Pattadakal

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Pattadakal Travel Essentials

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Ideal duration: 1-2 days

Best Time: October to March Read More

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"A fusion in architecture"

Pattadakal Tourism

A treasure trove of Hindu and Jain temples, Pattadakal is part of the Aihole-Badami-Pattadakal complex that got the UNESCO World Heritage title and it is the best representation of Chalukyan Architecture. Resting on the banks of River Malaprabha, it boasts of a rich legacy that dates back to the 4th century. Excavations have revealed that the region was originally called Raktapura and was under the control of the Badami Chalukyas.

Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the Hindu temples at Pattadakal are an effortless blend of North and South Indian architecture. Built-in the 9th century by the Rashtrakuta Dynasty, the Jain Temple is the newest addition of this region. Built by Queen Lokamahadevi, wife of Vikramaditya II, Virupaksha Temple is one of the finest examples of South Indian architecture. These temples offer the town its unique identity.

The various temples that one must visit are Jain temple, Papanatha temple, Galaganath temple, and Sangameshwara temple. The classical dance festival held in January sheds light into the authentic culture and traditions of Pattadakal. Besides tourism, delicious food is another highlight of this heritage town.

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History

Carvings from the 8th Century Deccan India
Art historians grant extreme importance to this site, mainly because it depicts Hindu and Jain social, political, and religious practices in 8th century Deccan India. The name Pattadakal means place of coronation and this holy site was used by the Chalukya kings for the very same purpose. It was considered particularly sacred because this is where river Malprabha turned North towards the Kailasha mountain in the Himalayas. This ancient site has been witness to rule and regimen of various kings and dynasties, including the Sangama dynasty and the Mughal empire. All ten temples carry with them, unique stories of their own.

Temples of Pattadakal

  • Virupaksha temple: Out of this collection of architectural masterpieces, Virupaksha temple is the grandest and most sophisticated. Built in the year 745 by Queen Lokamahadevi to immortalize her husband’s victory over the Southern Kings, it even served as the inspiration behind Kailasha temple at Ellora Caves.

  • Mallikarjuna temple commemorates the victory of Chalukya kings over the Pallavas.

  • Galaganatha temple depicts an eight-handed Lord Shiva, killing the demon Andhaka and wearing a Yajnopavita made entirely of skulls.

  • Jambulingeshwara, Chandrashekhara, Kadasiddheshwara, and Kashi Vishwanatha temples are small structures, all dedicated to different forms of Lord Shiva and his family.

  • Papanatha temple lies half a kilometre away from the cluster of other eight Hindu temples. It’s the only structure with an amalgamation of both Dravidian and Nagara styles of construction.

  • Sangameshwara temple is the oldest temple here but remains incomplete despite being built in several phases.

  • Jain Narayana temple is almost similar in structure to the nine Hindu temples. The only difference is that instead of carvings and idols of Hindu deities, it houses an idol of a Jina (a soul who conquers all passions and overcomes all imperfections).

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How to Reach Pattadakal

How to Reach Overview

Patadakkal, despite being an important hotbed of Chalukyan history is well connected to the rest of India only by roadways. Regular bus services ply to and fro the city of Patadakkal, through well-connected state and national highways. There is no direct flight or rail connectivity, however, to Pattadakal as of now. The best way to reach Pattadakal is to go to Aihole first which is only 10 km away. Pattdakal does not have its own train station, the nearest being at Badami (15km). Using Badami as a base, you can drive out to Pattadakal for a day trip.

How to reach Pattadakal by flight

There is no direct flight connectivity available to Pattadakal. The nearest airport is in Belgaum, around 150 km away from the same. You can take a flight to Belgaum, and thereon, proceed in a taxi towards Pattadakal, or take a train to Badami from Belgaum, and then take a taxi to Patadakkal, whichever is more convenient for you. 

How to reach Pattadakal by road

Regular bus services ply to and fro the city of Pattadakal. They operate on a daily basis, whether day or night, from places like Belgaum, Badami, Aihole, Bangalore, etc. You can also take shared taxis or cabs for the same route.

How to reach Pattadakal by train

There is no direct rail connectivity to Patadakkal. Badami railway station is the nearest railway station to the site, around 17 km away from the same. You can take a private taxi from Badami.

Local transport in Pattadakal

The group of monuments in the town are located very close by so you can cover all of them by foot.

Pattadakal Photos

Pattadakal, Karnataka

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FAQs on Pattadakal

What is famous about Pattadakal?

An abode of fusion architecture. Home to several World Heritage Sites. Moderate temperature throughout the year.

What is not so good about Pattadakal?

Not much to explore (ideal only for a day trip). No good accommodation options and restaurants in and around Pattadakal.

Who should visit Pattadakal?

A famous historical site, Pattadakal is visited by tourists from all over. It is a favourite destination for historians and archaeologists. It is ideal for family vacations.

What is the best time to visit Pattadakal?

October to March are the best months to visit Pattadakal as the weather is very pleasant. Monsoons (July - September) is also a good time to visit Pattadakal.
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What is the local food in Pattadakal?

The options for food can get very limited here and you might want to carry some food from home or check on your personal arrangements. You may come across popular items of the local cuisine here such as Dosa, Bisi Bele Bath, Jolada Roti, Idli, Vada, Sambhar, Rasam, Kesari Bath, Mysore pak etc .
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What is the best way to reach Pattadakal?

Patadakkal, despite being an important hotbed of Chalukyan history is well connected to the rest of India only by roadways. Regular bus services ply to and fro the city of Patadakkal, through well-connected state and national highways. There is no direct flight or rail connectivity, however, to Pattadakal as of now. The best way to reach Pattadakal is to go to Aihole first which is only 10 km away. Pattdakal does not have its own train station, the nearest being at Badami (15km). Using Badami as a base, you can drive out to Pattadakal for a day trip.
Read More

What are the things to do in Pattadakal?

The top things to do in Pattadakal are Virupaksha Temple, Pattadakal, Kashiviswanatha Temple, Jain Temple, Sangameshwara Temple, Papanatha Temple, Galaganath Temple. You can see all the places to visit in Pattadakal here

What are the places near Pattadakal?

The top places near to Pattadakal are Hampi which is 97 km from Pattadakal, Badami which is located 15 km from Pattadakal, Aihole which is located 10 km from Pattadakal, Goa which is located 218 km from Pattadakal, Gokarna which is located 223 km from Pattadakal

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