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Aihole is a small ancient town in Karnataka, India. It can boast of more than 100 temples that best showcase the architectural evolution under the Chalukya dynasty. It is, therefore, celebrated as the “Cradle of Indian Temple Architecture”. Dating back to the 4th century, temples dot Aihole’s landscape and are well-known for their rich heritage. This article will be helpful for anyone interested in finding India’s roots and knowing the best places to visit in Aihole. It lists the top attractions in Aihole and their locations, best visiting times, entry fees, and timings.
12 Places To Visit In Aihole
Here is a list of few serene places to visit in Aihole that promise you a spiritual retreat.
1. Durga Temple
Photo: Shashi.gajare / Wikimedia Commons
The Durga Temple in Aihole is a stunning example of Chalukyan architecture, built between the 7th and 8th centuries. Despite its name, the temple is not dedicated to Goddess Durga but gets its name from “Durga,” meaning fort, as it was located near a fort. The temple is famous for its apsidal plan, which means it has a semi-circular rear end, an architectural style rare in Indian temples. Visitors are captivated by the detailed craftsmanship of the Chalukyan artisans, who brought stone to life in their depictions of deities, warriors, and celestial beings.
Location: Central Aihole
Best Time To Visit: October to March
Entry Fee: ₹25 for Indians, ₹300 for foreigners
Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM
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2. Lad Khan Temple
Photo: Meesanjay / Wikimedia Commons
The Lad Khan Temple is one of the oldest surviving structures at Aihole and originally, it was designed as a royal hall and later it was turned into a Lord Shiva temple. It is an early temple architecture bearing a flat roof with wooden beams and square sanctum. Named after a Muslim ruler who was known to have used the temple as his abode, Lad Khan, this temple reflects simplicity in design yet is robust with heavy pillars supporting the flat roof. This architectural style followed by numerous temples subsequently constructed during the Chalukyan era gave evidence of this aspect.
Location: Near Durga Temple
Best Time To Visit: November to February
Entry Fees: ₹10/person
Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM
3. Ravana Phadi Cave Temple
Photo: Manjunath Doddamani Gajendragad / Wikimedia Commons
The Ravana Phadi Cave Temple is one of Aihole’s most ancient rock-cut temples, dating back to the 6th century. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the cave is a fine example of early Chalukyan rock architecture, featuring a pillared verandah and a central sanctum with a Shiva lingam. What sets this temple apart is the magnificent panel carvings that adorn its interior. Depictions of deities such as Nataraja (Shiva as the cosmic dancer), Vishnu, and other celestial beings highlight the artistic prowess of the era. The temple’s exterior is modest, but its interiors feature richly carved sculptures.
Location: Northeast of Durga Temple
Best Time To Visit: October to March
Entry Fee: Free
Timings: Sunrise to sunset
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4. Hucchimalli Temple
Photo: Abhimanyu Shivkumar / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
The Hucchimalli Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is one of the lesser known gems of Aihole from the 7th century. The temple is unique in early experiments for developing the shikhara or a tower which came to form an integral part of South Indian temple architecture. A Shiva lingam is placed in the sanctum sanctorum and a circumambulatory path allows the devotees to walk around the deity with reverence. One of the most striking features of the Hucchimalli Temple is its multi-tiered roof, which adds to the grandeur of the structure.
Location: South of Aihole Village
Best Time To Visit: October to February
Entry Fee: Free
Timings: Sunrise to sunset
5. Konti Group Of Temples
Photo: Abhimanyu Shivkumar / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
The Konti Group of Temples is an ensemble of three temples that exemplify early Chalukyan architecture. Each temple in this complex is relatively small but features distinct architectural elements, such as finely sculpted pillars, friezes, and shikharas (towers). The main temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, with a lingam enshrined in the sanctum. Surrounding the central shrine are intricately carved pillars that depict various deities and celestial beings. Despite its small size, the Konti Temple Complex is an architectural masterpiece, representing the early transition of temple-building styles in the region.
Location: East of Durga Temple
Best Time To Visit: October to March
Entry Fee: Free
Timings: Sunrise to sunset
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6. Galaganatha Temple Complex
Photo: Abhimanyu Shivkumar / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Over 30 small temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, most of which line the banks of Malaprabha River, make the Galaganatha Temple Complex a sceneric beauty. The largest temple has a fine curvilinear shikhara making it a typical example of early Chalukyan architecture. In it is an enshrined Shiva lingam and the walls are studded with sculpted Hindu gods, animals, and mythical creatures. The complex boasts of a more serene environment as the riverside location provides for a calm setting to the awesome architecture. The temples here are relatively simple earthy atmosphere that attracts history buffs as well as architecture lovers.
