Aihole
4.5
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This ancient city, the first capital of the early Chalukyas, is home to hundreds of beautifully carved temples some of which date back to the 5th and 6th century.
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TheWorldNut
Bangalore District, India657 contributions
Aug 2021
The Chalukyan regional capital between 4th and 6th century, Aihole (ay-ho-leh) is sprinkled with 100s of temples from simple shrines to complex architecture with pillars having lathe like precision. The famous Durga temple, the poster boy of Aihole is actually a temple dedicated to the Sun God. As soon you enter the town, it looks half of the dwellings have a wall or two from 4th Century:). ASI also maintains a museum and some of the statues are so neatly carved that its hard to believe (photos are not allowed) for eg. the Naag Couple. It sure is a unique experience to hop from one temple to another. Its better to visit during cooler weather or early mornings as the heat can be a spoiler. Not very decent refreshment facilities outside so best to carry your own food.
Written 23 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Aparna P A
Bangalore District, India83 contributions
Feb 2020 • Solo
This is a beautiful historical place to visit.. The main attraction here is the structure that resemblance to our parliament house.. The magnificent structure is a sight to behold.. The story goes that the Kings practices various designs for building temples in Pataddkal and build the final ones in Aihole.. The reason why we see so many temples built is because they are all prototypes as they did not have blue prints like today!!
Written 21 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
macedonboy
Glasgow, UK186,621 contributions
Nov 2019
I visit Aihole while staying in Badami, which is about 45 minutes away. The town has over 120 temples scattered about the town and surrounding area, but probably the most important ones are located in the Aihole Archeological site.
This site was a major centre of experimentation with different design styles and materials and you'll see that evident in the major temples at the site. You'll also see that many buildings, platform and sanctums were built out in the open probably as a means of instruction and learning.
The major temples on the site are Durga Temple, Chakra Temple, Lad Khan Temple and Suryanarayana Temple. Though you're unlikely to miss any of them as the site isn't humongous and you can get through it in 1 to 2 hours. The temples outside of the main archeological site are free and will probably take another hour to get through.
There's so much to see in Aihole and with many different styles to admire, it's hard to get bored and definitely worth a day trip from Badami.
This site was a major centre of experimentation with different design styles and materials and you'll see that evident in the major temples at the site. You'll also see that many buildings, platform and sanctums were built out in the open probably as a means of instruction and learning.
The major temples on the site are Durga Temple, Chakra Temple, Lad Khan Temple and Suryanarayana Temple. Though you're unlikely to miss any of them as the site isn't humongous and you can get through it in 1 to 2 hours. The temples outside of the main archeological site are free and will probably take another hour to get through.
There's so much to see in Aihole and with many different styles to admire, it's hard to get bored and definitely worth a day trip from Badami.
Written 13 November 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SudhaSarat
Hyderabad, India42 contributions
Nov 2019
this is a small village in the Bagalkot district of Karnataka state, encompassing several monuments dating 6 - 8 century AD. One of the main monument is the Durga Devi temple, which is an elliptical structure and a semi finished dome having magnificient sculptural beauty. However the roads leading to this village are in a
semi finished condition and more improvements are going further in this direction. This is an ASI protected monument and hence the timings are 6 Am to 6 PM
semi finished condition and more improvements are going further in this direction. This is an ASI protected monument and hence the timings are 6 Am to 6 PM
Written 9 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Pan_India_traveller
Chennai (Madras), India794 contributions
Feb 2014 • Solo
Not too many reviews on TA forced me to go through multiple blogs and history of the early Chalukyan Era architecture. Historically Aihole is regarded as the starting point of temple architecture experimentation before it took better shape at Pattadakal . With respect to Chronology - Badami cave would predate some of the Aihole monuments. I leave you to google to know the etymology of Aihole and the temples.
Route - There are two routes to Aihole - one via SH14 north and one via SH 133 which joins SH14 north.My auto driver said the SH133 is less riddled with pot holes. It takes a solid 1 hour by autorickshaw to reach Aihole from Badami. From Aihole you backtrack to Pattadakal which around 1/2 hour . Though the roads are bad, they are lined with lush green fields(at least in february) - Route to Aihole
https://plus.google.com/photos/110755715176541041885/albums/5984305802708229473?authkey=CLCn8-Sh1If9Mg
Cost to reach there - A private autorickshaw(only for you) should cost you Rs 500-700 to cover Pattadakal, Aihole, Badami. You can otherwise use a share autorickshaw but the timing of these are not dependant on you and rather dependant on how fast the rickshaw gets filled. There is not much of public transport and its advisable to do this first half so that you are not stranded at Aihole.
