Bijapur , Badami , Aiholi , Pattadakal

Karnataka, as the official tagline says ‘One state Many Worlds’ is a perfect destination for every traveller. The remarkable heritage and history of the state attract scholars, historians , travelers, backpackers, students, and all those who cherish the magnificent architecture of the times. The Northern Karnataka sector has always been very special in terms of tourism because of the presence of UNESCO Heritage sites. For those short on time but eager to explore India's rich cultural heritage, the 2 nights 3 days tour package offered by Royal Holidays India is the best itinerary for an incredible vacation, that is both enjoyable and affordable.

Bijapur is one of the most visited historical towns ,with 50 mosques more than 20 tombs and some palaces .Bijapur the city is famous for its architectural marvels of historical importance, built during the Adil Shahi dynasty period. Bijayapur is also home to India’s largest dome, Gol Gombaz along with many other monuments and ruins of the forts. The heritage city Bijapur, established in the 10th – 11th centuries by the Kalyani Chalukyas was renamed Vijayapura in the year 2014 as it has been always known as the City of Victory, Vijayapura. Bijapur first came under the Muslim influence of, the Sultan of Delhi, Allaudin Khilji by the end of the 13th century and then under the Bahamani kings of Bidar in 1347. The city was under Mughal rule up to 1723. It was during the Adil Shah King’s tenure, Vijayapura became a culturally rich empire and attracted musicians, artists, and scholars from various fields and far off locations like Persia and Arabia.

Badami formerly known as Vatapi and serving as the capital of Chalukyas, Badami was constructed between the 6th and 8th centuries. Located in the district Bagalkote headquarters, Badami invites tourists, travellers, researchers, and all those who love history and heritage for its sandstone cave temples and carvings. Badami cave temple complex is home to a Jain temple and three Hindu temples. The caves at Badami are based on themes depicting, Tandava Dance by lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu, and his carnations. The stunning and mesmerizing backdrop of Agastya Lake and cave temple landscapes, these monuments are of great historical importance and invite photography enthusiasts. Another attraction not to be missed near Badami is the Bhutanatha temple complex. Just a kilometre away from the main Badami cave temples, these clusters of sandstone shrines were built over a period from the 7th to 11th century AD.

Aihole a UNESCO World Heritage site which has cluster of around 120 temples from the 4th century AD, Aihole is a historic site along the Malaprabha river valley in Northern Karnataka. Aihole is a delight to visit for those interested in history, archaeology, architecture, heritage, and ancient temples. The most popular and the face of Aihole is the Durga Temple. A cluster of temples mainly comprises Hindu, Jain, and Buddhist temples. The Durga temple complex also has an art gallery and an archaeological Museum which should not be missed. There is a collection of exquisite antiques excavated from the region. Contrary to its name, Lad Khan Temple showcases the iconography from Shaiva, Vaishnava, and Shakti or Durga traditions of Hinduism. Also known as the ‘cradle of Indian Rock Architecture’, Aihole was the first capital of Chalukyas, who ruled the north Karnataka region. The temples are now being conserved and protected by the Archaeology Survey of India. A 6th-century rock-cut Ravana Phadi Cave that houses Shiva and Parvathi is another attraction not to be missed. The caves consist of intricate craftsmanship featuring Lord Shiva, Parvathi, Ganesha, and Lord Vishnu.

Pattadakal a UNESCO World Heritage site from the 7th and 8th centuries consist of Hindu and Jain temples. Unique craftsmanship depicts both the North and South Indian styles of architecture. Chalukyas used Pattadakal for coronation ceremonies. One of the main attractions at Pattadakal is Virupaksha Temple. Constructed by queen Lokamahadevi in the 8th century AD to celebrate her husband and King Vikramaditya’s victory over Pallavas. Unparalleled craftsmanship at Virupaksha temple showcases the sculptures of Ugra Narshimha and Nataraja. The other popular temples in the complex are Papanatha temple, Galaganatha Temple, Sangameshwara temple, Chandrashekara temple, Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Mallikarjuna Temple, Jambu Lingeshwara Temple, and Kadasiddeshwar Temple.