Location: South of Aihole Village
Best Time To Visit: October to March
Entry Fee: Free
Timings: Sunrise to sunset
7. Meguti Jain Temple
Photo: Alende devasia / Wikimedia Commons
The Meguti Jain Temple is perched on a hill, providing panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Built in the 8th century, this temple is one of the few Jain structures in Aihole and is notable for its historical inscriptions, which provide valuable insights into the Chalukyan era. The temple’s architecture is relatively simple, with an open pillared hall and a sanctum housing a seated figure of a Jain Tirthankara. Visitors can enjoy the serene atmosphere of the temple while also learning about the region’s Jain heritage.
Location: Southeast of Aihole
Best Time To Visit: November to February
Entry Fee: Free
Timings: Sunrise to sunset
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8. Mallikarjuna Temple Complex
Photo: Dey.sandip / Wikimedia Commons
The Mallikarjuna Temple Complex is an interesting set of temples in relation to Lord Shiva. It is rather distinctive because of the excellent carving on its doorways and ceilings, having products of elaborate designs from Hindu mythology. The temples are named after the presiding deity, Mallikarjuna, which happens to be one form of Lord Shiva. Besides its religious importance, it is also an architectural wonder for the symmetry in its layout and well-preserved stone carvings. The temple walls describe art at the most subtle and fragile detail-the stories of the gods, goddesses, and mythological creatures. It is one of the scenic places to visit in Aihole.
Location: Near Lad Khan Temple
Best Time To Visit: October to March
Entry Fee: Free
Timings: Sunrise to sunset
9. Chikki Temple
Photo: Abhimanyu Shivkumar / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
The Chikki Temple may be smaller compared to other temples in Aihole, but it holds significant architectural value. This modest temple features a sanctum that houses a Shiva lingam, with the interior and exterior adorned with carved images of deities. The temple’s compact design is reflective of the early stages of temple construction in Aihole. While the Chikki Temple lacks the grandeur of some of its counterparts, it’s simple charm and intricate sculptures make it a place of interest for those looking to explore all facets of Chalukyan art and architecture.
Location: West of Durga Temple
Best Time To Visit: November to February
Entry Fee: Free
Timings: Sunrise to sunset
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10. Jyotirlinga Temple Complex
Photo: Abhimanyu Shivkumar / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
The Jyotirlinga Temple Complex is a group of Shiva temples placed just outside Aihole. They are known for simplicity and elegance, showing the early Chalukyan architecture with carvings on pillars and sanctum walls. They are dedicated to the worship of the Jyotirlinga form of Lord Shiva that symbolizes infinite power. The surrounding situation at the complex makes it a pretty peaceful abode for any visitor who wants to explore religious history. Structures in this region are less in size compared to other temples built around there, however the historical and architectural importance still makes them worth visiting.
Location: Outskirts of Aihole
Best Time To Visit: October to March
Entry Fee: Free
Timings: Sunrise to sunset
11. Suryanarayana Temple
Photo: P. Madhusudan / Wikimedia Commons
The Suryanarayana Temple is a unique temple in Aihole, dedicated to the Sun God, Surya. This temple stands out among the predominantly Shiva-centered temples of the region. Its design features a large image of Surya riding his seven horses, a classic representation in Hindu mythology. The temple’s architecture is simple but elegant, with a Dravidian-style shikhara and the temple is adorned with sculptures depicting the Sun God and other celestial beings. Despite its smaller size, the temple’s unique deity and architectural style make it a captivating destination in Aihole, adding diversity to the town’s collection of historic temples.
Location: Near Durga Temple
Best Time To Visit: October to March
Entry Fee: Free
Timings: Sunrise to sunset
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12. Gaudara Gudi
Photo: Jean-Pierre Dalbéra / Wikimedia Commons
Gaudara Gudi or Gaudaragudi is one of the most simple-looking and beautiful temples of Aihole. The temple, believed to be one of the oldest, dates back to the 6th century and marks an early stage in Chalukyan architecture. The temple has a rectangular plan with a sanctum supported by a pillared mandapam. The walls carry bas-relief sculptures with shapes of deities and animals. Although not large in size, the rustic charm and historic importance of this temple make it a very important destination site for those interested in ancient architecture and evolution of Hindu temples. It is one of the best places to visit in Aihole.
Location: Central Aihole
Best Time To Visit: October to February
Entry Fee: Free
Timing: Sunrise to sunset
Aihole is an essential destination for those who wish to explore the roots of Indian temple architecture. The various temples and complexes here represent different architectural styles and showcase the creativity of the Chalukyan artisans. Each temple, from the grand Durga Temple to the serene Gaudara Gudi, offers a unique window into the past. Plan a visit to Aihole with TripXL and explore the serene places to visit in Aihole.
Cover Photo: Abhimanyu Shivkumar / Unsplash
