PLACES OF TOURIST INTEREST & TOUR ROUTE, KARNATAKA - PAGE 3

Pattadakal, Aihole and Badami -

Dating back to 6th - 8th centurytemples of Pattadakal, Aihole and Badami town represent the most splendid achievement of the Chalukya dynasty of the state of Karnataka in the realm of art and architecture. It has been described as belonging to the vesera style which is a combination of the South Indian or Dravida and the North Indian or Nagara style.

The Chalukyan architectural monuments are mainly grouped into two classes: (a) the rock - cut halls, and (b) the structural temples. The excavated rock - cut halls are found at Badami and Aihole. There are four such cave temples at Badami. The Badami caves have three common features, namely, a pillared verandah, a columned hall and a small square cella which is cut deep into the rock.

Pattadakal - Pattadakal is a world heritage Centre situated on the bank of river Malaprabha. This town has 10 important temples built by the Chalukya Dynasty. The inscription on the temples here are worth witnessing and show the marvel of the early Chalukyan Architecture.

Aihole - Aihole is a small town with about 125 temples scattered around the town. Aihole was the ancient capital of the Chalukya Empire. Aihole is also described as “ the cradle of the Indian architecture”. Most of these temples were built between the 6th and 8th centuries. Out of these Gaudaragudi and the Ladkhan temples are the oldest of the
Aihole group.

Badami - Badami was the capital of the early Chalukyas. It is famous for its cave temples. These cave temples are carved out of the sand stones. Most of these temples are dedicated to Lord Vishnu, Shiva and are having inscriptions, sculptures which seem to be quite lively. Apart from this some caves pertain to the Jain deity Parshawanatha and also to Lord Nataraja striking 81 dance poses.