Aihole Vacation in Karnataka
Location : state of
Karnataka
Famous : Pilgrim Center of 125 Temples
Area : 4 sq. km.
Temperature (°C) : Summer: Max 41, Min 28 Winter Mean
Max 31, Min 20
Visiting Time : October to March
¤ Aihole - Cradle of the Hindu
Temple Architecture
Aihole,
the earliest Capital of the Chalukyas is a striking village town
nestling on the banks of the Malaprabha River. The region is arrayed
with plethora of most beautiful temple complex. An ideal place for
vacation for historic lover, Aihole displays some of the splendid
temple ruins in particular. All the temples have exquisite, intricate
carvings that were done between the 5th and 8th centuries.
The region enshrines with 125 temples. The temples are divided into
22 groups and are scattered all over the village. Aihole town is well
connected with Badami via Pattadakkal by regular buses.
The Temple Attractions
There are a number of temples of interest in Aihole that have
witnessed the glorious past of Chalukya regime.
Ladhkhan Temple
Ladhkhan temple in Aihole is the most ancient temple structure,
dating back to the 5th century. On the roof of the temple is another
shrine-like Vimana that captivates its visitors.
The Durga (Fort) Temple
The Durga Fort Temple is distinguished for its semi-circular arches,
raised plinth and a large gallery that encompasses the shrine.
Chamlundi Devi punishing the buffalo demon. Narasimha-the half-man
half-lion God and Ardhanari the half-male half-female deity Mahisasura
Mardini are beautifully carved sculptures that leaves its visitors
spellbind.
The Hutchimalli Temple
The Hutchimalli Temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The temple is
situated outside the village housing an image of Vishnu perching atop
a gigantic cobra.
The Revalphadi Cave Temple
The Revalphadi Cave is another attraction of the town. The cave
temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, which is renowned for its elegant
and intricate carvings and details. Dating back to the 6th Century,
Ravalphadi Cave -temple showcases Shiva in diverse forms.
Konthi Temple Complex (Kwanthi Gudi), the Uma Maheswari Temple with a
ravishing carved sculpture of Brahma nestling on a lotus, the
forbidding Jain Meguti Temple and the two storied Buddhist Temple are
worth a visit site.
¤ Museums & Art Galleries
A
Sculpture Gallery is being maintained by the Archaeological Survey of
India in the Durga Temple Complex.
Timings : open on all
working days from 1000 to 1700 hrs.
¤ Excursions From Aihole
Badami (44 km)
Badami is famous for its cave temples, chiseled out of a red
sandstone rock on the cliff of a hill, is worth a visit on your travel
vacation in Karnatka. The temples are dedicated to Lord Vishnu and
Shiva. Besides, Badami also houses Jain caves exhibiting the
architecture of Chalukyan regime.
Koodalasangama (45 km)
Located in Bagalkot district, Koodalasangama makes an important
pilgrim center of Hindus. Sangameshwara Temple is finest example of
Chalukyan-style of architecture. The region is also linked with the
renowned 12th century poet and reformer Basaveshwara.
Pattadakal (22 km)
Pattadakal treasures Chalukya's rarest art splendor in its temple
architecture. 22 km away from Badami and 514 km from Bangalore,
Pattadakal makes an excellent excursion from the city.
¤ Accessibility To Aihole
Air: The nearest airport is
Belgaum-189 km, which is connected to Mumbai by Vayudoot flights.
Rail: The nearest railhead is Bagalkot-34km on the
Hubli-Sholapur meter gauge line.
By Road: Bangalore is 510 km away. Package tours are conducted
every day from Bangalore during the tourist season. You can use any
road service from Belgaum city via Bagalkot to reach Aihole. Important
destinations are Badami-44km, Bangalore-510km, Pattadakal-22 km.
Major Circuits
Major Tour Packages To Maharashtra
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