraja, the wall niches containing Lingodbhava, Ardhanarisvara, Tripurari, Varahavishnu, and Trivikrama bear ample testimony to the sculptor's skill as well as the cult worship in vogue.
The Mallikarjuna Temple, next to the Virupaksha Temple, is almost identical in design though it is in an advanced state of ruin.
About 500 m south of the main enclosure is the Papanatha Temple, whose inner hall is guarded by Nandi and Virabhadra. There are 16 pillars in the main hall with beautiful carvings.
The Kashivishvanatha was probably built after the collapse of the early Chalukyan dynasty in the middle of the 8th century. The Jambulinga has a very interesting horseshoe-shaped arch framing a rhythmic image of a dancing Shiva. The Galganatha was probably never completed, but its design is the most highly evolved of the northern styles.
Aihole is around 25 km off Pattadakal and, with Badami and Pattadakal, completes the three major centers of architecture of the Badami Chalukyas. The place was the regional capital of the Chalukyas and covers a whole spectrum of buildings of that era, starting from simple shrines to the more complex buildings. Badami (25 km) was the capital of Chalukyas and a major center of architecture. Here, one can see some of the earliest and finest examples of the Dravidian temples and rock-cut caves.
A classical dance festival is held at Pattadakal, usually at the end of January every year. The Virupaksha Temple Car Festival is held in Pattadakal in March every year. The Mallikarjuna Temple Festival is also held in Pattadakal in March-April.
By Air - Pattadakal does not have an airport of its own. The nearest airport is Bangalore, around 514 km away. There are many flights from Bangalore to other important cities of India like Mumbai, Delhi, and Calcutta.
By Rail - The nearest railway station is Badami, 20 km away. There are around five regular trains for Bijapur from Badami.
By Road - The State Highway 14 links Pattadakal with Badami. Aihole is round 45 km from Pattadakal. The place is connected to other major centers like Bijapur (134 km) by road.
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A better place to understand India’s heritage and experience the rural side of the country; journey to Aihole, Badami and Pattadakal can be summarised like this. These places are less popular on the tourism map, hence very suitable for those preferring an offbeat destination for their travel. You can visit these three places in two days, a weekend is more enough. But if you have more time, you can include few more places nearby like Hampi and Bijapur.
Overnight buses are there from Bangalore. So better try to catch a bus that reaches Badami by morning next day. Buses are always available from Hampi and Mangalore also. If you wish to travel in train. Find any passing through Hubli station. From there Badami is around 120 km away. Trains are also available from Hubli to Badami. Badami railway station is about 2-3 km from the town.
For return also either you can take train or bus. Bus booking offices can be found along the main street itself.
Badami is the only option for accommodation. It is big compared to Aihole and Pattadakal. You will easily find hotels in the main city centre itself. During peak times, make sure you book rooms in advance. The rooms are economical in general. If coming in groups, it is better to get a bigger room that can accommodate minimum 4-5 people, so per head expense will be around 400 INR.
If you are reaching Badami by morning, find a hotel so that you can fresh up and keep your bag. It is better to visit Aihole first. Buses are available from Badami. But they are not frequent and you will find little difficult to find buses at right time. Another option is hiring an auto rickshaw. I hired an auto for 800 INR for 5 people for a day. You can hitchhike also.
Aihole is 35 km from Badami. The temple complex is preserved the Archaeological Survey of India. The complex is open from 6 AM to 5.30 PM all the days of the week. There are other monuments spread across the village. The entry fee to the complex is INR 10 for Indian citizens and INR 250 for the foreign citizen. If you have time, it is good to explore the village. You can find many interesting things while walking inside the village. The people here are very friendly and welcoming. So don’t hesitate to start a conversation and understand the life and culture here.
Few small tea shops are the only refreshment options in Aihole.
Pattadakal is between Aihole and Badami, 22 km from Badami. You can spend the second half of the day there. The temple complex is a UNESCO world heritage site. It remains open from 6 AM to 6 PM. Evenings are the best here. This temple complex is not so big, so you can reach back Badami by nightfall. There are few basic shops outside the complex.
There is plenty to see in Badami. One day is needed to visit all the important places. The monuments are spread in three regions across the city but nearby. The rock cave temples are on one side of the hill.
Once you come to the opposite side, there is a museum and Badami fort. You have to trek up to reach the fort, from the top you will get the view of Badami and the surrounding areas. All the monuments in Badami are open from 6 AM to 6 PM. The entry fees to Badami cave temples are 10 INR for Indians and 100 INR for foreign citizens.