What is a must - A Good Flashlight/Torch .. there are lot of dark areas within the temple.
What to see
a) Durga Temple complex - This is the famous complex which houses the Durga temple, Lad Khan temple, Gudara Gudi temple , Chakra Gudi temple, Badiger Gudi temple, A cottage shaped temple etc . There is also a ASI maintained museum. There are ASI information plaques outside the temples
b) Outside this complex just opposite you have Ambigera Gudi Group complex - a temple plaque describes about the place.
c) As you trace your path back to pattadakal in less than 100-200 mts you will see Jyotirlinga group of temples and Huchiyapanna Muth temple.
d) On the left side on a hillock you can look at a small hillock which houses the Ravala Hudi Cave temple.
e) Other than these, there are numerous temples inside the village.
Detailed viewing in each temple
The best way to do it is hire an accredited guide but I will try to give you some information which will make it interesting
a) Detailed viewing Durga temple -
(i) The entrance doorway and ceiling - Coiled naga, wheel with fish spokes, flying couples - sloping ceiling over passageway, On top of the doorway to the sanctum sanctorum has the God Garuda clutching Nagaas.
(iii) The curved passageway has some astounding fine sculpture of amorous couple, carvings on pillars and huge larger than life size statues of Vishnu, Mahishasura Mardhini, Varaha avatar, A standing Narasimha, another statue of Narasimha devouring an asura, Shiva leaning on a Nandi
(iv) Notice the Dwarves as if holding the superstructure along the roof edges althrough
(v) Notice the Swastika symbols on the windows . Its an ancient technique to draw this as a Kolam without lifting your hand.
Detailed viewing in Lad Khan Temple -
(i) Finally Latticed window frames, (ii) Check out the 12 pillars in the mantapa - they have the royal insignia of Chalukya and other interesting patterns (iii) Wherever possible as a general rule check the ceilings for sculpture./ paintings.
Detailed viewing in Gaudara Gudi - the 16 pillars which form the frame of the temple
For your convenince I have posted photos from my trip . You can check the same here,
Durga Temple Complex
https://plus.google.com/photos/110755715176541041885/albums/5984283845839653905?authkey=CMnBltCXnejzmAE
Lad Khan Temple
https://plus.google.com/photos/110755715176541041885/albums/5984322812615710801?authkey=CIOJxuG1wvvxhQE
Other temples in Aihole
https://plus.google.com/photos/110755715176541041885/albums/5984340804057294609?authkey=CLeN6uLmgLPMowE
Other temples in Aihole
https://plus.google.com/photos/110755715176541041885/albums/5984348103070904689?authkey=CMLBwNSPuKWAsQE
How Long will it take
If you are the just click photos and move on, it will take probably take 1 hour. My recommendation would be a minimum of 2 hours to really see what I have listed. If you you are a true Connoisseur of art - you can spend upto half a day as there is so much of history and temple experimentation.
Photography - Except for within the museum you can take photos everywhere.Still camera photography for Indians is free of cost.
Footwear - Ideally footwear should not be worn inside a temple. But I did not see any restriction and footwear was allowed everywhere within all the temple complexes of Aihole !!
Restroom facilites - Woefully inadequate.. theres a ramshackle side room outside the ASI museum in the Durga temple complex which is Indian Style and had no running water. A small kid was collecting Rs 3 for its usage !!
Food - Dont even bother to find out - there isnt any. Better to have breakfast at Badami and be back for lunch of get something packed from Badami,
On the whole this place should not be missed and it should be done first followed by Pattadakal and later Badami to appreciate the era fully.
Route - There are two routes to Aihole - one via SH14 north and one via SH 133 which joins SH14 north.My auto driver said the SH133 is less riddled with pot holes. It takes a solid 1 hour by autorickshaw to reach Aihole from Badami. From Aihole you backtrack to Pattadakal which around 1/2 hour . Though the roads are bad, they are lined with lush green fields(at least in february) - Route to Aihole
https://plus.google.com/photos/110755715176541041885/albums/5984305802708229473?authkey=CLCn8-Sh1If9Mg
Cost to reach there - A private autorickshaw(only for you) should cost you Rs 500-700 to cover Pattadakal, Aihole, Badami. You can otherwise use a share autorickshaw but the timing of these are not dependant on you and rather dependant on how fast the rickshaw gets filled. There is not much of public transport and its advisable to do this first half so that you are not stranded at Aihole.
