The capital of the Early Chalukyas, Badami is picturesquely situated at the mouth of a ravine between two rocky hills in the state of Karnartaka. Badami is famous for its four cave temples - all hewn out of sand stone on the precipice of a hill.

Enter the first cave temple - past Shiva's doorkeepers - and spot the eighteen-armed Nataraja striking 81 dance poses. The largest and most ornamental is the third cave temple dedicated to Vishnu. Overlooking the cave temples is a reservoir dotted with temples dedicated to Vishnu and Shiva. Also a must-visit are the Bhutanatha temples that lend their name to the lake beneath the cave temples.