The city where there are around 125 stone temples believed to exist from the 5th century CE is the small village Aihole situated in the Baghalkot District of the South Indian state of Karnataka.

It is at a distance of 500 kms from the state capital Bangaluru. Wherever you walk, you will end up on the façade of a temple in Aihole.

Speciality Of The Place:

The rock cut shrines and the huge figurines which are distinctly unique from one another, stand as a testimony over the past 1500 years portraying the Chalukiyan Architecture It is surprising to know that the excavations have revealed magnificent structures dating to pre-chalukian dynasty, that is, building built even before 5th century. The architectural styles deployed and the grandeur in which the structures and the shrines have been built have got the accolades to Aihole that it is renowned as the Cradle of Rock Temple Architecture.

What will you Experience?

Mortarless Assembly, more preference to length rather than height or width, ceilings which are richly carved and flat roofs and the aesthetic sensibility of the sculptures which are uniquely designed are the significant features of all these structures. Even though most of the buildings are claimed to be an experimental construction, people visiting this place do not feel so, as every premise is complete in all aspects in turn attracting lakhs of visitors every year.

Best Time to Visit:

Throughout the year

Way to Reach:

 By Air -  Hubli and Belgaum are the airports nearest to Aihole at a distance of 106 & 189 kms respectively. The destination can be reached hiring a taxi.

 By Rail -  Bagalkot is the railway station nearest to Aihole at a distance of 40kms

By Road: You can reach Aihole from the other parts of Karnataka with a hassle-free travel in the well-maintained network of roads.