Aihole is famous as the 'Cradle Of Indian Architecture'. Located
about 40 Kms from Badami, it had been the ancient capital of Chalukyas
for more than 200 years. Aihole, a picturesque village nestling
on the banks of the Malaprabha river is home to more than 125 temples,
each intricately carved and rich in detail, scattered all around
the village. These temples were built between the 6th -11th centuries
and some of them even earlier. The Most important temple is the
Durga Temple situated in the heart of Aihole. The interior of this
temple is full of fascinating Carvings. Not to be missed spots here
include the two-tiered Buddhist Temple, the Jain Meghuti Temple
and the Museum behind the Durga Temple.
Other attractions in Aihole are Lad khan Temple,
which is perhaps the oldest temple in the region dating back to
5th century. Hutchimalli Temple has a splendid sculpture of Lord
Vishnu sitting atop a giant cobra, the Uma Maheswari Temple with
a beautifully carved Brahma seated on a lotus and Ravalphadi Caves
that is dedicated to Lord Shiva.
» The
Government Museum
One
of the oldest museums in the country, established in 1886, has a
unique collection of sculptures, inscriptions, paintings, icons
and also some relics from Mohenjodaro.
» When
to go there
October
to February . Summers tend to be very hot.
»How
to reach Aihole
By
Air : The nearest airport is Belgaum about 160 km. Other important
airport near Aihole is Bangalore about 480 km and the place is well
connected by Indian Airlines flights to most parts of India.
Rail : The nearest railway station is Begalkot and Hubli about 130
km and the place is well connected by rail line to Bangalore and
Hyderabad.
By Road : Aihole is connected by road to Pattadakkal about17 km,
Badami about41 km.
