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 Mysore is a traveler's delight and is known for some of the finest palaces that were built here by the former rulers. This fascinating town of Karnataka is rich in culture and traditions and is thronged by travelers from the neighboring states and distant corners of India. Mysore is located at the foothills of the Chamundi Hills atop which the famous Chamundeshwari Temple is located.The huge and impressive statue of Mahishasura is the most famous landmark of this magnificent town. The tourist attractions of Mysore have their individualistic charm and have interesting incidents and stories associated with them.
 Chamundi Hill
Set atop a hill is a 12 th century temple of Chamundershwari, at a distance of 13 Kms from Mysore. The huge 4.8 meter tall monolith of Nandi the sacred vehicle of Lord Shiva is a wonderful piece to watch. Also close to the temple stands a gigantic statues of the demon Mahishasura.
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 The Second Cave
This cave is devoted to Lord Vishnu (the protector). King Kirtivarman I, who came to power in 567 A.D., ordered for the construction of this temple before AD 578. Lord Vishnu's two of the 10 incarnations, the boar (Varaha) and the dwarf (Vaman) have been depicted here .Apart from these, there are images of swastikas, pot-bellied dwarfs, Gandharva couples, Trivikrama (another incarnations of Vishnu), and Lord Vishnu on his Garuda. |
 THE THIRD CAVE
The most remarkable of all the cave temples in Badami, the third one was built by Mangalesh, the father of Chalukyan School of archetecture. The temple has 61 steps. The artisans, took great freedom in artistically varying the designs of the pillars. Apart from Lord Vishnu, images of Lord Indra, Shiva, and Brahma are depicted on the ceiling. Lord Vishnu has been shown in different aspects like sitting on the coil of sheshnaag and in his Boar (Varaha) incarnation.
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THE FOURTH CAVE
With a hotly debated date of creation, the fourth cave is the latest among the rock-cut temples in Badami. The temple is the only one related to the Jains, a religion that had the royal patronage of the Chalukyas. Images of Jain tirthankaras like Adinath (the first Jain tirthankara), Suparshavanath (the seventh tirthankara), and several others are carved out throughout the temple, Two images of dwarapalas (gate keepers)is placed at the entrance, a common feature among in Jain cave temples.
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Hazara Rama Temple
The only natural cave out among the rock-cut caves in Badami, it is devoted to Lord Buddha. However, the architectural expressions of most of these caves are almost similar; none of them is particularly Hindu, Buddhist, or Jain even though they have been devoted to different sects.
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AGASTYATIRTHA TANK
Situated near the rock-cut cave temples, one gets a glimpse of Agastyatirtha tank from the cliffs near the caves. It is a holy tank and which according to the local beliefs has heeling powers.
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BHOOTNATH TEMPLE
Bhootnath, a distinct form of Lord Shiva, is the God of souls, ghosts, and spirits. In dark sanctuary of the temple, an image of Shiva in an irate mood is situated. The temple is near the Agastyatirtha Tank.
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ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM
The museum's showcases a rare model of the natural bridge of Sidilinapadi, located some 5 km from Badami. Another fascinating exhibit is the images of Lajja-Gauri—a fertility sect that was widely popular in this region during Chalukyan times. The museum is also near the Agastyatirtha Tank.
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JAMBULINGA TEMPLE
Amidst the tall buildings in the heart of Badami, the Jambulinga Temple as per the inscription here was constructed in AD 699. The three chapels of the temple are devoted to Lord Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh.
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BADAMI FORT
Once the pride of the Chalukyan Empire, the Badami fort is mostly in ruins today. The fort offers a bird-eye view of Badami. One can see the ruins of a watchtower, a, treasury and large granaries. The fort also houses the ruins of Shivalaya (the temple of Shiva). The temple depicts the legends of Krishna in its numerous friezes and sculptures.
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