Thursday, March 21, 2013

Aihole, Karnataka

Durga Temple, Aihole
 Aihoḷe is a temple complex in the Bagalkot district of Karnataka, India. It is a very popular tourist spot in north Karnataka. It lies to the east of Pattadakal, along the Malaprabha River, while Badami is to the west of both. Aihoḷe is 480 km from Bangalore by road. Aihoḷe is one of the most notable places in the history of art of Karnataka. It was a prominent city of the Chalukya Dynasty. Aihoḷe has been described as one of the cradles of temple architecture. Of late some brick structures of pre-Chalukyan times have also been excavated. It must have been a great ancient city, a commercial centre as well, with the federation of trade guilds having its headquarters here. 
Location Map

Important temples at Aihole:
  1. Durga temple complex
  2. Lad Khan Temple
  3. Ambigera Gudi complex
  4. Mallikarjuna temple complex
  5. Chikki temple
  6. Rachi temple
  7. Eniyar temples complex
  8. Hucchimalli temple complex
  9. Ravanaphadi rock-cut temple
  10. Buddhist temple, Meguti temple
  11. Hucchappayya Math Complex
  12. Kunti temples complex
  13. Charantimath complex
  14. Tryambakesvara group
  15. Gauri temple
  16. Jaina temples in the village
  17. Rock-cut Jain Basadi
  18. Ramlingesvara Temple Complex
  19. Galaganatha Temple Complex
How to Reach:

By Air: Belgaum (189 km)
By Rail: Bagalkot (34 km)
By Road: 34 km from Bagalkot, the district headquarters, 11 km from Pattadackal and 46 km from Badami.


Somanathapura, Karnataka

Location on Map
Somanathapura is a town located at the right bank of the Kaveri river, 35 km from the historic Mysore city in Mysore district, Karnataka state, India. Somanathapura is famous for the Chennakesava Temple (also called Kesava or Keshava temple) built by Soma, a Dandanayaka (commander) in 1268 CE under Hoysala Empire King Narasimha III, when the Hoysalas were the major power in South India. The Keshava temple is one of the finest and most complete examples of Hoysala architecture and is in a very well preserved condition.

Chenna Kesava Temple

It has three sanctums on the west, north and south to Kesava, Venugopala and Janardana, all connected. It is an ornately carved temple of magnificent craftsmanship. The ceilings and door jambs leading to the sanctum sanctorum are exquisitely carved.




How to Reach:
By Air: Mysuru
By Rail: Mysuru
By Road: Somanathapura is 35 km east of Mysuru.

Tips:
Timings: 8.30 am to 5.30 pm
Entrance fee: Rs. 5 (foreigners Rs. 100), Video Rs.25

Contact:
Regional Tourist Office (0821) 2422096
KSTDC (0821) 2423652, 2525349