Prime Attractions in and around Ailhole
Ailhole, the earliest capital of the Chalukyas, a picturesque village nestling on the banks of the Malaprabha river and overflowing with clusters of the most beautiful temples. Ailhole has over a hundred temples scattered around the village. The sculptures of Ailhole temples have superb architecture. Wherever one looks, it is temples that meet the eyes. Intricately carved, rich in detail, quiet and peaceful. The oldest temple here is perhaps the Lad Khan temple dating back to the 5th Century. On the roof of the temple is another shrine-like vimana. The Durga (Fort) Temple is notable for its semicircular apes, elevated plinth and the gallery that encircles the sanctum. The interior is filled with fascinating carvings. Chamundi Devi trampling the buffalo demon, Narasimha - the half-man, half-female deity. Then there is image of the fearsome Mahishasuramardini or the Mother Goddess Durga destroying the demon Mahisha.
