An ancient complex of over 125 stone temples, known as the 'cradle of Indian temple architecture' for its experimental Chalukyan designs.
Discover what makes this destination truly special

Aihole is an expansive archaeological site, often called the 'cradle of Indian temple architecture'. Spread across a quiet village, it features over 125 stone temples and monuments dating back to the Chalukyan dynasty from the 4th to the 12th century. This place served as an experimental ground for early temple builders, and you can see a variety of architectural styles being tested, some of which were later perfected at nearby Pattadakal. The main attraction is a fenced complex that houses the most significant structures, while many other temples are scattered throughout the village and surrounding fields.
Plan your trip around the ideal season for the best experience
December-January, long weekends, and during school holidays due to pleasant weather.
October-November and February on weekdays.
March-September due to extreme heat and the monsoon season.
Plan ahead with accurate pricing and visiting hours
Indian Visitors
₹30
Per person
Foreign Visitors
₹500
Per person
Opening Hours
6:00 AM — 6:00 PM
Open on all days of the week. Last entry is typically 30 minutes before closing time.
Entry fee for Indian, SAARC, and BIMSTEC citizens is ₹30. For foreign nationals, it is ₹500. Entry is free for children below 15 years. A separate fee of ₹25 may be charged for video cameras.
Find your way to this destination with ease
Address
Aihole Group of Monuments, Aihole, Bagalkot District
Coordinates
16.0204, 75.8827
Nearest City
Hampi
Multiple ways to get to this destination conveniently
The nearest airport is Hubli Airport (HBX), located about 106 km away (a 2.5 to 3-hour drive). Taxis can be hired from the airport to reach Aihole.
The closest railway station is Badami (BDM), approximately 35 km away. It has good connectivity with Bengaluru, Hubli, and other cities. From Badami station, yo...
Aihole is well-connected by road to nearby heritage sites. It is 14 km from Pattadakal, 35 km from Badami, and 138 km from Hampi. KSRTC buses run to Badami, fro...
The main group of monuments in Aihole is small enough to be explored on foot. To travel between Aihole, Pattadakal, and Badami, hiring an auto-rickshaw or a car...
Learn about the story and cultural importance of this destination
Aihole rose to prominence as one of the earliest capitals of the Chalukya dynasty in the 6th century CE. It was a major center for architectural innovation, where artisans developed and refined the basic elements of Hindu temple construction. For several centuries, it served as a laboratory for vari...
Aihole's primary significance lies in its unparalleled collection of early medieval temple architecture. It documents a crucial phase in the development of temple design in India. The site provides a clear timeline of how different structural and stylistic ideas were explored before being standardiz...
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