Heralded as the ‘cradle of Hindu/ Dravidian temple architecture’, Aihole is a tranquil village on the banks of Malaprabha River. Hundreds of temples pepper the villages and fields nearby. The most noteworthy among them is the Durga Temple composed of a semicircular apse, an elevated plinth and a gallery encircling the sanctum. The Lad Khan Temple is one of the earliest temples in the region and was initially a royal assembly hall and marriage mantapa. It was the chosen abode of the Muslim chief

Hoysala Temples Now India's 42nd World Heritage Site