A less famous but very attractive Indian tourist place Aihole is our next destination. This is the complex city comes under the region of Bagalkot, Karnataka state, India. People from northern area of Karnataka state are reaching Aihole in large amount.
Aihole is
basically a holy place having several big and popular temples. Shrines constructed
by Galaganatha group are more famous than others. However Kontigudi group is
also popular for constructing temples in Aihole. It is kind of secret tourist
destination and travelers from around the world are visiting this place in
gradual ratio.
When we talk
about the major temples of Aihole the first name comes in the list is Lad Khan
temple. This shrine is protected by 2 big towering gateways (mantapas). Deity
of lord Shiva must reach this place because of impressive and attractive idol
of Lord Shiva is placed. The Shivling present in such shrine is grand for
pilgrims.
Some more
shrines that people should not miss in Aihole are Huchappayya temple, Durga
temple, Huchimalli temple and Surya Narayan temple.
If you like
natural spots than visit Ravana Phadi which is one more tourist favorite
destination in Aihole. It is the oldest cavern temple of India located in this
city.
Attraction in
Aihole:
Revalphadi
Cave: reach south east area of Hucchimalli shrine to attain Ravana Phadi or
Revalpadi Cave. This cave is popular for temple constructed inside the cave. This
very old rock cut shrine is one of the unique temples in India. It was constructed
in 6th era with two mantapas. It’s a Lord Shankar temple with 3 way entrance.
Durga Temple:
once you reach Aihole you must visit the Durga Temple. This oldest temple was constructed
in the time of Chalukya dynasty. 7th and 8th era is the
expected period of this temple.
Huchappayya
Gudi: located in south direction of Aihole Fort is next tourist place. Malaprabha
River is flowing from this area that is also impressive especially during rainy
season. Experts say the shrine was constructed in 8th century.
Jain Meguti
Temple: a shrine that is constructed on small hill is known as Jain Meguti
temple. The surrounding area of temple is like monument. However, the construction
was incomplete of the temple. The structural design of temple was like Dravidian
style so we can justify the architectural status of such era.
Kwathi Gudi:
also known as Konthi Temple is next tourist location for the visitors. It’s
impressive and gives mental peace to the visitors so people must attain to this
place.
Lad Khan
Temple: if you want visit the oldest temple of Aihole then you must visit Lad
Khan Temple. This shrine is devoted to Lord Shankar structured in 5th
century. This is the temple that is named after Muslim ruler of the town.
Uma
Maheshwari Temple: the last attraction for visitors in Aihole is Uma Maheshwari
temple that is goddess Maheshwari’s temple. People believe all wishes come true
if the prayer is done honestly.
How to attain Aihole:
By Train: nearest big railway
station to reach Aihole is Bagalkot. However, Aihole is also having the small
station where some passenger trains are reaching from various cities of the
State Karnataka. Bagalkot is 34 kms away from Aihole. Trains for Aihole are
available from Belgaum, Hubli and Sholapur.
By Bus: Regular buses from
Bagalkot are available for Aihole.
By Air: the closest domestic airbase
to reach Aihole is Hubli connected to various parts of nation. International travelers
can reach Bangalore airport to reach Aihole.