Our destination will be the legendary cave temples built by the Chalukyas at Badami, Aihole and Pattadakal. Dating back to the 6th century, these are considered one of the best remnants of temple art in India. The Chalukyas patronized development of diverse cultural forms especially cave art and temple architecture. The architects developed 16 types of free-standing temples and 4 types of rock-cut shrines. The monuments of Badami, Aihole and Pattadakal transformed the Malaprabha river valley into a cradle of Temple Architecture.