Though both me and Elke have seen several places of interest all over India, we had missed three most beautiful places of architecture in our own back yard. They are Badami, Aihole and Pattadkal.
They came to prominence when those areas were ruled by a dynasty called Chalukyas. It was during 6th – 7th centuries, they ruled that part of Karnataka, India which is now called as North Karnataka. There is a sacred River Malaprabha flowing through the said area. Several temples are constructed on the banks of the said river. That apart, that area is full of hillocks with granite stone deposits. Chalukyas who were known for their love for culture, traditions and architectural skill is depicted in the several temples, monuments built by them in that area. The temples and monuments represented the society comprising of Jain, Shiva and Vaishnava religion.
Above said three places are considered as development of three phases of architecture. Architectural skill 
Badami Chalukyas was evolved in Aihole, developed in Badami and reached its pinnacle in Pattadkal. This was put in a layman’s language by a Guide whose assistance we had taken while touring Badami. He that Aihole could be considered as primary school, Badami a High School and Pattadkallu as College. That is first where it was evolved, then developed and in the end grown. It is not necessary to go into the details of the rulers or their achievement or their administration. We are not trying to research them. I would like to present a few photographs taken at the site which speak themselves the beauty and grandeur of their wonderful architectural work.
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Having seen the said works, I am of the view that one should see these marvelous architectural creations and enjoy to themselves the aesthetic taste of those foregone days. Some of the statues have been vandalised by Muslim Rulers who invaded the Chalukya Empire. BUt still there are quite a lot of architectural structures to be seen.
