The state of Karnataka, formerly known as Mysore, was ruled by many great dynasties that have left behind many great temples. These temples show not only an extremely accomplished level of craftsmanship but also the spirit of enlightened civilizations.

Aihole was the capital of the Chalukyas in the 6th to 8th century AD. It is a town of temples with at least seventy of them, the earliest dating back to 600 AD. Many of the temples here show the earliest basic characteristics from which the South and North Indian temples of different styles evolved in divergent forms.

Pattadakal, just 19 kms away, marks the next stage in the development of temple architecture under the Chalukyas. Of the ten temples here, four are in the Northern style and six in the Southern, although some try to combine both styles.

Badami, about 29 kms away, it was the capital of the Chalukyas. It is noteworthy for the four fine cave temples here which date back to the 6th and 7th century AD.

How to get there: The nearest airport is Belgaum, 189 kms from Aihole and 192 kms from Badami. The nearest railhead to Aihole is at Bagalkot, 43 kms away. Badami has a railway station 4 kms away from the town. All are well connected by roads.

Belur was once the capital of the Hoysala kings and remains famous for the Chennakeshava temple built here by them in 1116 AD.

Halebid, a short distance away from Belur, has a sister temple called Hoysalesvara, dedicated to Shiva.

How to get there: Belur is 222 kms from Bangalore and 40 kms from the nearest railhead, Hassan. It is well connected by road.

Somnathpur, near Mysore, has the third great Hoysala temple. This temple is at the confluence of the rivers Kabini and Kaveri and was built in the 13th century. The temple is well carved and sculpted than the others.

How to get there: Somnathpur is about 35 kms away from Mysore and about 100 kms from Bangalore.

The ruins of Hampi, spread over 26 sq. kms, show a civilization that attained great heights of magnificence. The style of temple architecture here, though ornate is not florid, the temples exhibit most of the features of the Dravidian style.

How to get there: Hampi is well connected by road. The nearest airport to Hampi is at Bellary 74 kms away and the nearest railhead is Hospet, 13 kms away.

Post Comment

Name : Email : Password : Comments :