Pattadakal & Aihole

Trip: Badami, Pattadakal, Aihole & Bijapur

• Pattadakal and Aihole are very close and can be covered together. Pattadakal is more complex and is next to a river hence a better choice for resting and lunch.
• Aihole is smaller but filled with temples. There is a nearby temple ona small hillock as well that gives a good view of surrounding area.

Pattadakal Temple Complex

Gol Gumbaj, Bijapur

Trip: Badami, Pattadakal, Aihole & Bijapur

• Bijapur is best covered by own vehicle. Gol Gumbaj is the only attraction here and Bijapur is far from any place.
• The dome of Gol Gumbaj is a marvel, a true masterpiece of architecture. You will believe it when you are there.

We reached Bijapur on a winter afternoon and immediately decided to hit for the Gol Gumbaj. It is well maintained and well organised. In no time we had parked our vehicle in a huge parking area and were inside the grand structure. On top of us was the world famous dome but there was no way visible to reach there. From the ground it looked so high and empty that for a moment we thought the upper zone is not open for tourists.

Gol Gumbaj Main Entrance

Badami Caves

Trip: Badami, Pattadakal, Aihole & Bijapur

Tips: Winters are more suited for Karnataka hinterlands. Transportation is a challenge if you do not have own vehicle, so either rent a car or come with your own vehicle.

We drove to Badami on a rented car. Earlier the same day we landed at Hubli airport and rented a Zoomcar. It was very convenient. We settled in a pre-booked hotel and made plans for the next few days. We wanted to cover Badami, Pattadakal and Bijapur in next two days. The first choice was obviously Badami. Our hotel was next to the archeological site although the main entry gate was a walking distance away.

Natraj sculpture in front of Cave 1 @ Badami