What is a must - A Good Flashlight/Torch .. there are lot of dark areas within the temple.
What to see
a) Durga Temple complex - This is the famous complex which houses the Durga temple, Lad Khan temple, Gudara Gudi temple , Chakra Gudi temple, Badiger Gudi temple, A cottage shaped temple etc . There is also a ASI maintained museum. There are ASI information plaques outside the temples
b) Outside this complex just opposite you have Ambigera Gudi Group complex - a temple plaque describes about the place.
c) As you trace your path back to pattadakal in less than 100-200 mts you will see Jyotirlinga group of temples and Huchiyapanna Muth temple.
d) On the left side on a hillock you can look at a small hillock which houses the Ravala Hudi Cave temple.
e) Other than these, there are numerous temples inside the village.
Detailed viewing in each temple
The best way to do it is hire an accredited guide but I will try to give you some information which will make it interesting
a) Detailed viewing Durga temple -
(i) The entrance doorway and ceiling - Coiled naga, wheel with fish spokes, flying couples - sloping ceiling over passageway, On top of the doorway to the sanctum sanctorum has the God Garuda clutching Nagaas.
(iii) The curved passageway has some astounding fine sculpture of amorous couple, carvings on pillars and huge larger than life size statues of Vishnu, Mahishasura Mardhini, Varaha avatar, A standing Narasimha, another statue of Narasimha devouring an asura, Shiva leaning on a Nandi
(iv) Notice the Dwarves as if holding the superstructure along the roof edges althrough
(v) Notice the Swastika symbols on the windows . Its an ancient technique to draw this as a Kolam without lifting your hand.
Detailed viewing in Lad Khan Temple -
(i) Finally Latticed window frames, (ii) Check out the 12 pillars in the mantapa - they have the royal insignia of Chalukya and other interesting patterns (iii) Wherever possible as a general rule check the ceilings for sculpture./ paintings.
Detailed viewing in Gaudara Gudi - the 16 pillars which form the frame of the temple
For your convenince I have posted photos from my trip . You can check the same here,
Durga Temple Complex
https://plus.google.com/photos/110755715176541041885/albums/5984283845839653905?authkey=CMnBltCXnejzmAE
Lad Khan Temple
https://plus.google.com/photos/110755715176541041885/albums/5984322812615710801?authkey=CIOJxuG1wvvxhQE
Other temples in Aihole
https://plus.google.com/photos/110755715176541041885/albums/5984340804057294609?authkey=CLeN6uLmgLPMowE
Other temples in Aihole
https://plus.google.com/photos/110755715176541041885/albums/5984348103070904689?authkey=CMLBwNSPuKWAsQE
How Long will it take
If you are the just click photos and move on, it will take probably take 1 hour. My recommendation would be a minimum of 2 hours to really see what I have listed. If you you are a true Connoisseur of art - you can spend upto half a day as there is so much of history and temple experimentation.
Photography - Except for within the museum you can take photos everywhere.Still camera photography for Indians is free of cost.
Footwear - Ideally footwear should not be worn inside a temple. But I did not see any restriction and footwear was allowed everywhere within all the temple complexes of Aihole !!
Restroom facilites - Woefully inadequate.. theres a ramshackle side room outside the ASI museum in the Durga temple complex which is Indian Style and had no running water. A small kid was collecting Rs 3 for its usage !!
Food - Dont even bother to find out - there isnt any. Better to have breakfast at Badami and be back for lunch of get something packed from Badami,
On the whole this place should not be missed and it should be done first followed by Pattadakal and later Badami to appreciate the era fully.
Written 25 February 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Payal G
Mumbai, India1,091 contributions
Mar 2018 • Couples
This place is worth visiting between Hampi and Badami. The road conditions are bad because of ongoing construction but it's really worth a visit. The major temples are within a well maintained complex run by ASI. It's very clean within the complex with a nice lawn. However, the overall attitude of people in such small villages is simply to rip-off as much as possible from tourists. Hordes of local children crowd the gate trying to take money from the visitors. Thankfully they are not allowed inside. It's no wonder if foreigners take back a bad impression of India.
