HG Wells was right, Time Machine exists, visit Pattadakal group of monuments to transport your mind and body to more than 1000 years to 6th-7th century. Park your car outside the temple complex, buy the entrance tickets and get ready to be transported to the old world where the architecture is a mix of North and South styles. Beautifully manicured gardens greet and welcome you to the beautiful world of Hindu and Jain temple ruins. Better to reach early morning like 09:00 to avoid hot sun because it is huge outdoor display. Not many options for snacks or branded water but you can try some local seasons fruits. Can buy some postcard to bring back memories home.

It's situated on the bank of the malaprabha river.All the temples here are dedicated to Lord Shiva. Temples are constructed on dravidian and North Indian style. There are 10 temples in pattadakkalu. Out of 10,9 temples are hindhu temple and one is Jain temple. It is one of the UNESCO world heritage site. it is in bagalkota district at a distance abt 30 KMS from Badami.

UNESCO has described Pattadakal as "a harmonious blend of architectural forms from northern and southern India" and an illustration of "eclectic art" at its height. The Hindu temples are generally dedicated to Shiva, but elements of Vaishnavism and Shaktism theology and legends are also featured. The friezes in the Hindu temples display various Vedic and Puranic concepts, depict stories from the Ramayana, the Mahabharata, the Bhagavata Purana, as well as elements of other Hindu texts, such as the Panchtantra and the Kiratarjuniya. The Jain temple is only dedicated to a single Jina. The most sophisticated temples, with complex friezes and a fusion of Northern and Southern styles, are found in the Papanatha and Virupaksha temples. The Virupaksha temple is an active house of Hindu worship.

Exploring Karnataka.....at Pattadakal.....City of Crown Rubies’..... Pattadakal literally means 'coronation stone' and bears testimony to the later phase of evolution of the distinctive Early Chalukyan architecture. The gestation phase of this development which took place in Aihole, Badami (the ancient capital), Alampur, and Mahakuta finds its culmination here 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. It has a cluster of 10 major temples, which showcase some striking architectural features. The world-famous geographer Ptolemy (150 AD) has documented the town as “Perti gal”. It was even used as the ceremonial centre where kings were crowned and commemorated. Pattadakal has temple architecture from Dravidian, Aryan and a mixture of both styles in its temple complex; probably making it the only one of its kind in India. There is a sculpture gallery maintained by Archeological Survey of India within the Pattadakal temple complex. Temples in Pattadakal Virupaksha Temple The temple was built by Queen Loka Mahadevi, wife of King Vikramaditya II after the successful military campaigns in Kancheepuram. The temple has a vast quadrangle surrounded by small cells or shrines. It has a massive gateway and a small gate behind. At the entrance is a Nandimantapa supported by large pillars. The great hall of the temple has a roof that rests on 16 massive square columns arranged in 4 rows. These columns have excellently wrought episodes from the Puranas. It is believed that the Kailasa Temple at Ellora was built on the model of the Virupaksha Temple. Mallikarjuna Temple It was originally called the Trailokeswara Maha Saila Prasada and built around 740 AD by Queen Trailokya Mahadevi. Architecturally, almost like a twin of Virupaksha Temple, the Mallikarjuna temple was built for the same purpose, at the same time as Virupaksha temple which stands beside it. The inner walls are engraved with episodes from the Ramayana and Mahabharata Sangameswara Temple The Sangameshwara Temple, built during the reign of King Vijayaditya, is the earliest temple. It has a garbha griha with a Dravida vimana. The outer walls of the sanctum have sculptures of UgraNarasimha and Nataraja. Galaganatha Temple The Galaganatha Temple is a dilapidated temple of the 8th Century AD and has a northern style curvilinear shikhara. The shikhara has all amalaka motifs with a finial atop. This is a Shiva temple with a Shivalinga in black basalt. Kashi Visweshwara Temple This is another temple with a curvilinear shikhara. The inner ceiling of the Kashi Visweshwara temple has the figures of Shiva, Parvathi and child Skanda surrounded by the Dikpalas. Papanatha Temple The Papanatha Temple mentioned as ‘Mukteshwara’, seems to have been completed around 740 AD. It has a frontal mantapa, sabhamantapa, ante-chamber and a squarish garbhagriha. The architecture of this temple is a mixture of Dravida and Nagara styles. Jambulinga Temple This is a small temple behind the Galaganatha Temple with a curvilinear shikara. Its outer walls have figures of Vishnu, Ardhanarishwara and Lakulisha. Kadasiddeshwara Temple This is similar in design to the Jambulinga Temple. The entrance lintel has beautiful images of Shiva and Parvathi seated on a Nandi, flanked by Brahma and Vishnu.

Well maintained and preserved very nicely, the entry fee is INR 40, it’s very well maintained by archeological department, no lodging and boarding facility in nearby area

We found Pattadkal mesmerizing. The Virupaksha temple is probably the most complete ancient Indian temple I have seen in terms of carvings and idols inside the temple and amazingly most of it is intact as of now. Goddess Durga idol is beautifully crafted. Do visit here if you are in Badami. This is best of the places in and around Badami.

Located on the banks of river mallaprabha this is one of the two UNESCO World Heritage sites in Karnataka and is managed by the Archeological survey of India (ASI). The temples are mostly dedicated to Shiva and are well maintained by the ASI. There is an entry fee of Rs 35 for Indian citizens, which has to be paid online by scanning a QR code provided onsite and masks are a must for entering the site. Washrooms are available onsite and are clean and well maintained.

Its a right place to know our history better ! This place is clean with well maintained lush green lawn adds more beauty to yellow stone temples built in 5th century.

Those who are interested in architecture and old monument must visit. Variety of architecture used to build very many temple in one place. On the River bank is added beauty.

More than 1300 years old temples. Non hindu rulers tried to damage as much as possible.

Pattadakal is located a few kilometres away from Badami. The temples here remind of the glorious past of the Chalukyas. It makes you feel that you should have been there at the time the temples were built. The archeological department have done a fine job in keeping the temple premises clean however no one has cared to restore the deities in their natural form. Except one temple all others are just to admire and not for prayers. The entry fee is ₹40 per person. It just feels sad how these magnificent structures were destroyed inhumanely. Still it's worth the visit for sure.