Shri Durga Temple Complex

One of the best and biggest temple complex in Aihole.It’s also considered as experimental place for building temples by Chalukya kingdom.This complex consists of at least 8 temples which are built at different time , most of them were built after 6 th century, of which Durga temple is biggest one which was dedicated not to Durga but sun god as per archeological survey of India. These temples are very charming and beautiful . If you are fond of ancient architecture this place is heaven, timings are from morning 7 am to 6 pm. A ticket of nominal price to be purchased and there is also a museum run by ASI which remain closed on Monday. Near by this complex there are 8 more complexes to be explored belongs to same period .people often visit only this complex when they come to Aihole .A full day is required to visit all 8 complexes .Aihole is 35 km from Badami which can be reached by either once own vehicle or by bus which you can catch from Badami in early morning around 7 am.

Excellent Carving and Fine art of Chalukyan Dynasty. A Must Visit Place. Not only the Durga Temple Complex but there are several other Temples in a Walkable Distance also having rich Sculpture but The Archaeological Museum inside Durga Temple Complex is a Must Visit Place. Photography inside the Museum is not Allowed.

One of beautiful monument of India. It is located in aihole and kind of maintained and govt is trying to improve it. It was clean. There is even toilet facility. Once a lifetime must visit place to this world heritage monument.

Please get a guide as they can tell you the rich history of Aihole and explain with each statue and pillar how this place is/was the school of architecture for Southern Indian style of buildings and temples. We spent a lot of time looking at and amazed by the ingenuity of our ancestors from 1500 years ago.
Imagine how world will be 1500 years from now in year 3700 CE. That’s how far ahead we have to go to be at same place how far behind we have to go

This is built in 7th century. It was prototype and later on the same pattern Hampi was established. Must visit this place and should not miss the museum where all ancient lords statues are kept which gives insight how our culture was rich and wealthy.

A great temple with nice sculptures from the chalukya time. It's very beautiful with nice carvings around the temple. Entry fee is 25rs for Indian Nationals and 300rs for foreigners.
Open untill 6pm.

This is one of the places located near Badami which has some interesting history attached to it. It is said Durga slayed several demons here which had the waters in the river running red. Good place to click pictures. I suggest getting a guide.

Central attraction in Aihole - it is a “Durg” ( near a fort) temple and does not have Durga as the main deity ( hence a misnomer ). It is situated about 45 mins from Badami. There is parking alongside the entrance and free ( for now ) . There is an entrance fee ( cheaper if you book online )

Excellent complex of temples and reasonably well maintained . Get in early ( place opens at sun rise) to avoid crowds , to get good pictures . Visited in Dec 2021. There are a few small eateries around but surprisingly none were open even at 10 am . The tender coconut and fruit sellers were the saviours . Can be combined with Pattadakal as a half day trip from Badami ( either early morning or post lunch - to beat the heat )