Home to over 125 beautiful Chalukyan temples and monuments, Aihole is a historical site in Bagalkot, Karnataka. It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site and is surrounded by marvellous sandstone hills and villages on the banks of the Malaprabha River. It was formerly the capital of the Chalukya Dynasty with over 100 Hindu and Jain temples dating back to around 6th to 12th century. Today, Aihole is a prominent centre for temple architecture and intricate stonework.
Aihole, known initially as Ayyavole or Aryapura, played a significant role in Hindu mythology. Besides Hindu and Jain Temples, Aihole boasts of a rock-cut Buddhist monument and a monastery dedicated to Lord Buddha. The towns of Pattadakkal and Badami are located nearby and together, they form a vast circuit to experience the marvel and grandeur of Chalukyan architecture. A few important monuments in Aihole include the Durga Temple, Lad Khan Temple, Ravanaphadi Cave Temples, Huchimalli Temple, Meganagudi group, Gowda Temple and the Huchappayyagudi Temple amongst numerous others.
Source Aihole is considered as 'The cradle of Hindu rock architecture' as legend has it that more than 125 temples were built during Badami Chalukyas rule, between the 5th and 8th centuries. These temples represent different architectural styles like that of Dravidian, Phamsana, Gajaprastha and Nagara. The exquisite sculpture from this period has a classical quality. Richly carved ceilings, intricate rock-cut pillars, isolated figures and flat roofs, are some of the standard features of the temples. The grandeur of the Chalukyan architecture is beyond excellence.
Festivals
Chalukya Utsava Source The Chalukya Utsava is a 3-day festival held every year. In addition to cultural activities such as singing, dancing, etc. this festival also houses several competitions and adventure activities. One of the main attractions of this grand event is the helicopter ride and hot air balloon ride (priced at INR 1,000 and INR 2,000 per person, respectively) for an aerial view of the ancient city.
Dates: Feb 7 - 9
Pattadakal Dance Festival SourceIt involves the annual temple car (chariot) which is pulled from the temple gate to another sculpture called Padhkatte. Devotees from various places come to be a part of this event which is marked by religious as well as cultural celebrations, including prayers, dance and songs.
Dates: 1st January Venue: Pattadakal Temple
Virupaksha Temple Car Festival, Hampi SourceHeld in March/April as per local calendar, the Virupaksha Temple Car Festival is the annual temple car (chariot) festival. It involves a huge wooden chariot, marked by the auspicious presence of Gods and Goddess seated inside, which is pulled in a colourful procession attended by thousands of devotees. This festival symbolizes the annual wedding ritual of God's and Goddess.
Dates: March/April
History
There's an interesting story about how the town got the name. Legend has it that Lord Parashurama, after avenging the death of his father, Sage Jamadagni came to the river Malaprabha to wash his battle axe and bloodstained hands. While doing so, the blood turned the colour of the river water to red. Seeing this horrifying sight, a woman screamed 'Ayyo Hole!’ in Kannada, which translates to 'Oh no! Blood!’. Thus, this town got the name Aihole. However, this place is also called ‘Ayyavole’ and ‘Aryapura’. Lad Khan Temple, Aihole Source Aihole has great significance to the Ramayana in the Rishi Gautama and the Ahilya part in the epic. In the town, there exists an axe-shaped rock with a foot imprint on it. These prints are said to have belonged to Parashurama.
The Chalukyas ruled from the 6th century up until the 12th century with the Rashtrakutas ruling for the 9th and 10th century. And in the 12th century, they fortified the town. In the 13th century, the town was a target of wars by the armies of the Delhi Sultanate. During this time was when the Shiva Temple at Aihole came to be called the Lad Khan Temple, named after the Muslim commander who occupied this temple as his operations office.
Restaurants and Local Food in Aihole
The options for food and cuisines here are somewhat limited here. The handful of restaurants that you might here serve mostly vegetarian South-Indian food. Tourists could make arrangement for accommodation and food in Badami, which is the nearest town to Aihole and can be reached by road within 40 minutes. One might chance upon a few local delicacies such as Dosa, Bisi Bele Bath, Akki Roti, Jolada Roti, Idli, Vada, Sambhar, Mysore pak etc. View Top Restaurants in Aihole
The city does not have any airport and railway station and can be reached only by road. The nearest airports are in Goa and Belgaum, while the nearest railway station is in Bagalkot. The city is well connected by roads and there are many buses plying on the route.
How to reach Aihole by flight
There is no airport in Aihole. The nearest airport is in Hubli, which is 106 km away. The other near airport is that of Belgaum, at a distance of almost 189 km. You would have to hire a taxi from Aihole to Belgaum for this. There are regular flights to Hubli and Belgaum from cities like Mumbai and Bangalore. Taxis are available for hire from both the airports.
How to reach Aihole by road
How to reach Aihole by train
The nearest railway station is almost 34 km away in Bagalkot. Bagalkot is connected to all major cities by rail. The further journey can be completed by hiring a taxi.
How to reach Aihole by bus
Bus facility is available from cities like Badami (44 km) and Pattakal (17 km). Private and state-owned buses from Bangalore also ply on the same route.
Local transport in Aihole
This city is very small and can be thoroughly explored by foot. Bus services are also available in the inner part of the town.
Aihole Photos
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FAQs on Aihole
What is the local food in Aihole?
The options for food and cuisines here are somewhat limited here. The handful of restaurants that you might here serve mostly vegetarian South-Indian food. Tourists could make arrangement for accommodation and food in Badami, which is the nearest town to Aihole and can be reached by road within 40 minutes. One might chance upon a few local delicacies such as Dosa, Bisi Bele Bath, Akki Roti, Jolada Roti, Idli, Vada, Sambhar, Mysore pak etc. Read More
What are the places near Aihole?
The top places near to Aihole are Hampi which is 98 km from Aihole, Pattadakal which is located 10 km from Aihole, Badami which is located 24 km from Aihole, Goa which is located 227 km from Aihole, Gokarna which is located 234 km from Aihole
What are the things to do in Aihole?
The top things to do in Aihole are Durga Temple, Aihole, Lad Khan Temple, Ravanaphadi Cave Temples, Archaeological Museum, Aihole, Hucchimalli Temple, Huchappayyagudi Temple. You can see all the places to visit in Aihole here
How much does a package cost for Aihole?
The packages for Aihole start at INR 4100 which can be further customized based on a number of people, days, hotel category, vehicle type and customizations. You can have a look at all packages here
What is the best way to reach Aihole?
The city does not have any airport and railway station and can be reached only by road. The nearest airports are in Goa and Belgaum, while the nearest railway station is in Bagalkot. The city is well connected by roads and there are many buses plying on the route.
October to March is the best time to visit Aihole. Summers are scorching with temperatures reaching up to 35 degrees Celsius. July, August and September experiences generous rainfall and that might be a hindrance in enjoying sightseeing around the area. Read More
Who should visit Aihole?
Ideal for people who wish to explore places with historical significance and architecture. A good place for family vacations and solo trips.
What is not so good about Aihole?
Very few decent hotels and eateries.
What is famous about Aihole?
Aihole houses more than 125 temples. Enjoy the exquisite architecture of the temples.
Have a Question on Aihole?
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Aihole Reviews
Your rating
Rohit Shroff
6 years ago
- Being a temple town, make sure you strictly observe the traditions and culture of each temple.