On the banks of Agasthya lake, you will see the Bhoothnath temple situated in a surreal backdrop of Badami hills. The temple is best during evenings. The timings are same as other monuments.
So if you want to explore more here, trek up to Mahakuta early in the morning. The trek route is about 6 km, it will take 1-2 hours depending on your walking speed to reach there. You can experience the landscapes and flora of this region during the trek. Temple will be less crowded if you reach early in Mahakuta, you can have a dip in the Vishnu pushkarni (tank). Inside the pond, there is a small chamber and we can go inside the chamber through a very small gap beneath the pond.
I came to know about Mahakuta from our auto-rickshaw driver. He insisted us to definitely visit the temple complex and it is worth visiting, especially the trek.
Either you can trek back the same route or take a taxi. It will be better to take a taxi so that you can save time. Moreover, it will be very hot during mid-day time.
Click here to read more about Aihole and Pattadakal
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Keep travelling…
jithin thomas
DWC Devanagari
Jodhpur : First destination on the 2-week trip to Rajasthan
Drive to the little quaint village of Biruga in Coorg
I’ve never been to India, so it was very interesting to read about these places. Those temples look beautiful! When I make it to India, I will def. use this as a guide. Thanks for sharing 🙂
Welcome Sina, Am glad that you are interested in visiting India. There are lots of places in India that are still unexplored. I will be sharing about many such places soon.
This looks like such an incredible place to visit! I think I could spend hours exploring the architecture. It all looks so intricate and complex.
Thanks Courtney..Am glad that you like the post. Visit Badami on your visit to India.
Your images are stunning! I have never been to India but it is definitely on my travel list.
xo, Elizabeth // txelizabeth.com
Thanks Elizabeth
Lovely photographs of your experience in India. I hope to visit the country myself someday.
Thanks Missy. Am glad that you liked the post.
Such beautiful architecture! Your pictures are also amazing. You mentioned peak times to travel – what are the peak times there?
Thanks Tina, Badami is an offbeat travel destination. The crowd will be less throughout the year. It is better to avoid visiting during summer. Best time is June to March.
Stunning photos, and I look forward to seeing more. So different from where I live, and it’s nice to be able to be exposed to it this way.
Thanks Jolane
I’ve never been to India before. Your photographs make your experience look very nice. What a blessing to be able to travel and explore like you do!
Thanks Jennifer. Am glad that you liked
Thank you so much for such a thorough guide to this area! Especially about a destination that I dont know much about
Thanks Claudia
The Mister and I are over halfway completed with our Travel Bucket List. Next we’re making one for Unique Travels. I saw photos of this on FB and knew I wanted to add it to our new list.
http://www.keepingupwithcandy.com
Thanks Candy
Wow….this is a great post! I’ve never been to India but this post makes me want to go! Wonderful pictures and information!
Thanks Jayme… Welcome to India
The temples look amazing! I worked in Delhi for 2 years and there is always so much to explore in India. Didn’t manage to get to this part of the country. Your post has provided inspiration for my next trip.
Thanks Daleya.. Delhi is a wonderful place tp explore, so much heritage buildings. Next time, visit south India.
What a lovely place! I love traveling and seeing such beautiful architecture. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks Erica..Am glad that you liked.
Great adventure. On my bucket list now. Thanks for the information.
Hi Yeu…happy to know that you included India in your bucket list.
This looks so beautiful there! I would love to visit, and I am not sure I’ll be able to or not, but it is amazing to be able to read and see in a blog post that you have written!
Thanks EH..
These are some stunning Pictures and they are giving me some real Travel goals.
Thanks Laveena, Am glad that you liked the post.
Never been to this side of India. Will surely go there next time I’m in India. I have always been a fan of Indian architecture!!
I missed all these temple complexes on a recent visit to India. I did take an overnight bus from Bangalore but I forget where to. I love visiting UNESCO sites so would love to visit the temple complexes.
I have not done a lot of traveling, in fact if I am honest, nothing outside of the US. But it is a dream of my hubby and I to someday be able to do so. I love your post and your pics give a wonderful experience , and allow me to dream in the meantime!! Thank you so much for your detailed descriptions!!
Hi Sandy, Thanks for the good comments. Hope that your first destination will be definitely India.
I have never heard of these places but I am definitely adding them to my bucket list! Excellent guide and inspirational post, Thomas!
Hi Agness Am very happy that you liked the post. Keep supporting.
