Aihole is a historic site of ancient and medieval era Buddhist, Hindu and Jain monuments in north Karnataka (India) dated from the fourth century through the twelfth century CE. It occupies a unique place in the history of temple architecture in India. It was the experimenting ground for the early Chalukyan kings ( 450 – 750 AD) to build structural temples from the midfifth century onwards. Within the ancient fortification alone there are fifty temples and fifty more can be seen outside. Most of them are vaishnavite temples later converted into saivite ones. The experimentation in architecture and arts that began in Aihole yielded the group of monuments at Pattadakal, a UNESCO world heritage site.
Aihole (pronounced “Eye-hoé”) is referred to as Ayyavole and Aryapura in its inscriptions and Hindu texts from 4th to 12th century CE.
Aihole has been a part of Hindu mythologies. It has a natural axe-shaped rock on the Malaprabha river bank north of the village, and a rock in the river show a footprint. Parashurama, the sixth Vishnu avatar, is stated in these legends to have washed his axe here after killing abusive Kshatriyas who were exploiting their military powers, giving the land its red color. Aihole has historical significance and has been called a cradle of Hindu rock architecture.
The documented history of Aihole is traceable to the rise of the Early Chalukya dynasty in 6th century. After the Chalukyas, the region became a part of the Rashtrakuta kingdom who ruled in the 9th and 10th century from the capital of Manyakheta. In the 11th and 12th century, the Late Chalukyas (Western Chalukya Empire, Chalukyas of Kalyani) ruled over this region.
In the 13th century and thereafter, it became a target of raids and plunder by the Delhi Sultanate armies devastating the region. In 1565, Aihole became a part of the Adil Shahi rule from Bijapur. In late 17th-century, the Mughal Empire under Aurangzeb gained control of the region from Adil Shahis, after which Maratha Empire gained control of the region. It again changed hands with Haider Ali and Tipu Sultan conquering it in late 18th century, followed by the British that defeated Tipu Sultan and annexed the region.
Directions by road from the nearest airport
Weather forecast
Feb 14, 2025
32°C
Getting there
Closest By Air
There is no airport in Aihole. The nearest airport is in Hubli, which is 136 km away. The other near airport is that of Belgaum, at a distance of almost 164 km. There are regular flights to Hubli and Belgaum from cities like Mumbai and Bangalore.
Goa International Airport is nearest international airport – 305 kms from Aihole.
Closest By Rail
The nearest railway station is almost 34 km away in Bagalkot. The further journey can be completed by hiring a taxi.
Closest By Road
Bus facility is available from cities like Badami (35 km) and Pattakal (14 km). Private and state-owned buses from Bangalore also ply on the same route.
There is a KSTDC Hotel Mayura Yatri Nivas at Aihole.
Varieties range of Hotels are available at Badami which is 35km from Aihole.
No specialty restaurants are available at Aihole. Small tea shops serving snacks can be found. Here you will find some restaurants that might serve mostly vegetarian South-Indian food.
This city is very small and can be thoroughly explored by foot.
Aihole has a warm, dry climate year-round. Winter (Dec–Feb) is a common time to visit as the weather is cooler. Summer (Mar–Jun) is unbearably hot, and is followed by the monsoon season which is not much recommended. October to March is the best time to visit Pattadakal.
The temple complex serves as the backdrop to the annual Classical Dance Festival, held between January and February.