The visit to Badami was our first contact with the culture and history of India. I must admit that the temples carved out of solid rock during the reign of the Calukja dynasty (6th - 7th century) make an impressive impression. However, what caught our attention the most was the compatible coexistence of ancient monuments with the modern city. The first thing we saw coming down the hill were women doing laundry in the emerald waters of the lake right next to the Bhutanatha temple.