The buildings are being restored by the ASI. The main Durga Temple is the inspiration behind the Parliament building. Apart from the walls one must check out the superb carvings on the ceilings. The Ravan phadi temple is a bit away but must also be visited. Overall 60-90 minutes should be sufficient for the whole place apart from the cave temples.
The buildings are being restored by the ASI. The main Durga Temple is the inspiration behind the Parliament building. Apart from the walls one must check out the superb carvings on the ceilings. The Ravan phadi temple is a bit away but must also be visited. Overall 60-90 minutes should be sufficient for the whole place apart from the cave temples.
Written 3 April 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ARVIND K
Bengaluru, India712 contributions
Aug 2018 • Family
First thing we did upon reaching Aihole, was to hire a Guide. He explained to us, that as per popular legend, Lord Parasuram came down to River Malaprabha and washed his blood-stained hands and battle axe, after evenging the death of his father. The blood and gore on the axe turned the river red. A woman saw this and screamed ‘Ayyo Hole’ or ‘Oh Blood!’ in Kannada and hence the name “Aihole”.
He also explained that the Aihole monuments belonged to a School of Art, the ones at Badami to a High School, the ones here at Pattadakal to a College and the ones in Belur and Halebeedu to a University. Being the earliest capital of the Chalukyan empire, Aihole contains some of the region’s oldest temples dating back to 5th century AD, within a nicely landscaped courtyard. As you enter the Aihole complex you will see a structure, that is similar to the Parliament House in New Delhi. Our Guide told us that the Durga Temple of Aihole, was indeed the inspiration behind the Parliament House.
Durga Temple, was built in the 8th century AD and it is not dedicated to Goddess Durga, but it actually means Fortress Temple as the word ‘Durga’ also means a Fort. The shape of this Temple is similar to Buddhist chaitya halls found in Ajanta Caves built in 2nd Century BC. The temple has life-size statues of Shiva, Vishnu, Harihara (half Shiva, half Vishnu), Durga in her Mahishasura-mardini form killing the buffalo demon, Goddesses Ganga and Yamuna, Brahma, Surya, various avatars of Lord Vishnu like Matsya, Varaha, Vaman and Narasimha. The temple has frescoes, that tell us stories from the Ramayana and the Mahabharata.
At Aihole, there are sculptures of several amorous couples in various stages of courtship and mithuna like happy couple, dancing couple, romancing couple drinking Somrasa (wine), flirting, teasing, and even fighting with each other. The life of locals must have inspired the sculptors. I was intrigued by sculptures of a Drunken Couple (also found at Badami Cave Temples). Our Guide explained to us, that the 2 attendants next to the drunken couple, were bartenders serving Somrasa and that the lady is too drunk to stand or even hold on to her clothes. He further explained that even as the lady struggled to stand, one can see the love she expresses to her caring lover. She wraps one arm around his shoulder and looks affectionately into his eyes.
There are several smaller shrines in the complex but none of them have been consecrated as they are all models for the bigger temples. Instead, the Guide told us, some local families resided in these temples and hence the Temples bear their family names instead of names of Gods or Goddesses. One such temple is called Ladkhan Temple, after a Muslim saint, who stayed here about a thousand years after it was built. This temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is the oldest temple in the complex, that was built in the 5th century. On the lintel of the sanctum with Shiva Linga, is an image of Garuda, who carries Vishnu. The temple also has sculptures showing Goddesses Ganga and Yamuna, as well as other deities. Stone carving of a young man, performing the complicated "Seershasana" or head-down yoga pose, can be seen on one of the stone pillars of this Temple.
The Gaudargudi temple next to Ladkhan temple is open from all sides. An inscription engraved on the lintel states that the temple has been dedicated to Goddess Parvati. Gaudargudi was among the earliest temples when architects included pradakshina patha (circumambulatory path) in a Hindu temple design. Next to this is a large stepwell for utility water storage whose walls have ancient carved sculptures.
The Suryanarayana Temple, dedicated to the Sun God, is absolutely fantastic. Its inner sanctum has no windows or ventilation, however the 2 feet tall image of Suryanarayana enshrined in it looks illuminated throughout the day. Whe
n we stood before its inner sanctum, we just couldn’t figure out how, with no visible source, there was enough light for us to the image clearly, while the rest of the inner sanctum was buried in darkness. It was truly the work of a genius.
