Aihole is a place in Karnataka that is known for its rich architectural heritage. One look at the magnificent structures and temple carvings prove why Aihole is called the cradle of Hindu rock architecture. It is a very popular tourist spot in north Karnataka.
History:
Aihole is known to be the first capital of the early Chalukyas. They constructed 125 temples in different styles and themes in rock cut architecture. It was Pulakesi I, one of the greatest rulers of the Chalukyas who had shifted the capital to Badami. Badami was then known as Vatapi.
The construction of the very first temple in Aihole dates back to the 5th century CE.
The temperature in winter is normally 20°c, while in summers they can scale up to 40°c. The best time to visit is anytime between October and March.
The Indian Rupee (INR) is the most acceptable form of currency here. It is advisable to exchange foreign currency, and travelers cheques at larger cities such as Bangalore and Goa.
No special permits required, but all foreign nationals need a visa for visiting India.
Domestic Flights Apart from Goa [236 kms] and Bangalore [546 kms] another domestic airport is at Belgaum [200 kms approx.]. It is recommended to get a flight from Goa or Bangalore, as the frequency of flights is better than Belgaum.
International Flight:
Aihole is a small town and there are no direct international or national flights. The nearest international airports are at Bangalore [546 kms] and Goa [236 kms].
Road Travel By road this place is easily accessible from Goa [236 kms], and Bijapur, Hospet [168 kms]. Hospet could be a good base, in case if you plan to take a tour to Badami, Pattadakal, and Hampi.
Lad Khan temple : Lad Khan temple consists of a shrine with two mandapams in front of it. The shrine bears a ShivaPanchayat hall style, indicating a very early experiment in temple construction. The windows are filled with lattice style which is a north Indian style. The temple was built in late 7th or early 8th century. lingam. The temple is built in a
Huchappayyagudi temple: has a curvilinear tower (shikhara) over the sanctum (unlike the Lad Khan temple). The interior of the temple has beautiful carvings.
Meguti Jain temple : stands on a hillock. It is the only dated monument built in 634. The temple which was possibly never completed gives important evidence of early development in Dravidian style of architecture. The dated inscription found on the outer wall of the temple records the construction of the temple by Ravikeerthi, a scholar in the court of emperor Pulakeshi II.
Ravanaphadi temple is a rock cut temple, which dates back to the 6th century.
Huchimalligudi temple at Aihole, built in the 7th century shows an evolution in the temple plan, as it shows an ardhamandapam or an ante-chamber annexed to the main shrine.
Durga temple or fortress temple is the best known of the Aihole temples. All through the temple, there are beautiful carvings. The temple appears to be of the late 7th or early 8th century.
Durga Temple, Aihole
Image By Wikipedia User Bharath12345 Image is in Public Domain
Gowda temple is dedicated to goddess Bhagavathi.
The Museum & Art Gallery is a sculpture gallery maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India in the Durga Temple complex.
Suryanarayana temple : has a 0.6 m high statue of Surya along with his consorts Usha and Sandhya being drawn by horses. The temple dates from the 7th or 8th century, has a four pillared inner sanctum and a nagara style tower over it.
Source: wikipedia
There are no luxury hotels here. One of the most popular places for accommodation is the Tourist Guest House. It is advisable to put up at Badami and explore Aihole during the day. Badami has a few of luxury hotels.
The town of Ilkal nearby (36 Kms) is famous for its traditional handloom and silk saris.
Badamiis about two hours away from Aihole. It is the later capital of the ancient Chalukyas after Aihole. It has some of the most breathtaking carvings and temples. It is advisable to hire a vehicle and explore Hampi [a place of spectacular ruins] as well.
Pattadakal has the best temples of the style that was prevalent during the Chalukya reign. It is said that after the kings experimented the architecture in Aihole and Badami, they made some of the most beautiful structures of their empire in Pattadakal.
