1. Keladi: Shimoga
Shimoga is a district rich in culture and the past. Here, you find the Keladi village. This was the capital of the Keladi Nayaka Kingdom.
At present, this location has two attractions that have gained popularity. These are the Keladi Museum and the Keladi Rameshwara Temple.
The temple is one example of the best styles of architecture. These include Dravidian, Hoysala and Kadamba. This temple is devoted to Rameshwara Lord. This temple has shrines of Goddess Parvati and Lord Veerbhadra.
The museum located in the village has a collection of antique souvenirs and artefacts. These are of the Keladi Nayak era. You also find sculptures, idols, copper inscriptions, palm leaves and coins that reflect the heritage of the Hoysala and Chalukya period.
This place is a treasure for those who find architecture and history a passion.
2. Tyavarekoppa Tiger and Lion Safari
A thick cover of forest is located at a distance of 10 km from Shimoga. This is where all the wildlife lovers can enjoy as this forest inhabitants lions and tigers roaming about freely. A safari of tigers and lions started here in the year 1988, in around 200 hectares.
This is also a perfect picnic spot with different types of flora and fauna. It is important that you do not bring your camera along as photography is prohibited here. Otherwise, you and also your kids can enjoy a ‘perfect’ picnic.
3. Archeological Museum Aihole
Inside the complex of the Durga temple, a museum is run by the Archeological Survey of India.
This museum evolved from a sculpture shed in 1987. Jaina, Brahamanical and Buddhists concepts and faiths take the shape of sculpture in stone. You can find antiques, inscriptions, and other exhibits here.
This museum is west of the Hunagunda taluk by 21 km and from the Bust Station of Aihole this is only 200 m.
This is one museum that can be considered a ‘must’ visit.
4. Ravanaphadi Cave Temples
The Ravaniphade Cave Temples are the oldest cave temples in Aihole. These temples are known to be of the 6th century. Inside the temple the shivalinga is endowed with different carvings of Lord Shiva.
You can term this temple as the ‘jewel’ in the monuments of Aihole. One attraction of this cave temple is Nataraja, which is a form of Lord Shiva. Exploring this temple is interesting since this temple also has carvings of Garuda, Vishnu, Goddess Durga and Indra.
5. Lad Khan Temple
Lad Khan temple is an old temple located in Aihole. This temple is dedicated to Shiva , but the name of the temple is of a Muslim Prince.
This temple was built in the style of a Panchayat hall as, at that time, the science and arts of constructing had not evolved. The architecture of this temple is like a cave.
This temple has the Shiva linga in the interiors with Nandi facing the Shiva shrine. According to talks and rumors, this temple was, at one time, dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
For all those strong believers of Lord Shiva, this needs to be listed in your ‘must see’ lists.
