Karnataka Monument

Aihole

Cradle Of Indian Architecture Located 43 Kms from Kudala Sangama, Aihole was the ancient capital of Chalukyas. Famous as the cradle of "Indian Architecture", Aihole has over a hundred temples scattered around the village.

There are about 125 temples divided into 22 groups scattered all over the villages and nearby fields. Most of these temples were built between the 6th & 8th centuries and some even earlier.

Badami

capital of the Early Chalukyas, Badami is picturesquely situated at the mouth of a ravine between two rocky hills, Badami is famous for its cave temples - all hewn out of sand stone on the precipice of a hill.

The largest and most ornamental is the third cave temple dedicated to Vishnu.
Overlooking the cave temples is a reservoir dotted with temples dedicated to Vishnu and Shiva.

Mysore



Karnataka's profusion of monuments are reflections of her rich history and cultural affluence. Karnataka's richness in culture and tradition, told time and again through the ruins of these monuments, has inspired the art lovers and philosophers for generations.

The Maharaja's Palace is one of the important sights in Mysore. Built in Indo-Saracenic style with domes, turrets, arches and colonnades, the palace is a treasure house of exquisite carvings and works of art from all over the world. Intricately carved doors open on to luxuriously furnished rooms. The majestic Durbar Hall has an ornate ceiling and many sculpted pillars. The magnificent jewel studded golden throne of the Wodeyars is displayed here during the Dusshera festival. Illuminated on Sundays and public holidays, the palace presents a spectacle of breathtaking beauty.

Gol Gumbaz


Karnataka's profusion of monuments are reflections of her rich history and cultural affluence. Karnataka's richness in culture and tradition, told time and again through the ruins of these monuments, has inspired the art lovers and philosophers for generations.

Gol Gumbaz is the mausoleum of Muhammad Adil Shah II (1627-57). He was from the Adil Shahi kingdoms. The tomb, located in the city of Bijapur in Karnataka was built in 1659 by the famous architect Yaqut of Dabul. The structure consists of a massive square chamber measuring nearly 50 m on each side and covered by a huge dome 37.9m in diameter making it the largest dome in the Islamic world. The dome is supported on giant squinches supported by groined pendentives while the outside building is supported by domed octagonal corner towers. Each tower consists of 7 storeys and the upper floor of each opens on to a round gallery, which surrounds the dome. In the center of the chamber is a square raised podium approached by steps in the center of each side. In the center of the podium are the tombs of Muhammad Ali Shah II and his relations. To the west of the podium in a large apse like projection is the mosque also raised slightly above the floor level of the chamber.