Aihole, Badami, Karnataka India

Aihole is famous for the temple architecture and the number of temples and is located in the Bagalkot district of Karnataka. It is 510 km from Bangalore, 26 km from Hungund and 36 km from Badami. And, it lies to the east of Pattadakal, along the Malaprabha river, while Badami lies to the west.

Aihoḷe has the potential to become a UNESCO World Heritage site. It used to be the cultural capital of the early Chalukyas of Badami who ruled during 6th –8th century AD. Aihoḷe is one of the most notable places in the history of art of Karnataka. The skill of the Chalukyas evolved in Aihole, developed in Badami, and reached its pinnacle in Pattadakkal.

The village has 125 temples divided into 22 groups scattered all over the villages and nearby fields. It must have been a great ancient city.
Only mere traces of a fort dating from the 6th century can be seen today. 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. More temples are being excavated almost every day bearing witness to the vigorous experimentation on temple architecture which went on at Aihole more than 14 centuries ago.