Aihole, also known as Ayyavole or Aryapura, was the ancient capital of the
Chalukyas and is located in
Bagalkot District of
Karnataka. Aihole is 46 km west of
Badami and
Bangalore is 483 km south.
Cradle of Indian Architecture, Aihole has 125 temples, divided into 22 groups, and scattered all over the villages and nearby fields. Some of the major temples in the city are the
Surayanarayana Sun Temple, Lad Khan Temple, Durga(Fort) Temple, Huchchimalligudi Temple,
Konthi Temple Complex, Uma Maheswari Temple, Jain Meguti Temple and the two-storeyed Buddhist Temple. Most of these temples were built between the 6th and 8th centuries and some even earlier. The Revalphadi Cave, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is another major attraction at Aihole. Kudala Sangama, a pilgrim place for Veerashaivas, is 43 km away.
Hubli Airport is the closest airport. The nearest railheads are at Bagalkot and Badami. Aihole is connected by road with Pattadakkal (19 km), Badami and Bangalore.
Best time to visit is from October to February.
