Steep yourself in history in and around Badami, Karnataka

Out of BANGALORE (513km)

Badami, the second capital of the early Chalukya rulers, lies deep in the heart of South India, in a river valley between rocky red hills that have seen the rise and fall of many kings from medieval times. They are home to stories carved into ancient rock-cut in their first capital, the sleepy village of Aihole nearby. The temple, home to intricate sculptures of gods and goddesses and celestial couples locked in embrace, is one of the earliest examples of apsidal Hindu temple design. On its weathered but sturdy pillars, you’ll spot lion-headed Narasimha (an avatar of Lord Vishnu), the tiger skin-clad Shiva, and celestial couples locked in embrace.