The Vijayanagar Empire marked a period of temple building activity in Karnataka with mandapas (pillared halls) and lofty entrance towers. The Vijayanagar Empire was destroyed by the Deccan Sultanates in the 16th century and the ruins are at Hampi.
Badami known formerly as Vatapi was the ancient capital of the Chalukyas.
This site has several temples. The Bhutanatha hill has 4 temples, with several beautiful bas reliefs.
These cave temples date back to the 6th century. The Dattatreya temple goes back to the 12th century.
The Mallikarjuna temple with a star shaped plan goes back to the 11th century.
Badami arrayed with most picturesque location is worth a visit site.
Badami is famous for its cave temples all hewn out of sandstone on the cliff of a hill.
The region is adorned with pristine blue lake, famous ancient temple shrines, museum and above all Hindu and Jain caves, carved out of sandstone. The largest and most ornamental is the third cave temple dedicated to Vishnu.
Agastya teertha reservoir thronged with temples dedicated to Vishnu and Shiva.
The Bhutanath temple that lend their name to the lake beneath the cave temples.
More than 100 temples are located in Aihole. Hindu structural temples in Deccan originated here. The Durga temple is known for its apsidal plan, exquisite carvings and its pillared corridors. Much of the temples here date back to the 6th and 7th centuries. The second phase of temples here date back to the 12th and 13th centuries.
Kanakachalapathi Temple at Kanakagiri, is located near Gangawati in Koppal District. This is a beautiful temple built by the Kanakagiri Naiks. This temple has several stone and wooden statues and plaster models. It has a beautiful tank surrounded by sculptured walls.
Pattabhirama Temple is situated in the city of Hampi. Lord Rama is the holy deity who is worshipped here with full dedication. This majestic temple is known for its splendid architecture that dates back to Vijayanagar period.
It is splendidly decorated. The richly carved pillars, beautiful inner hall, and the shikhara are its highlights. This temple dedicated to Shiva is considered to be one of the best Chalukya Temples.
Markandeshwara Temple at Kallur is dedicated to Lord Markandeshwara (Shiva). Krishnadevaraya of the
Vijayanagar Empire worshipped in these temples along with his family.
The Markandeshwara is the oldest temple with exquisitely carved, polished pillars.
Narada Temple is dedicated to the Divine Sage Narada. This temple is constructed on Naradagadde one of the most scenic islands on the Krishna River. Due to its exquisite location the temple is not only visited by devotees but also by the travel enthusiast who make their day on the bank of the river.
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