India / Karnataka /Bagalkot / Aihole

Aihole is a temple complex located in the Indian state of Karnataka. The complex is a very popular tourist destination in the northern part of the state. Tourists flock to this temple town to marvel in awe at the amazing ancient structures that stand in the region, having aced the test of time. There are various groups that the temples in Aihole can be split into, and some of these are the Galaganatha group of temples and the Kontigudi group of temples. There are twenty two groups of temples in all, and the sheer number is enough to interest travelers and tourists who are major history and architecture buffs to visit this temple town. The Lad Khan temple is one of the major temples in the region of Aihole, and this temple is guarded by two huge mantapas (towering gateways). The main deity in this temple is Lord Shiva, and the Shiva Lingam present in this temple serves as an epicenter for pilgrims and tourists alike. Other major temples in the region include the Huchappayya temple, the Huchimalli temple, the Durga temple and the Suryanarayana temple. Ravana Phadi is yet another tourist favorite, and this one of the oldest cave temples in India.

Quick Facts-Edit

Category : Pilgrim

Time Zone: UTC + 5:30 Hours

Pincode: 587124

STD Code: 8351

Info Website: ghoom.co.in/aihole-tourism‎

Best Time to Visit:  October to January.The maximum temperature in Aihole during this time is around 25°C and the minimum temperature is around 18°C.

HistoryEdit

Aihole is historically famous as the cradle of Hindu temple architecture. There are about 125 temples divided into 22 groups scattered all over the villages and nearby fields. Most of these temples were built between the 6th & 8th centuries and some even earlier. A large number of prehistoric sites have been found in Morera Angadigalu, near the Meguti hillocks in Aihole. Excavations near some temples have yielded traces of antique pottery and bases of structures constructed with bricks of pre-Chalukyan times. More temples are being excavated every day bearing witness to the vigorous experimentation on temple architecture which went on at Aihole more than 14 centuries ago.

Places to VisitAdd 

How to ReachEdit

By Air : There is no airport at Aihole. The nearest airport is at Hubli, about 142 km away. The airport is well connected by flights to Bengaluru, Chennai and other Indian cities.

By Train : There is no railway station in Aihole. Bagalkot railway station is the nearest railway station to Aihole located at a distance of about 34 km. This railway station is well connected to major cities in India and the nearby areas.

By BUS : There are numerous buses plying to Aihole from places, such as Badami, Pattadakal and Bangalore. Air conditioned as well as non air conditioned buses are available from these places. Bus fares may range from around Rs 50 to around Rs 300.

By Taxi : taxi servies are available to Aihole, is connected by road to Pattadakal (17 kms), Badami (44 kms) and Bangalore (490 kms).

By Other : N.A.

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Must Eat FoodAdd

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Nightlife (Pub / Disc / BAR)Add

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Safety / WarningEdit

•  No littering, no pollution of water.
•  This is not a luxury trip, but all care has been taken to make your trip comfortable.
•  ladies and gents accommodation is separate.
•  We carry Basic First Aid and if you need anything you can ask the organizers.
•  if you feel unwell bring to the notice of the organizers immediately.

HelplineEdit

• Ambulance : 102
• Fire Brigade : 101
• Police : 100

ItineraryEdit

Day- 1: Explore ancient temples and ruins at Aihole, Pattadakal and Badami- Overnight at Badami
Day- 2: Badami- to Hampi- 130 km/ 2.30 hours Explore Hampi- Overnight Hampi
Day- 3: Explore Hampi at leasure- Overnight Hospet
Day- 4: Hospet to Mumbai- approx 730 km which we covered in 15 hours in one day
We had kept one spare 3rd day in Hampi but we thought we had seen everything nicely in 2 full days.

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