A tranquil village on the banks of the MahaprabhaRiver,Aihole is known as the cradle of Hindu temple architecture. Aihole is an experience of time travelling, by all means. A quiet village where centuries-old temples have been let alone to grow old in peace, history rests in equanimity at this former capital of the BadamiChalukyas. Temples from the fifth century to the fourteenth century stand no further than a few yards from another, taking you through a fascinating, evolutionary passage of art and architecture.
The most impressive Temple is the Durga Temple with its semicircular apse,elevated plinth and the gallery encircling the sanctum.The Lad Khan Temple was originally a royal assembly hall and marriage mantapa,chosen as the abode of a Muslim chief,LadKhan.TheHuchimalli Temple with a sculpture of Lord Vishnu sitting o top of a large Cobra,theRavalphadi Cave Temple celebrating many forms of Lord Shiva,TheKonti Temple complex,theUmamaheswariTemple,the Jain Meguti Temple and the two-storied Buddhist Temple are the other sights worth seeing.
