Often referred to as the "Cradle of Indian Architecture", Aihole was the former capital of the Chalukyas for above 2 centuries. This picturesque and quaint village cozily located on the Malaprabha River banks, is dotted with as many as 125 temples. Someone planning a travel to Aihole has a lot to do with paying visits to these temples whose construction can be traced back to sometime between 6th to 11th centuries.

Places of Tourist Interests

Durga Temple - The Durga Temple feature as one of the most important temples in Aihole. Situated right in the heart of Aihole, the temple attracts attention due to its unique semi circular shape. The interior of the temple is graced with fascinating carvings. It is apsidal in plan, built along the lines of a Buddhist chaitya and a pillared corridor that runs around the temple.

Hutchimalli Temple - The Hutchimalli Temple dating back to the 6th century has the sculpture of Vishnu perched on a large cobra. The temple shows an evolution in the temple plan in the sense that its vestibule is annexed to the main shrine.

Meghuti Jain Temple - Your travel to Aihole is unlikely to achieve completion without a visit to this temple located on a hillock. A raised platform serves as the edifice of the temple and a flight of stairs leads you to the mukhamandapa. Another flight of stairs will lead you to the roof from where one can enjoy a panoramic view of the plain dotted with a hundred temples or so.

Lad Khan Temple - This temple has two manadapams fronting it. The shrine houses a Shiva lingam. The mukha mandapa, right in front of the sanctum has a set of 12 intricately carved pillars. The sabhamandapa in front of the mukha mandapam has pillars that are arranged in a curious manner so as to form two concentric squares. There are also stone grids on the wall carrying floral designs.

How to Reach

By Air - The nearest airport is Belgaum about 160 km. Bangalore is the other important airport. The place is well connected by Indian Airlines flights to most parts of India.

By Rail - The nearest railway station is Badami.

By Road - Aihole is connected by road to Pattadakkal about17 km, Badami about41 km.

Indiaholidaytravel.com is a travel site with a repository of information on Travel to Aihole and on visiting other exotic places within Aihole.