[…] Read Travel guide to Aihole and Badami […]
[…] can also visit Badami, Aihole and Pattadkal, the ancient Chalukya dynasty […]
I adore traveling in rural areas, this is by far my favorite way to explore new countries. Big cities tend to be bland and all and the same all over the world, while small settlements preserve their unique atmosphere.
I completely agree with you, Maria. Rural places are more unique. I think you should visit India to experience its villages. It will be amazing.
There are some beautiful temples in this area! It sounds like a fun place to travel.
Yes, it is an interesting place to travel.
The Aihole Temple Complex is my favorite from your pics so far. Will have to add it to my list!
Thanks Sarah, Am glad that you liked the post.
Hi Jithin, Nice write up… I wish to travel all these places. Can you please suggest me a budget for the backpacker?
Ebbin, you can travel to these three places on a minimum budget. An overnight bus journey from Banglore will cost you about 700 INR for a sleeper bus. The expense for stay is also comparatively low. You can find budget hotels in Badami.
I am here at Badami. Pls tell me your trek rout to mahakuta. Will be safe for solo traveller?
Hi Ebbin, The trail to Mahakuta from Badami is through the village on the pond side. Just ask someone if you can’t find it out.
Trekking up to Mahakuta nice and early sounds lovely! That must have been an amazing sunrise!
Nina, Trek to Mahakuta was an incredible experience.
I planned on doing the same itinerary covering these places along with Hampi. However those plans didnt go through. I also heard there are sunflower fields between Hampi & Badami and they bloom after rains. Did you happen to see them. Are they any good?
Yeah, I have seen the vast sunflower fields. It is a common scene in North Karnataka.
I shall be visiting Badami pattadakkal aihole this spring(late feb 18). how will be the session and what will be tentative auto fare from Badami and back in the same evening ?
Hi Vivek, it will be better to visit Badami before March. Summers will be hot there. You can hire an auto for a day, we paid Rs.800 for five people.
Superb post!
Thanks Sangeet, Am glad that you liked the post.
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COMMENTS
1. Group of Monuments in Pattadakal. 212. Historic Sites. This UNESCO World Heritage site includes Virupaksha Temple, Sangameshvara Temple, Mallikarjuna Temple, Kashivisvanatha Temple, Kadasiddhesvara and Jambulingeswara' temples, Galganatha temple, Jain…. See ways to experience (9) 2. Virupaksha Temple. 144.
Aihole. #11 of 11 Places to Visit in Pattadakal. At a distance of 13 km from Pattadakal, 33 km from Bagalkot, 34 km from Badami, 136 km from Hubli, and 443 km from Bangalore, Aihole is a historical site located in the Bagalkot district of Karnataka. Situated on the banks of the Malaprabha River, it is one of the popular places to visit in ...
Read More. 4. Sangameshwara Temple. 3.2 /5. 0 km. from city center 4 out of 7. Places To Visit in Pattadakal. One of the oldest temples in India, it was constructed between 696 and 733 AD by the Chalukya King Vijayaditya Satyashraya. Displaying Dravidian architecture, it was earlier known as the Vijayeswara temple.
Suggested Read: 21 Historical Places In Karnataka Every History Buff Should Visit. 3. Mallikarjuna Temple: Eye-Catching Architecture. Image Source. Among many famous places to visit in Pattadakal, the Mallikarjuna is another grand shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva and has an eye-catching architecture.
Virupaksha Temple, Sangameshwara Temple, Mallikarjuna Temple, Kashivisvanatha Temple & Galganatha Temple are the prominent places to visit in Pattadakal. Pattadakal can also be visited along with Aihole & Badami Tour Packages. About 128 km from Pattadakal, Hubli Airport is the nearest airport that has direct flights from Bangalore, and Mumbai.
Get the best Information about Pattadakal Tourism. Get travel guides and plan your trip to Pattadakal with tour packages, places to visit, sightseeing, hotels, and reviews by other travellers. ... The top places near to Pattadakal are Hampi which is 97 km from Pattadakal, Badami which is located 15 km from Pattadakal, Aihole which is located 10 ...
Table of Contents. List of the 10 Places in Pattadakal You Absolutely Have to Visit: 1. Virupaksha Temple: The Pinnacle of Cosmic Balance. 2. Sangameshwara Temple: A Melody of Architecture and Divinity. 3. Mallikarjuna Temple: A Testament of Conjugal Harmony. 4.
