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Once the capital of the early Chalukyan dynasty (6th to 8th centuries), Aihole is a picturesque village on the banks of the Malaprabha river. Variously called Ayyavole & Aryapura in the inscriptions, Aihole is historically famous as the cradle of Hindu temple architecture. There are about 125 temples divided into 22 groups scattered all over the villages and nearby fields. Most of these temples were built between the 6th & 8th centuries and some even earlier. 

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 and bases of structures constructed with bricks of pre-Chalukyan times. More temples are being excavated every day bearing witness to the vigorous experimentation on temple architecture which went on at Aihole more than 14 centuries ago. 

Badami 
46 Kms, once the capital of Chalukyas, Badami is noted for its rock-cut cave temples and structural temples dating back to the 6th & 7th centuries.

Pattadakal 
17 Kms, A small village on the banks of the Malaprabha river, Pattadakal was the commemorative site for the Chalukya kings from 7th to 9th century AD.

Koodalasangama 
45 Kms, about 19 Kms north of Hungund, the pilgrimage center of Koodalasangama lies at the confluence of the Krishna & Malaprabha rivers. On the banks of the river is the renowned temple of Shiva as Sangameshwara. There are idols of Basaveshwara, the famous saint composer, his consort Neelamma, Nandi & Ganesha, in the temple complex. Basaveshwara is said to have spent his boyhood and later attained nirvana here. Facing the temple, in the midst of the river, is a small stone mantapa with a Shivalinga in it. 

Air:The nearest airport in Karnataka is Bangalore (483 Kms), Also Aihole can be reached from Hyderabad via Raichur.

Rail:The nearest railhead is Bagalkot (43 Kms) on the Hubli-Sholapur line & is connected to Badami, Bangalore & Bijapur.

Road:Aihole has convenient road connection to several important places around it. We recommend you to go to Hubli and then proceed to Badami which can offer you a good and decent hotel. Aihole can be a good surrounding place to Badami. some of these are: Aminagad (10 Kms),
Badami (46 Kms), Bangalore (483 Kms), Bijapur (129 Kms), Hampi (146 Kms), Pattadakal (17 Kms) 

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