Ravana Phadi - Hindu temple in Aihole - Bagalkote, India

Some places surprise you when least expected. Raavan Phadi is one such place. Not many tourists wander here and very very few people know about this gem in Aihole. We had read about Aihole group of temples and the most famous durga temple. But little did we know that there exists a place like Raavan phadi very near to the temple complex. There is no ticket required for this place and it's not even maintained that well. Almost barren, this place is just 5 min from main temple and a little off the main route. It's a rock cut cave with some amazingly beautiful carvings inside the cave. Was really mesmerized with the work that we saw here. Please do keep it in your plans if you are in Aihole. Highly recommended.

Built in the V or VI Century CE, Ravalapadi is one of the oldest shrines in the Chalukyan realm.

Its slightly off the main road, so not many tourist wander here, but its worth the visit. It is like a rock cut cave and inside there are beautiful stone carved idols. The details are so fine that you can not take your eyes off those.

Absolute gem in Aihole . Just a short drive from the Durga temple complex. Quite and unhurried - limited maintained but absolutely beautiful . Small cave temple in the centre with other shiva temples around in the small complex . The shiva ( as Nataraja) surrounded by his family - At the entrance of the main temple is absolutely superb

Best cave carvings I have seen in recent times. If you are visiting Aihole then this place is must visit, I was so surprised after seeing the artwork on the walls of the cave. Highly recommended place to visit.

Ravan phadi cave temple is a rock cut temple of Chalukya period built in 6 th century, situated at aihole village in bagalkot district, Karnataka. Aihole was once capital of Chalukya kingdom, consists of at least 9 temple complexes spread over Aihole around 2 km radius. Ravan phadi is one of them, consists of mahisasur Marconi statue and lord shiva statue in nateeja form.Aihole is around 35 km from Badami which is famous for rock cuts temples. One can reach Aihole by own vehicle or shuttle bus which runs from Badami to Aihole throughout the day.

The initial development of temples was in the form of caves. Before structural temples came into being. The statues of Varaha and Mahishasur Mardini form part of one of the earliest depictions of those deities. The similarities with Mahabalipuram cave temples can't be denied. Although the Pallvas and Chalukyas were arch enemies, but when it comes to architecture, they are very very close.

The Ravalaphadi temple, hewn out of rock, is nestled along the Malprabha river. The temple boasts a large statue of a dancing nataraja with apsaras on the wall. It also has one of the rarer structures seen in India -- a standing Ganesha. Beyond the religious aspect, one walks away amazed at the effort put into these temples that stood the test of time, far beyond the empires that were their patrons. #2Ghumakkar Incredible India Karnataka Tourism Archaeological Survey of India