Explore Badami, Aihole and Pattadakal from Hospet with brunch

Karnataka , India

Explore Badami, Aihole and Pattadakal from Hospet with brunch

Active

12h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

The South Indian state of Karnataka is home to famous temples of India. On this full-day tour from Hospet, visit ancient Hindu, Jain and Buddhist temples in the towns of Badami, Aihole and Pattadakal that date back to between the 5th and 12th century A.D. All three towns were part of the empire of the powerful Chalukya dynasty that ruled over large parts of Southern and Central India. The rule of the Chalukyas is considered as the ‘Golden Age’ for literature, art and architecture in South India as these fine arts flourished under royal patronage.

Highlights
• 6th century Badami Cave Temples
• Ravana Phadi Temple, Aihole
• UNESCO World Heritage site of Pattadakal
• Veechar Utensil Museum Remain Closed on Mondays

Available options

1-8 Travelers

Price per person for 1-8 travelers<br/>Pickup included

What's included

Brunch (beverage excluded)

Transport by private air-conditioned vehicle.

02 bottles of mineral water per person

Local English speaking guide

Hotel pick-up and drop-off

Detailed itinerary

You will be picked up from your hotel in the morning for the 3-hour drive to the town of Badami, situated at a distance of 80 miles from Hospet.

Upon arrival in Badami, take brunch (beverage excluded) at a local restaurant. After brunch start your tour of the Cave Temples. The caves are situated on sandstone hills that surround Lake Agastya. There are four cave temples that are inter-connected through flights of stairs. The first cave temple is dedicated to the Hindu God Shiva, the second and third temples are of the Hindu God Vishnu and the fourth cave temple is dedicated to Lord Mahavira, the founder of Jainism. After the cave temples, visit the nearby Banashankari temple that dates back to the 7th century A.D.

Next drive to the historic site of Aihole. Situated at a distance of 20 miles from Badami, the drive to Aihole takes around an hour. Aihole has over 120 stone and cave temples that range from the 4th to the 12th century A.D. Of these, around 100 temples are dedicated to Hindu Gods and the remaining are Jain or Buddhist temples. Climb up the Meguti Hill and visit the ancient Jain temple there. Next visit the 6th century rock-cut Hindu temple of Ravana Phadi. You can see the remains of stunning paintings on the ceiling and some great sculptures as you explore this cave temple. After Ravana Phadi cave temple, visit a few other ancient temples of the area before continuing your drive to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Pattadakal.

The drive from Aihole to Pattadakal takes around half an hour. The temples of Pattadakal represent the peak of Chalukyan architecture and are a fusion of the North Indian Nagara and the South Indian Dravidian styles. There are a series of nine Hindu temples. The most prominent amongst them is the Temple of Virupaksha. This temple was built in the 8th century A.D. by Queen Lokamahadevi to commemorate her husband’s victory over the Pallava Kings of South India. The temple has intricate carvings and inscriptions and contains several beautiful sculptures of Hindu Gods. A Jain sanctuary is also present in Pattadakal.

At the end of the tour you will be driven back to Hospet and dropped off at your hotel.

What's not included

Food or drink, unless specified

Gratuities

Available languages

Guide guide

Important information

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Adult pricing applies to all travelers.

Not recommended for pregnant women and people with back problems.

A dress code is required to enter places of worship. No shorts or sleeveless tops are allowed. Knees and shoulders must be covered for both men and women.

Consider wearing comfortable clothes and walking shoes.

Meeting point

We will pick up traveler from their hotels / fixed point within city center.

Important notes

Hotel pickups commence approximately 30 - 60 minutes prior to this time, exact pickup time will be advised on reconfirmation.

About Karnataka

Karnataka is a vibrant state in southern India known for its rich cultural heritage, lush landscapes, and bustling cities. From the historic temples of Hampi to the modern metropolis of Bangalore, Karnataka offers a diverse range of experiences for travelers.

Top Attractions

Mysore Palace

A magnificent palace that was the residence of the Wadiyar dynasty. It is known for its Indo-Saracenic architecture and stunning illumination during festivals.

Historical 2-3 hours ₹70 (Foreigners)

Hampi

A UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its ruins of the Vijayanagara Empire. Hampi is famous for its ancient temples, boulder-strewn landscapes, and vibrant culture.

Historical 2-3 days ₹500-₹1000

Bangalore Palace

A grand palace built in the Tudor-Revival style, inspired by England's Windsor Castle. The palace is surrounded by beautiful gardens and offers a glimpse into the royal history of Karnataka.

Historical 1-2 hours ₹230 (Foreigners)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Dosa

A crispy, thin pancake made from fermented rice and lentil batter, often served with chutney and sambar.

Breakfast Vegetarian

Bisi Bele Bath

A hearty rice dish cooked with lentils, vegetables, and a special spice blend.

Lunch Vegetarian

Mysore Pak

A sweet made from gram flour, sugar, and ghee, known for its rich and indulgent taste.

Dessert Vegetarian

Popular Activities

Trekking Rock climbing Water sports Spa treatments Yoga retreats Beach relaxation Temple visits Festivals

Best Time to Visit

October to February

This is the best time to visit Karnataka as the weather is pleasant and ideal for sightseeing.

15°C to 30°C 59°F to 86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Kannada
Widely spoken: English, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu
English: Widely spoken in urban areas

Currency

Indian Rupee (INR)

Time Zone

GMT+5:30

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Karnataka is generally safe for travelers, but standard precautions should be taken to avoid scams and petty theft.

Important Precautions:

• Use reputable taxi services
• Bargain for prices in markets
• Keep valuables secure

Getting there

By air

Kempegowda International Airport • 35 km from Bangalore city center
Mangalore International Airport • 20 km from Mangalore city center

By train

Bangalore City Railway Station, Mysore Junction

By bus

Bangalore City Bus Stand, Mysore City Bus Stand

Getting around

Public transport

Efficient and air-conditioned, covering major parts of the city.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Ola, Uber

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Indiranagar Malleshwaram

Day trips

Shivanasamudra Falls

130 km from Bangalore • Full day

A beautiful waterfall on the Kaveri River, known for its scenic beauty and adventure activities.

Nandi Hills

60 km from Bangalore • Half day to Full day

A picturesque hill station known for its sunrise views, historic forts, and serene environment.

Festivals

Dasara • September to October Ugadi • March or April

Pro tips

Visit Mysore Palace during the lighting ceremony for a magical experience
Explore the coffee plantations of Coorg for a unique and relaxing getaway
Try local street food like panipuri and bhel puri for an authentic culinary experience
Use the Namma Metro in Bangalore to avoid traffic congestion
Book tickets in advance for popular attractions like Hampi and Mysore Palace