Karnataka

The capital of the mighty Badami Chalukyas might have shrunk into a few scenic square kilometers in terms of touristy value. But Badami still retains its majesty. The locale of its famous cave temples, made up of two giant sandstone hills that flank the placid water of the Agastya Lake paint a stark picture of earthy reds, muddy greens and stone browns set against a sky of acrylic blue – burning an impression into the canvas of your mind. One that you aren’t likely to forget in a hurry.