Aihole

Aihole holds more than a hundred temples built between roughly the fifth and twelfth centuries, and it is usually described as a laboratory: the Chalukyas experimented here with plans, roof forms and pillar types, trying northern nagara and southern dravida idioms and hybrids of both, and what worked was carried to Pattadakal and beyond. The Durga temple, the best known, is apsidal in plan with a colonnade running round it and carved panels of deities between the pillars; the name has nothing to do with the goddess but refers to a fort. Lad Khan is a squat pillared hall, and Ravan Phadi is a rock-cut cave with a dancing Shiva.

What you actually see

• The Durga temple - an apsidal plan ringed by a carved colonnade.
• Lad Khan - a low pillared hall, one of the earliest forms tried.
• Ravan Phadi - a rock-cut cave with a ten-armed dancing Shiva.
• The scattered temples - dozens more through the village and fields.

When to go

October to March; the region is severely hot from March. Mornings are best. Most visitors combine Aihole with Badami and Pattadakal in a single circuit.

Honest expectations

Many temples stand in the village among houses and fields, unlabelled and unguarded. The main enclosure charges entry; the rest is found by wandering. Facilities are minimal.

Nearby

Pattadakal lies southwest; Badami is west.