Aihole

State

Aihole, situated on the banks of river Malaprabha, is a temple city comprises 100 of temples scattered in the city with superb architectures and sculptures. The prominent group of temples in Aihole is the Kontigudi group and the Galaganatha group of temples, although historians have divided the temples in 22 groups. The Kontigudi group of Aihole is a set of three temples consisting of the Lad Khan temple, Huchiappayyagudi temple and the Huchiappayya math. The Galaganatha group of Aihole has nearly 30 temples scattered on the bank of the river Malaprabha.

Image Credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/olderock/4455813171/

History

Chalukays first capital was Aihole.The first phase of the temple was built in 6th century CE and the second phase went on upto 12 th century CE .Here they built over 125 temples in various styles .The famous Chalukya King Pulakeshi II was follower of Jainism.Aihole inscription dated 634 CE, in Sanskrit language and old Kannada script.The prominent temple groups here are the Kontigudi group and the Galaganatha group of temples, although historians have divided all the temples into 22 groups.The cave temple of Ravana Phadi stands all by itself backed against the rocky hill out of which it has been carved.The Kontigudi group is a set of three temples consisting of the Lad Khan temple, Huchiappayyagudi temple and the Huchiappayya math.

The Galaganatha group has nearly 30 temples scattered on the bank of the river Malaprabha. Galaganatha temples are characterized by a curvilinear shikhara above the Garba Griha and images of the deities of Ganga and Yamuna at the entrance to the shrine.

This period saw the construction of great architectural wonders not only at Aihole but the whole region including Badami, Pattadakal, and other places.In the 17th century, Aurangzeb annexed the Deccan and made it a part of the Mughal Empire and Aihole, as a part of that region, came under the Mughal rule.The early Chalukya dynasty was ousted by its own district officers, the Rashtrakutas in AD 757. Later on, Aihole became a part of the Bahmani and other local Muslim dynasties.

Accessibility

By Air: The nearest airport in Karnataka is Bangalore (483 Kms.

By Rail: The nearest railhead is Bagalkot (43 Kms) on the Hubli-Sholapur line & is connected to Badami, Bangalore & Bijapur.

By Road: Aihole has convenient road connections to several important places around it: Aminagad (10 Kms), Badami (46 Kms), Bangalore (483 Kms), Bijapur (129 Kms), Hampi (146 Kms) and Pattadakal (17 Kms)

Shopping

Ilkal (36 Kms) is famous for its traditional handloom, art silk and silk sarees.

Accommodation

Tourist Rest House, Aihole, Hungund Taluk.
Tourist Rest Houses of Tourism Department.

District
Bagalkot
STD Code
08351
Termperature
Summer 30-40°C, Winter 10-22°C
Best time to visit
October to March
Famous For
Cradle Of Indian Temple Architecture