AiholeThe erstwhile capital of the Chalukyan dynasty, Aihole is a picturesque village on the banks of the Malaprabha river. Famous for its Hindu temple architecture, Aihole has 125 temples most of which were built between the 6th and the 8th centuries. Rich with exquisite carvings, the oldest temple here is the Lad Khan temple dating back to the 5th century A.D. The Durga temple at Aihole has a unique semi-circular apse and a complete portico and fascinating carvings of Chamundi Devi trampling the buffalo demon. Lying within a radius of 13 km from Pattadakal and Badami, Aihole is 131 km from Hampi. ACCESS The nearest airport is Belgaum (189 km) and the nearest railhead is Begalhot (43 km). Aihole has convenient road connections to places like Badami (46 km), Bijapur 129 km, Hampi and Pattadakal. PLACES OF INTEREST Durga Temple, Lad Khan Temple, Gowda Temple, Suryanarayan Temple, Hucchimalli Temple and Ravanphadi Cave. EXCURSIONS Badami (46km), Koodalasangama (45 km), Pattadakal (17 km). |