He also explained that the Aihole monuments belonged to a School of Art, the ones at Badami to a High School, the ones here at Pattadakal to a College and the ones in Belur and Halebeedu to a University. Being the earliest capital of the Chalukyan empire, Aihole contains some of the region’s oldest temples dating back to 5th century AD, within a nicely landscaped courtyard. As you enter the Aihole complex you will see a structure, that is similar to the Parliament House in New Delhi. Our Guide told us that the Durga Temple of Aihole, was indeed the inspiration behind the Parliament House.
Durga Temple, was built in the 8th century AD and it is not dedicated to Goddess Durga, but it actually means Fortress Temple as the word ‘Durga’ also means a Fort. The shape of this Temple is similar to Buddhist chaitya halls found in Ajanta Caves built in 2nd Century BC. The temple has life-size statues of Shiva, Vishnu, Harihara (half Shiva, half Vishnu), Durga in her Mahishasura-mardini form killing the buffalo demon, Goddesses Ganga and Yamuna, Brahma, Surya, various avatars of Lord Vishnu like Matsya, Varaha, Vaman and Narasimha. The temple has frescoes, that tell us stories from the Ramayana and the Mahabharata.
At Aihole, there are sculptures of several amorous couples in various stages of courtship and mithuna like happy couple, dancing couple, romancing couple drinking Somrasa (wine), flirting, teasing, and even fighting with each other. The life of locals must have inspired the sculptors. I was intrigued by sculptures of a Drunken Couple (also found at Badami Cave Temples). Our Guide explained to us, that the 2 attendants next to the drunken couple, were bartenders serving Somrasa and that the lady is too drunk to stand or even hold on to her clothes. He further explained that even as the lady struggled to stand, one can see the love she expresses to her caring lover. She wraps one arm around his shoulder and looks affectionately into his eyes.
There are several smaller shrines in the complex but none of them have been consecrated as they are all models for the bigger temples. Instead, the Guide told us, some local families resided in these temples and hence the Temples bear their family names instead of names of Gods or Goddesses. One such temple is called Ladkhan Temple, after a Muslim saint, who stayed here about a thousand years after it was built. This temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is the oldest temple in the complex, that was built in the 5th century. On the lintel of the sanctum with Shiva Linga, is an image of Garuda, who carries Vishnu. The temple also has sculptures showing Goddesses Ganga and Yamuna, as well as other deities. Stone carving of a young man, performing the complicated "Seershasana" or head-down yoga pose, can be seen on one of the stone pillars of this Temple.
The Gaudargudi temple next to Ladkhan temple is open from all sides. An inscription engraved on the lintel states that the temple has been dedicated to Goddess Parvati. Gaudargudi was among the earliest temples when architects included pradakshina patha (circumambulatory path) in a Hindu temple design. Next to this is a large stepwell for utility water storage whose walls have ancient carved sculptures.
The Suryanarayana Temple, dedicated to the Sun God, is absolutely fantastic. Its inner sanctum has no windows or ventilation, however the 2 feet tall image of Suryanarayana enshrined in it looks illuminated throughout the day. Whe
n we stood before its inner sanctum, we just couldn’t figure out how, with no visible source, there was enough light for us to the image clearly, while the rest of the inner sanctum was buried in darkness. It was truly the work of a genius.
Written 14 August 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Wankenne
Sao Paulo, SP528 contributions
Nov 2018 • Couples
Aihole (pronounced "Eye-hoé"), also referred to as Aivalli, Ahivolal or Aryapura, is a historic site of ancient and medieval era Buddhist, Hindu and Jain monuments in north Karnataka (India) dated from the fourth century through the twelfth century CE.[1][2][3] Located around an eponymous small village surrounded by farmlands and sandstone hills, Aihole is a major archaeological site featuring over one hundred and twenty stone and cave temples from this period, spread along the Malaprabha river valley, in Bagalakote district.[4]
Aihole is 22 miles (35 km) from Badami and about 6 miles (9.7 km) from Pattadakal, both of which are major centers of historically important Chalukya monuments. Aihole, along with nearby Badami (Vatapi), emerged by the 6th century as the cradle of experimentation with temple architecture, stone artwork, and construction techniques. This resulted in 16 types of free-standing temples and 4 types of rock-cut shrines.[5] The experimentation in architecture and arts that began in Aihole yielded the group of monuments at Pattadakal, a UNESCO world heritage site.[6][7]
Over one hundred Aihole temples are Hindu, a few are Jain and one is Buddhist. These were built and coexisted in close proximity. The site is spread over about 5 square kilometres. The Hindu temples are dedicated to Shiva, Vishnu, Durga, Surya and other Hindu deities. The Jain Basadi temples are dedicated to Mahavira, Parshvanatha, Neminatha and other Jain Tirthankaras. The Buddhist monument is a monastery. Both Hindu and Jain monuments include monasteries, as well as social utilities such as stepwell water tanks with artistic carvings near major temples.
