Awestruck in Aihole

One of India’s most ancient towns and a cradle of temple architecture, this city of the Chalukyas was once known for its commercial significance and monuments.

LAKSHMI SHARATH visits Aihole and has a tough time picking just a handful of temples from the 125 monuments that dot this landscape.

Travel tips:
Aihole, 483 km from Bangalore, is located in Bagalkot district of Karnataka, which is also famous for the historic temple towns of Badami (46 km) and Pattadkal (17 km). The nearest railway station is at Badami.

ALSO SEE:
Badami - where gods abide in caves

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It is well past dawn and I drive all the way from Vatapi or Badami, the Chalukyan capital across the Malaprabha River to Aihole or Aivalli, where monuments fill your eyes everywhere. The temples are located in the heart of the town. You do not see houses or markets; just temple complexes in various states of ruin and restoration.
It is well past dawn and I drive all the way from Vatapi or Badami, the Chalukyan capital across the Malaprabha River to Aihole or Aivalli, where monuments fill your eyes everywhere. The temples are located in the heart of the town. You do not see houses or markets; just temple complexes in various states of ruin and restoration.

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