Things to Do in Pattadakal, India: See Tripadvisor's 490 traveler reviews and photos of Pattadakal tourist attractions. Find what to do today, this weekend, or in September. We have reviews of the best places to see in Pattadakal. Visit top-rated & must-see attractions.
Pattadakal. Located on the banks of the Malaprabha River, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a testament to the richness of Chalukyan architecture during the 7th and 8th centuries and is renowned for its intricately chiselled temples. The temples in Pattadakal bear testimony to the richness and timeless splendour of the Chalukyan architecture.
Places to eat in Pattadakal; History & Geography of Pattadakal. Hidden Facts; UNESCO World Heritage Site; How to Plan a trip to Pattadakal. How to reach; Best time to visit; Places to stay in Pattadakal; Things to Do in Pattadakal . The most important thing to Pattadakal is to take a walking tour of all the religious and archaeological sites ...
Pattadakal Tourism: Tripadvisor has 490 reviews of Pattadakal Hotels, Attractions, and Restaurants making it your best Pattadakal resource.
7. Religious Sites. Papanatha Temple. 22. Religious Sites. Group of Monuments in Pattadakal. 212. Historic Sites. Pattadakal Tourism: Tripadvisor has 490 reviews of Pattadakal Hotels, Attractions, and Restaurants making it your best Pattadakal Tourism resource.
Pattadakal, also called Raktapura, is a complex of 7th and 8th century CE Hindu and Jain temples in northern Karnataka, India.Located on the west bank of the Malaprabha River in Bagalkot district, this UNESCO World Heritage Site [1] [2] is 23 kilometres (14 mi) from Badami and about 9.7 kilometres (6 mi) from Aihole, both of which are historically significant centres of Chalukya monuments.
Here are the best places to visit in Pattadakal: Virupaksha Temple - Previously known as Lokesvara Temple, Virupaksha Temple is one of the best tourist attractions in Pattadakal. This is the biggest among the temples in Pattadakal. It was built by Vikramaditya II to commemorate his victory over the Pallavas of Kanchi during the 8th century.
Places to visit in Pattadakal . You can find plenty of famous places to visit in Pattadakal, from Hindu temples to impressive Jain sanctuaries, that will surely blow your mind with their brilliant architecture! Pattadakal is a destination for families, couples, backpackers, and friends. Plenty of tourist places in Pattadakal can be seen at any ...
Pattadakal Tourism - Get Pattadakal travel & tourism related information including tourist places, transport, nightlife, weather, photos, entertainment, shopping, festivals, maps, and attractions ...
Pattadakal Group of Monuments . The triplet of Badami, Pattadakal and Aihole lie at the center of the heritage tour of Karnataka. Located in the Bagalkot district of Karnataka and lying in the valley of the Malaprabha river, this trio of towns hold great historical and cultural significance for the entire India. As, one, this is one of the first places in India where the human civilisation ...
Where Kings Once Resided - Tourist Places In Pattadakal. The town is famous for the nine Hindu temples and the Jain sanctuary that successive Chalukya kings built here in the 7th and 8th centuries. So impressive is the architecture of these temples that the entire area was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
Pattadakal. Pattadakal is a city in Karnataka. The town lies on the banks of the Malaprabha River in Bagalkot district of North Karnataka region. The group of 8th-century CE monuments in Pattadakal are the culmination of the earliest experiments in the vesara style of Hindu temple architecture. They were designated a World Heritage Site in 1987.
Pattadakal may not be as popular as other cities in India, but don't let that fool you. Pattadakal is a smaller but beautiful upcoming tourist destination that is worth a visit. You will be surprised by some of the unique things to do and places you can explore at this hidden destination.
Pattadakal Attractions - Tourist Places To Visit In Pattadakal All Attractions Religious (9) Archaeological (8) Museums & Galleries (1) 01 Jambulingeswara Temple. Jambulingeswara Temple that was constructed in 7th century AD is a popular religious site at Pattadakal. Upon entering this temple, devotees will find the figures of Goddess Parvati ...
Places Around Pattadakal. Aihole is around 25 km off Pattadakal and, with Badami and Pattadakal, completes the three major centers of architecture of the Badami Chalukyas. The place was the regional capital of the Chalukyas and covers a whole spectrum of buildings of that era, starting from simple shrines to the more complex buildings.
These places are less popular on the tourism map, hence very suitable for those preferring an offbeat destination for their travel. You can visit these three places in two days, a weekend is more enough. But if you have more time, ... Pattadakal. Pattadakal is between Aihole and Badami, 22 km from Badami. You can spend the second half of the ...