Aihole is 22 miles (35 km) from Badami and about 6 miles (9.7 km) from Pattadakal, both of which are major centers of historically important Chalukya monuments. Aihole, along with nearby Badami (Vatapi), emerged by the 6th century as the cradle of experimentation with temple architecture, stone artwork, and construction techniques. This resulted in 16 types of free-standing temples and 4 types of rock-cut shrines.[5] The experimentation in architecture and arts that began in Aihole yielded the group of monuments at Pattadakal, a UNESCO world heritage site.[6][7]
Over one hundred Aihole temples are Hindu, a few are Jain and one is Buddhist. These were built and coexisted in close proximity. The site is spread over about 5 square kilometres. The Hindu temples are dedicated to Shiva, Vishnu, Durga, Surya and other Hindu deities. The Jain Basadi temples are dedicated to Mahavira, Parshvanatha, Neminatha and other Jain Tirthankaras. The Buddhist monument is a monastery. Both Hindu and Jain monuments include monasteries, as well as social utilities such as stepwell water tanks with artistic carvings near major temples.
Written 10 February 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Karthik R
Chennai (Madras), India7,666 contributions
Dec 2018 • Friends
Aihole is around 35 kms from Badami and 14 kms from Pattadakal and was the first capital of Chalukyas. Aihole is an active town with archaeological sites spread across the town all over. There are several important places and we visited only few. Aihole hosts Hindu, Jain and Budhhist sites across caves and temples. Prominent places in Aihole to visit are:
Durga temple complex
Ravana Phadi cave
Hucchappayya matha
Hucchappayya gudi
Ambigergudi temples complex
Jyotirlinga temples complex
Mallikarjuna temples complex
Ramalinga temples group
Veniyar shrines complex
Galaganatha temples group
Kuntigudi complex
Meguti hill
Durga temple complex
Ravana Phadi cave
Hucchappayya matha
Hucchappayya gudi
Ambigergudi temples complex
Jyotirlinga temples complex
Mallikarjuna temples complex
Ramalinga temples group
Veniyar shrines complex
Galaganatha temples group
Kuntigudi complex
Meguti hill
Written 6 January 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Waman_Parulekar
Ratnagiri, India462 contributions
Oct 2018 • Couples
We left Badami early in the morning at 8:30 am and drove to Aihole which 35 km away from Badami via Pattadakal road. Road condition is superb and historical background, the majesty of badami pattadakal made our journey enjoyable. We reached Aihole within one hour. First, we visited Huchappayya Math and then entered in Durga temple complex. There is a parking facility outside of the temple. They charge Rs. 30 entry fee. The complex is magnificent and properly maintained by ASI. Beautiful Lawns are visible everywhere in the complex. This 7th and 8th-century temple was built by Chalukya dynasty of Badami. Durga temple is the main temple of this complex. Its named after the nearby Durg (fort) and not after goddess durga. The shape of the temple is known as Gajprastha, back of the elephant.
We saw beautiful carvings of Shiva, Vishnu, Harihara, Ganga, Yamuna, Goddess Durga. Many episodes of Mahabharata are depicted on the walls and ceiling of the temple which are very beautiful.
Chakra Gudi - Every temple in Aihole complex is unique and represents different architecture. Chakra Gudi is the 2nd temple we visited in our Aihole tour. It's in the corner of Aihole complex and situated between the Gaudargudi and step-well. Temple preserved 8th-century Nagara style architecture. Mandapa is added later into the temple.
Lad Khan Temple - Oldest temple of Aihole built in the 5th century. Chalukya kings initially used this temple for horse sacrification but latter same temple used to worship Vishnu and Shiva. This temple is named after a person Lad khan who stayed here for some period after chalukya. This temple is a unique temple of Aihole because it has 12 carved pillars. This entire complex is well maintained by ASI
Gaudaragudi Temple - This temple is older than Lad Khan temple as per some historians. It is said that Pradkshina path architecture was first introduced in this temple. This temple is more open from all side compared to Lad Khan temple. Surprised to see the temple which is actually constructed before the 5th century is still well maintained. Hats off ASI.
