The Badami cave temples are carved into the red sandstone cliff above town, reached by a steep flight of steps that turns the approach into part of the drama. The four main caves move from Shiva to Vishnu to Jain imagery, with sculpted columns, ceiling panels, and large reliefs of deities cut directly from the rock.
Cave 1 is Shaiva, with a powerful dancing Shiva. Caves 2 and 3 are Vaishnava, and Cave 3 is the largest and most refined, with reliefs of Vishnu in several forms. Cave 4, higher and quieter, is Jain. Go early for cooler stone, fewer people, and softer light on the carvings.