Aihole

Aihole was once the capital of the Chalukya Dynasty, and is a city with a rich and illustrious history. It has great cultural & historical significance as the cradle of Hindu temple architecture, and has more than 125 temples in and around it. Aihole is an archaeologist’s delight with several temples dating back to Chalukyan times.

Location-

Aihole is a major archaeological site featuring over one hundred and twenty stone and cave temples spread along the Malaprabha river valley, in Bagalakote district, Hunagunda Taluka.

How to reach-

By Rail- Nearest railway station is Bagalkot but I took a train for Badami first because I booked a hotel near Badami bus stand so that I can catch a bus at early morning for Aihole & Pattadakal [Because you have to stay in Badami as there is no hotels to stay in Aihole & Pattadakal] and covered Aihole & Pattadakal in one day and then covered Badami in another half day

By Air- Nearest Airport is Hubli Airport

By Road- We can go by Bus (As frequency is good from Badami to Hunagund which drop you to Aihole and you can catch the same or next bus for return journey) or by Car

Food:

You can enjoy simple, pocket friendly and delicious South Indian food in small hotel near Durga Temple Complex

Entry Fees:

Applicable for Person as well as Camera (Photo & Video)

Why visit Aihole:

Durga Temple: Durga temple is the primary attraction in Aihole and most spectacular representations of Aihole temples. Durga temple complex houses an archaeological museum and art gallery.

Ladkhan temple showcases iconography from Shaiva, Vaishnava and Shakti traditions of Hinduism. 

More temples: Garudagudi, Chakragudi, Ambigaragudi, Rachigudi, Kuntigudi, Hallibasappa Gudi, Badigargudi, Trimbakeshwar temple, Mallikarjuna Temple, Jyotirlinga temple are some other major ancient temples. 

Ravana Phadi cave:  Ravanaphadi Cave is a 6th-century rock-cut Aihole Cave Temples housing Shiva and Parvathi. Ravanaphadi is about a 300/400 meters from Durga Temple complex. Extensive artwork featuring Lord Shiva, Parvathi, Ganesha and Vishnu can be seen inside the cave.

Places to stay near Aihole: Three and four-star hotels are available in Bagalakot and Badami towns (both 30-35 km from Aihole).

Best view: From Meghuti Hill