Suryanarayana Temple - next to Durga temple has beautiful Surya statue with its hand holding a lotus flower in its Garbh Gruha. Seven horse heads are carved at the bottom of the statue. Temple has pyramidal shikhara architecture.
Must visit museum - We took more than half an hour to visit this museum. Must visit the museum. You can know prehistoric and historical information of Aihole, Pattadakal and Badami. How ASI reconstructed these monuments one can know after visiting this museum. ASI kept many old sculptures, monuments and photos inside the museum. Photography is strictly prohibited inside the museum. Entry fee is only 5 rupees per person. It's in Aihole Durga temple complex.
Ravan Phadi - The 6th Century Ravana Phadi is the oldest cave in Aihole historical monuments. Its located one km away from Durga group of monuments. It is said that ravan phadi is one of the first cave built by Chalukyas. There is huge Nataraja and Parvati sculpture inside the cave. There are many other beautiful sculptures you can see on the walls of the cave. Very few people know this place. If you are visiting Aihole don't miss this place.
We saw beautiful carvings of Shiva, Vishnu, Harihara, Ganga, Yamuna, Goddess Durga. Many episodes of Mahabharata are depicted on the walls and ceiling of the temple which are very beautiful.
Chakra Gudi - Every temple in Aihole complex is unique and represents different architecture. Chakra Gudi is the 2nd temple we visited in our Aihole tour. It's in the corner of Aihole complex and situated between the Gaudargudi and step-well. Temple preserved 8th-century Nagara style architecture. Mandapa is added later into the temple.
Lad Khan Temple - Oldest temple of Aihole built in the 5th century. Chalukya kings initially used this temple for horse sacrification but latter same temple used to worship Vishnu and Shiva. This temple is named after a person Lad khan who stayed here for some period after chalukya. This temple is a unique temple of Aihole because it has 12 carved pillars. This entire complex is well maintained by ASI
Gaudaragudi Temple - This temple is older than Lad Khan temple as per some historians. It is said that Pradkshina path architecture was first introduced in this temple. This temple is more open from all side compared to Lad Khan temple. Surprised to see the temple which is actually constructed before the 5th century is still well maintained. Hats off ASI.
Suryanarayana Temple - next to Durga temple has beautiful Surya statue with its hand holding a lotus flower in its Garbh Gruha. Seven horse heads are carved at the bottom of the statue. Temple has pyramidal shikhara architecture.
Must visit museum - We took more than half an hour to visit this museum. Must visit the museum. You can know prehistoric and historical information of Aihole, Pattadakal and Badami. How ASI reconstructed these monuments one can know after visiting this museum. ASI kept many old sculptures, monuments and photos inside the museum. Photography is strictly prohibited inside the museum. Entry fee is only 5 rupees per person. It's in Aihole Durga temple complex.
Ravan Phadi - The 6th Century Ravana Phadi is the oldest cave in Aihole historical monuments. Its located one km away from Durga group of monuments. It is said that ravan phadi is one of the first cave built by Chalukyas. There is huge Nataraja and Parvati sculpture inside the cave. There are many other beautiful sculptures you can see on the walls of the cave. Very few people know this place. If you are visiting Aihole don't miss this place.
Written 7 November 2018
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Hi. Can I visit Aihole and Pattadakal in one day and still manage to visit all the points?
Written 26 November 2019
Yes. The temple complexes in both Pattadakal and Aihole open at 6am. I'd suggest go to Aihole first early in the morning so that you can walk around the distributed sites before the sun gets too harsh. Pattadakal is all in one complex, so you can do that a bit more comfortably in the afternoon.
Written 31 December 2019
Do auto rikshas from Badami, go to Pattadakal & Aihole or it can be visited only by hiring a car from Badami? What will be the approximate cost of hiring a riksha for Aihole & Pattadakal?
What will be the cost of hiring a car?
If we start at 12noon from Badami, can we return by to 6pm? Is it enough time to see all 3 places?
Written 7 November 2019
If travelling to Aihole, how many days should one plan for? What is the best place to stay around Aihole..
Written 9 September 2018
You can plan for Badami, Aihole and Pattadakal. Total 2 days are required to explore these site. Badami Fort and Badami caves can be seen in One day. You need one more full day to visit Aihole and Pattadakal. Best place to stay is badami. In badami Clarks Inn and Badami court are best options.
Written 25 October 2018
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