Upper Shivalaya
The Upper Shivalaya is a 7th-century temple located at the highest point of the Badami Fort. Despite its name, it was originally dedicated to Lord Vishnu but now houses a Shivalinga. Built by King Pulakeshin II, it is one of the best-preserved examples of early Dravidian architecture. The exterior walls are decorated with beautiful reliefs depicting scenes from Hindu mythology, including the legend of Lord Krishna and Varaha. The temple sits on a high plinth and features a square sanctum with a tower (Vimana). Reaching this temple requires a significant climb through the fort, but it offers unparalleled views of the Bhutanatha Temple complex and the Agastya Lake below. The silence at the top is profound, broken only by the whistling wind. It is a place where one can truly appreciate the architectural genius of the Chalukyas. The temple's placement on the rugged cliff shows their ability to integrate sacred structures with the natural landscape. Visiting in December or January ensures a cool breeze throughout the trek.
General information
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Ideal Duration:
Duration: 45 Minutes (within fort visit).Place Type:
Category: Religious & Heritage.Best Photo Spots:
The Temple Facade: Capture the temple against the deep blue sky.
Bhutanatha View: Take a photo looking down at the lakeside temples.
Detail Shots: Focus on the Krishna-Leela carvings on the walls. ...The Temple Facade: Capture the temple against the deep blue sky.
Bhutanatha View: Take a photo looking down at the lakeside temples.
Detail Shots: Focus on the Krishna-Leela carvings on the walls.Photo Gallery
Things To Do
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Architectural Study: Compare the Dravidian tower here with the caves.
Landscape Photography: Capture the 360-degree view of the Bagalkot district.
History Reading: Use the information boards to learn about King Pulakeshin II.
Meditation: Sit on the stone plinth and enjoy the solitude.
Trekking: This is the final reward of the Badami Fort trek.
Bird Watching: Spot large birds of prey circling the cliffs.
Sunset Viewing: Watch the shadows of the southern caves grow across the lake.
Social Media: A popular spot for high-angle 'drone-like' selfies.
Culture Observation: See how the locals still offer ...Architectural Study: Compare the Dravidian tower here with the caves.
Landscape Photography: Capture the 360-degree view of the Bagalkot district.
History Reading: Use the information boards to learn about King Pulakeshin II.
Meditation: Sit on the stone plinth and enjoy the solitude.
Trekking: This is the final reward of the Badami Fort trek.
Bird Watching: Spot large birds of prey circling the cliffs.
Sunset Viewing: Watch the shadows of the southern caves grow across the lake.
Social Media: A popular spot for high-angle 'drone-like' selfies.
Culture Observation: See how the locals still offer flowers at the shrine.
Nature Photography: The textures of the weathered red sandstone are amazing.
Information
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Why Famous:
Mythological Friezes: Intricate carvings of Krishna lifting Mount Govardhana on the outer walls.
Vantage Point: The highest accessible point in the northern fort area. ...Mythological Friezes: Intricate carvings of Krishna lifting Mount Govardhana on the outer walls.
Vantage Point: The highest accessible point in the northern fort area. -
Architecture:
Early Dravidian style with a rectangular sanctum.
Dimensions: The temple is relatively small. The base is highly decorated with friezes of elephants and lions. The square sanctum is topped by a multi-storeyed tower. ...Early Dravidian style with a rectangular sanctum.
Dimensions: The temple is relatively small. The base is highly decorated with friezes of elephants and lions. The square sanctum is topped by a multi-storeyed tower. -
How To Reach:
By Air: Fly to Hubli.
By Train: Badami Station is nearby.
By Road: Well-paved roads from Bagalkot.
Local Transport: Accessible only by foot after entering the Badami Fort. ...By Air: Fly to Hubli.
By Train: Badami Station is nearby.
By Road: Well-paved roads from Bagalkot.
Local Transport: Accessible only by foot after entering the Badami Fort. -
Weather and Best Time to Visit:
Winter: November to February for the best climbing weather.
Autumn: October is also good after the rains.
Daily: Late afternoon is best for lighting the temple's carvings. ...Winter: November to February for the best climbing weather.
Autumn: October is also good after the rains.
Daily: Late afternoon is best for lighting the temple's carvings. -
Near Tourist Places:
1. Lower Shivalaya (0. 2 KM). 2. Badami Fort (0. 1 KM). 3. Archaeological Museum (0. 3 KM). 4. Bhutanatha Temple (0. 6 KM). 5. Agastya Lake (0. 3 KM). 6. Badami Caves (2. 2 KM). 7. Banashankari Temple (5. 7 KM). 8. Mahakuta (14. 5 KM). 9. Pattadakal (22. 5 KM). 10. Aihole (35. 5 KM).
Tourism Tips
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Health and Safety: The path can be steep; carry a walking stick if needed.
Packing: Wear a hat and use sunscreen as there is little shade.
Connectivity: Excellent mobile signal due to elevation.Health and Safety: The path can be steep; carry a walking stick if needed.
Packing: Wear a hat and use sunscreen as there is little shade.
Connectivity: Excellent mobile signal due to elevation.
Money: Use ATMs in Badami town before heading to the fort.
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Near Places
Agastya Lake
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Aihole Group of Monuments
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Badami Archaeological Museum
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Badami Cave 1
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Badami Cave 2
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Badami Cave 3
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Badami Cave 4
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Badami Cave Temples
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Badami Fort
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Banashankari Temple
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