Key hubs
Aihole airport and railway station
- Airport
- No airport in Aihole. Hubballi (HBX) is the usual choice, roughly 120 km by road; Belagavi (IXG) is farther, around four hours' drive. Distances approximate.
- Railway station
- Badami (BDM) is the nearest station, about 35 km away; Bagalkot (BGK) is also served by some trains, around 47 km away
- Getting around
- Most main temples are walkable; use an auto or a hired car for the Ravanaphadi cave, Meguti hill and the southern groups. Village roads are narrow, so large vehicles struggle.
How to reach Aihole by air
There is no airport at Aihole. Hubballi (HBX) is the usual choice, roughly 120 km by road, and Belagavi (IXG) is farther, around four hours' drive. Allow extra time for rural roads; distances are approximate.
How to reach Aihole by train
Badami (BDM) is the nearest railway station, about 35 km from Aihole. Bagalkot (BGK) is also served by some trains, about 47 km away. Check current timetables before booking.
How to reach Aihole by road
Aihole is in Bagalkot district. Badami is about 35 km away, roughly 40 minutes by car, with Pattadakal about 10–14 km away and Bagalkot about 47 km. Bus services connect Badami to other towns in Karnataka; check current timings.
Getting around Aihole
Most main temples are within walking distance, and autos are available for longer trips. Roads to the temples are narrow, so large vehicles may struggle. For the southern groups, Meguti hill and a day trip from Badami, hire a car and driver.
For parents and senior travellers
Easy transfers to and in Aihole
- There are no restaurants in the village, so carry water, snacks and a packed lunch from Badami.
- Use an auto or car for the southern groups and the Ravanaphadi cave rather than walking in the sun.
- Hire a local guide at the Durga temple to explain the carvings; most of the figures are weathered and unlabelled.
- Ask the airline or railway for wheelchair or porter assistance when you book, not on the day.
- Pre-book the pickup from the airport or station, so nobody has to negotiate with drivers after a long journey.
- Choose arrivals in daylight where you can, and keep the first afternoon free to rest.