Bijapur

Excursion

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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