Aihole, Karnataka, India (with photos)

Aihole (Kannada: ಐಹೊಳೆ) of Bagalkote district of the Indian state of Karnataka, was the first capital of early Chalukyas. It was a prominent city during the Badami Chalukyas (6th to 12th century). Its also called as the "cradle of Hindu rock architecture" There are around 125 temples built in various architecture by the early Chalukyas.

Durga Temple at Aihole

There are many temples in Aihole, you need to visit all the temples to understand the historical importance of that temple. 

Close view of beautiful carvings in Aihole Temple

Getting there:
Aihole is around 26 km from Hungund which is on the NH13 highway & around 460 km from the state capital Bengaluru.
Route from Bengaluru:
Bengaluru --(NH4)--> Chitradurga --(NH13)--> Kudligi --(NH13)--> Hospet --(NH13)--> Kushtagi --(NH13)--> Hungund --> --(SH20)--> Ammingad --> Aihole


From Hubballi: Its around 130 km
Route: Hubli --> Naragund --> Kulgeri --(Badami Rd)--> Badami --> Pattadakallu --> Aihole


From Solapur: Its around 220 km
Route: Solapur --(NH13)--> Bijapur --(NH13)--> Kudala Sangama Circle --> Amingad --> Aihole

Another view of Durga Temple in Aihole

Temple in Aihole

Places of Interest around Aihole:

* Group of Monuments at Pattadakal: Its a World Heritage Site (Its around 12 km from Aihole)
* Mahakuta (24 km) : Mahakuta Group of Temples built during the 5-6th century by the early Chalukyas

* Badami: Capital of Chalukya Dynasty (Its around 32 km from Aihole)

* Kudala Sangama: Basaveshwara's Aikya Mantapa (Its around 35 km from Aihole)

* Alamatti Dam: Its around 45 km from Aihole

* Hampi: Capital of Vijayanagara Empire, its a World Heritage Site (Its around 140 km from Aihole)
* Bijapur: Its around 120 km from Aihole