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Aihole - 110
kms away from Bijapur. Famous as the 'Cradle of Indian Temple
Architecture', Aihole has over 125 temples, all intricately carved and
rich in detail. The Hutchmalli Temple, the Ravalphadi Cave Temple, The
Konti Temple Complex, The Uma Maheshwari Temple, The Jain Meguthi Temple
and the two-storeyed Buddhist Temple are the other attractions at Aihole.
Pattadakal - 134 kms from Bijapur. A world Heritage Centre, Pattadakal
has 10 major temples representing early Chalukyan architecture. The
biggest temple dedicated to Virupaksheshvara has a huge gateway and
several inscriptions. In front of the temple is a majestic 2.6 m high
statue of Nandi. The Mallikarjuna and Papanatha Temples, and the Jain
Temple from the Papanatha Temples and the Jain Temple from the
Rashtrakuta period are well worth visit.
Kudala Sangama - It is a tiny hamlet overlooking the sacred confluence
of the rivers Malaprabha and Krishna. On the riverbank, stands the
renowned temple of Sangameshwar. Built in the Chalukyan style, this
temple has a porch, a 'Navaranga' and the main shrine containing the
famed linga, Sangamanatha. It is in these surroundings that Basaveshvara
is believed to have become one with god.
Badami - 120 kms from Bijapur. Picturesquely situated at the mouth of a
ravine between two rocky hills, Badami was the capital of the early
Chalukyas. It has four rock-cut cave temples, the largest being the
third cave dedicated to Vishnu. The Bhutanatha Temples and the Museum
set up by the Archaeological Survey of India, are the other attractions.
Basavana Bagewadi - 43 kms from Bijapur. Basavana Bagewadi is a quaint
town famous as the birthplace of Saint Basaveshwara. There are several
important temples here.