Some of the earliest surviving Hindu structural temple from which temple architecture has developed and blossomed can be seen at the three village of Badami, Aihole and Pattadakal. The great sage, Agastya, is associated with this region, which is rich both in legend and history. It was the Capital of the Chalukya rulers.
BADAMI:
A noted Chalukya Capital (540-757 AD.), Badami has remarkable temples, both structural and rock-cut. Completed during the reign of Mangales (598-610 AD.), are the four cave temple that is the best of the place. One of the caves is Jain and the other Hindu. The Caves have an entrance porch supported by pillars, a hall with columns and a shrine for the deity, mostly Shiva. The Badami fort is higher up the hill and encloses granaries, treasury, watchtowers and many temples.
AIHOLE:
The capital of the chalukya kings between the 6th and 8th centuries, Aihole has the first structural temples in India. The oldest of these is the MELGUIT temple built in the Dravidian style and dedicated to Mahavira, the founder of Jainism. The Durga temple and the Lad Khan are also impressive and show the tremendous progress made in architecture during the two centuries. The brilliant ruins of the forts and palaces buttress the magnificence.
PATTADAKAL:
Just 15 km from Aihole is another temple town, Pattadakal the site where Chalukya kings were crowned. Of a later vintage than Aihole, the work on the temple walls are more developed than Aihole, remarkable example is Galagomatha which shows Shiva in various actions. At the Kashi Visheshvara temple, Shiva’s mount, Nandi stand waiting for his master. The Mallikarjuna and the Virupksha temples is also eye catching.
EXCURSION:
HAMPI:
The ruins of the Vijay Nagar empire (1336 to 1565 A.D. ) offer a look into the might of this once powering dynasty which ruled the entire Deccan plateau from the Arabian sea to the bay of Bengal. Vimpakasha temple elaborately carved gateways which pre-date the temple dedicated to Shiva. The Vittala temple has 56 beautifully sculpted columns with mythological beasts and other animals. Also check out the palace ruins.
BIJAPUR
The kingdom that brought to an end to the Vijayanagar Empire. It was ruled by the Adil Shah Kings (1489-1685). When they were not on the campaign trail, the Adil Shah kings put all their energies to Turkish style building. There are over 50 mosques, 20 tombs and close to 20 palaces. The best view of this Istanbul-like setting of turrets and domes can be seeb from the Gauder Buruj, a watch tower built by general Haiderkhan. You can see the 10 km long fort ramparts which enclosed the city. On the far end of the town you can see the most remarkable monument of Bijapur the GOL GOMBAZ – the tomb of Mohammed Adil Shah. At night the mausoleum is illuminated in almost magical hues. Also see the Jamma Masjid, the Ibrahim Rauza-or garden the Gagan Mahal and Mecca Masjid and the Citadel-the city centre where the royals lived. The Malik-e- Haider is one of the world’s largest bell metal guns and the Asar Mahal had been built as a hall of justice.
STANDRARD SIGHTSEEING TOURS:
AIHOLE:
Aihole is the cradle of stone temple architecture of the southern Dravida School. The oldest temple, Lad Khan goes back to the 5th century AD. There are 70 temples in this group. The Durga temple is noted for its sculpture. The Meguti temple is built of 630 small stone blocks. The Ravanaphadi Cave has some beautiful Carving.
BADAMI:
Badami is also known as Vatapi rich with Hindu and Jain temples carved out of sand stone hills. The caved temple date back to the 6th century. Of these three are Hindu and one Jain. Sculptured out of solid rock they are adorned with Carvings. Fort, on top of a hill enclosed large granaries, treasury & a watch tower. The famed Malegitti Shivalaya temple set on the summit of a hill is built of stones joined without mortar.
