Aihole is a historical location near Bagalkot, Karnataka, home to approximately 125 stunning Chalukyan temples and monuments. Beautiful sandstone hills and towns on the banks of the Malaprabha River surround it. It is one of the UNESCO World Heritage sites. It is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Aihole.

It is home to over a hundred Hindu and Jain temples spanning the sixth through the twelfth centuries. The city was once the capital of the Chalukya Dynasty. Aihole is now a well-known hub for elaborate masonry and temple building.

In Hindu mythology, Aihole—originally called Ayyavole or Aryapura—had a major role. In addition to Hindu and Jain temples, Aihole is home to a monastery devoted to Lord Buddha and a Buddhist monument carved out of rock. 

The adjacent towns of Pattadakal and Badami together form a large loop. It allows visitors to appreciate the magnificence and majesty of Chalukyan architecture fully. Durga Temple, Lad Khan Temple, Ravana Phadi Cave Temples, Huchimalli Temple, Meganagudi group, Gowda Temple, and Huchappayyagudi Temple are only a handful of the significant monuments in Aihole, among many others.

History of Aihole

The name of Parashurama's bloodstained hands came from a woman who yelled, "Ayyo Hole! " in Kannada. It refers to the horrifying sight of blood turning the river water red.

The city plays an important role in the Ramayana's Rishi Gautama and Ahilya sections of the epic. There's a foot impression on an ax-shaped rock in the town. It reports that Parashurama owned these prints. 

The Chalukyas ruled Aihole from the 6th to 12th century, with the Rashtrakutas heading from 9th to 10th century. In the 12th century, fortified, and during the 13th century Delhi Sultanate wars, Shiva Temple became Lad Khan Temple.

The best time to visit

October through March is the ideal time of year to visit Aihole. Summertime temperatures can soar above 35 degrees Celsius, making them quite hot. The region receives a lot of rain in July, August, and September, which may make sightseeing difficult. Tourists must explore the city during the Aihole tour package.