Famous as the "cradle of Indian architecture", Aihole has over a hundred temples scattered around the village. Wherever, one looks, it's temples that meet the eyes. Intricately carved, rich in detail, quiet and peaceful. Mute witnesses of a bygone era.
The oldest temple here is, perhaps, the Ladh Khan temple dating back to the 5th Century. On the roof of the templeis another shrine-like vimana. The Durga (Fort) Temple is notable for its semi-circular apse, elevated Aihole plinth and the gallery that encircles the sanctum.

The interior is filled with fascinating Carvings. Chamundi Devitrampling the buffalo demon. Narasimha-the- half-man half-lion God. Ardhanari the half-male half-female deity.Mahishasura Mardini... In this same complex, is the first model of anintricately carved lathe-turned pillar.

The Hutchimalli Temple - out in the village - has a sculpture of Vishnu sitting atop a large cobra.

Dating back to the 6th Century, the Ravalphadi Cave - Temple celebrates the many forms of Shiva.

Not-to-be-missed is the Konthi Temple Complex (Kwanthi Gudi),the Uma Maheswari Temple, the Jain Meguti Temple and the two-storeyed Buddhist Temple. Climb up the stairs and you'll come across a tranquil, smiling Buddha carved on the ceiling.

This then is Aihole, the earliest capital of the Chalukyas. Today, a picturesque village nestling on the banks of the Malaprabha river and overflowing with clusters and clusters of the most beautiful temples.

How To Reach -

By Rail: The nearest railway station is Badami.

By Road: Aihole is connected by road to: Pattadakal (17 kms) ,Badami (46 kms) ,Bangalore (483 kms)

Pattadakal

Situated on the left bank of the Malaprabha river, Pattadakal - a WorldHeritage Centre - has 10 major temples representing early Chalukyanarchitecture.

The biggest temple here is dedicated to Vinipaksha. Enclosed in a large quadrangle surrounded by small cells, it has a massive gateway and several inscriptions. Besides scenes from theRamayana and the Mahabharata, there is a wonderful carving designed tolook like an elephant from one side and a buffalo from the other.

In front of the temple is a majestic 2.6 metres high Nandi. In contrast to the pink-tinged sandstone temples, the Nandi is made of deep green stone and is covered in a red floral cape.

The Virupaksha temple is still used for worship.

Stop now at the Mallikarjuna and Papanatha temples - delicatelychiselled, rich in detail. The inner hall of the Papanatha temple is guarded by Nandi and Virabhadra. There are 16 pillars in the main hall with beautiful carvings. The Jain Temple here is from the Rashtrakuta Period.

Besides these temples is a group of temples remarkable primarily, for representing two chief styles of Indian architecture, side by side. The detailed descriptions in the sculptures of the temples give an insight into the social life of those days.

How To Reach -

By Rail: The nearest railway station is Badami, 24 kms away.

By Road: Pattadakal is connected by road to:Pattadakal (17 kms), Aihole (24 kms), Badami (29 kms)