Pattadakal

Pattadakal – Crown Jewel of Chalukyan Temple Art

Introduction

Pattadakal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, invites travelers to admire the grandeur of ancient temple architecture on the banks of the Malaprabha River. Visit to celebrate Karnataka’s most spectacular fusion of North and South Indian styles.

Did You Know?

Pattadakal hosted royal coronation ceremonies for Chalukyan kings.
The Virupaksha Temple inspired the famed Kailasa temple at Ellora in Maharashtra.
7th–8th-century stone inscriptions record dynastic history and religious rituals.
Hindu and Jain temples co-exist in a single complex.
The Mallikarjuna and Virupaksha temples were commissioned by rival queens.

Places to Visit

Virupaksha Temple
Sangameshwara Temple
Mallikarjuna Temple
Kashi Vishwanatha Temple
Jain Narayana Temple
Pattadakal Archaeological Museum

What to Do

Stroll among ornately carved temple towers and apsidal sanctums.
Join guided archaeological walks for detailed history.
Attend Pattadakal Dance Festival (Jan/Feb) for classical performances.
Marvel at temple friezes depicting mythological stories.
Enjoy riverside picnics amid heritage landscapes.
Combine with visits to Badami and Aihole for a comprehensive heritage tour.

How to Reach

By Road: 22 km from Badami; regular buses, taxis, and tours available from Bagalkot or Badami.
By Rail: Nearest station Badami (17 km), connected to major cities.
By Air: Hubballi Airport (140 km).

Where to Stay

KSTDC Mayura Chalukya, Badami
Krishna Inn, Badami
Heritage Resort, Badami
Hotel Sangam, Bagalkot
Local lodges and guesthouses in Pattadakal village

Things to Keep in Mind

ASI monument timings apply; ticket entry required.
Early mornings and evenings are best for photographs and cooler weather.
Carry sun cap, water bottle, and cash for entry and local stalls.
Respect site rules: no littering, silence around sanctums, no shoes inside temples.
Combined with Badami stay; limited accommodation at Pattadakal.

Experience the splendors of Pattadakal – immerse yourself in Karnataka’s temple legacy on your next cultural journey.

Best Time to Visit

October to February

Known For

Architectural Fusion, UNESCO Site

Attractions

Galaganatha Temple

Introduction The Galaganatha Temple at Pattadakal stands out as one of the few temples in the comple...

Mallikarjuna Temple

Introduction Nestled within the iconic group of monuments at Pattadakal, the Mallikarjuna Temple is ...

Virupaksha Temple

Virupaksha Temple is the 7th century Shiva temple in Hampi, Central Karnataka. Hampi is a UNESCO Wor...

Galaganatha Temple

Introduction The Galaganatha Temple at Pattadakal stands out as one of the few temples in the comple...

Mallikarjuna Temple

Introduction Nestled within the iconic group of monuments at Pattadakal, the Mallikarjuna Temple is ...

Virupaksha Temple

Virupaksha Temple is the 7th century Shiva temple in Hampi, Central Karnataka. Hampi is a UNESCO Wor...

Practical Advice for Visiting Pattadakal

Best Time to Visit

October to February

Learn more →

Getting Around

Walkable site
Auto from Badami

Learn more →

What to Pack

Sunscreen
Comfortable Clothing
Hat

Learn more →

Upcoming Events

6Sept

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7Sept

Barachukki Waterfall Festival

Chamrajanagar

14Sept

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15Sept

Gaganachukki Waterfall Festival

Mandya

23Sept

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2Oct

Mysuru Dasara Festival – Nada Habba of Namma Karnataka

Mysuru

17Oct

Kaveri Sankramana

Kodagu

1Nov

Kannada Rajyotsava

Karnataka

1Jan

–

31Jan

Udupi Paryaya Festival

Udupi

1Jan

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31Jan

Pattadakallu Dance Festival

Bagalkote

1Feb

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31Mar

Lakkundi Utsava

Gadag

1Feb

–

28Feb

Chalukya Utsava

Bagalkote

28Feb

–

2Mar

Hampi Utsav

Vijayanagara

1Jul

–

31Jul

Kanakagiri Utsava

Koppal

View as Calendar

Nearby Destinations

Badami

Aihole

Gadag

View All

Gallery

Black Panther, Kabini

The elusive Black Panther of Kabini is a rare wildlife marvel that has earned global fame. Spotted occasionally in the dense forests of Nagarhole National Park, it adds a thrilling allure to Karnataka’s rich biodiversity.

Maravanthe Beach

Maravanthe Beach offers a unique coastal experience where the highway runs between the roaring Arabian Sea on one side and the calm Souparnika River on the other. With its stunning contrast of landscapes, golden sands, and scenic sunsets, it’s one of Karnataka’s most picturesque beach drives.

Kambala

Sunset at the Beach

As the sun dips into the Arabian Sea, Karnataka’s coastline transforms into a canvas of gold and crimson. Whether you’re at Gokarna, Malpe, or Kaup, the gentle waves, swaying palms, and vibrant skies create a serene, soul-soothing spectacle that lingers long after the light fades.

Tourism Highlights

Watch our tourism video showcasing key attractions.

Mysore Palace Illuminated

By day it’s royal, by night it’s magical—the Mysore Palace dazzles when lit up with nearly 100,000 bulbs. This weekend spectacle transforms the historical site into a fairy-tale vision, drawing crowds in awe of its grandeur.

Yakshagana Folk Art

Yakshagana is a vibrant folk theatre form from coastal Karnataka, blending dance, music, elaborate costumes, and storytelling. With its dramatic expressions and mythological themes, it captivates audiences through all-night performances that are equal parts spiritual and spectacular.

Vidhan Soudha

Standing tall in Bengaluru, Vidhana Soudha is the seat of Karnataka’s legislature and a symbol of state pride. With its majestic neo-Dravidian architecture and illuminated façade by night, it’s a striking landmark that blends tradition with democratic governance.

Stone Chariot, Hampi

A masterpiece of Vijayanagara architecture, the Stone Chariot at Hampi’s Vittala Temple is one of India’s most iconic monuments. Carved entirely out of stone, this monolithic chariot stands as a testament to the artistic brilliance and engineering prowess of a bygone era.