Bagalkot District

About:

Bagalkot district, located in the northern part of Karnataka, is known for its rich history, architectural marvels, and vibrant culture. The district is famous for its ancient temples, historical sites, and monuments dating back to the Chalukya dynasty, particularly in Aihole, Pattadakal, and Badami. These sites attract history enthusiasts, pilgrims, and tourists alike, making Bagalkot a unique blend of cultural heritage and scenic beauty.

Location info:

Climate/Weather of Bagalkot:

History of Bagalkot:

Bagalkot’s history dates back to ancient times, especially during the Chalukyan dynasty, when the region was an important center of art, architecture, and learning. The Chalukyas built numerous temples in Aihole, Pattadakal, and Badami, showcasing a unique style that influenced Indian temple architecture. Bagalkot was later ruled by the Rashtrakutas, Vijayanagara Empire, Bahmani Sultanate, and Marathas. Each ruler left behind architectural and cultural imprints, contributing to Bagalkot’s historical and cultural richness.

Educational Institutions of Bangalore Urban District:

Medical,B.Ed,Ayurvedic Medical,ITI & Teacher Education Colleges in Bagalkot

• Bishop Cotton Boys’ and Girls’ School
• MES PU College
• Jyoti Nivas PU College
• Government TTI For Men
• Basaveshwara Engineering College
• PM Nadagowda Memorial Dental College

Langauge

Culture of Bangalore Urban District:

Most people are Hindus, but Islam, Jainism, and Christianity are also practiced. Kannada is the primary language, although a small part of the population speaks other languages such as Marathi, Urdu, Telugu, and Gujarati. Visitors enjoy the Banashankari Temple Festival, Virupaksha Temple Car Festival, and Mallikarjuna Temple Festival.

The culture of Bagalkot district has been adequately influenced by Kannada culture and to some extent by Marathi culture as well, partly because of the district`s nearness to Maharashtra and partly because of its previous history of being a taluk under the Bagalkot culture - Sareesjurisdiction of the Bombay Presidency. The conventional cuisine of the district is characteristic of the North Karnataka cuisine. Jowar based food items such as Bhakri are commonly eaten. Other varieties of Indian bread made out of jowar are also widespread and are coloquially known as jolada rotti. As is common to most of the North Karnataka districts, Jhunka, a garbanzo beans based dish is very much prevalent and is usually eaten with Bhakri. These two dishes together are known as Jhunka bhakar. Though not cultivated widely in the district, rice, as in all of South India, is part of the staple diet. It is imported from other parts of the state and region. Soups prepared from lentil and pulses are commonly eaten. Ilkal town in Bagalkot district is well known for the Ilkal sarees manufactured there.

How to reach?

Nearest Railway Station: Bagalkot Railway Station is well-connected to major cities in Karnataka, and there are regular trains to Bengaluru, Hubli, and Goa.

Nearest Airport:The nearest airport is Hubli Airport, around 130 km from Bagalkot. Another option is Belgaum Airport, about 180 km away.

Road Transport:Bagalkot is connected by roads to almost all the important places in South India.

Tourist Attraction

Virupaksha Temple:It is said in one of the inscriptions that Lokamahadevi, wife of Vikramaditya II, built the temple in memory of his conquest of Kanchi.Situated in Pattadakkal, Virupaksha is a one of the biggest temples dedicated to Lord Virupaksha or Shiva. The walls contain several inscriptions. There is a massive gateway and a large quadrangle surrounded by small cells.

Pattadakal:Pattadakal is a town in the Indian state of Karnataka The town lies on the banks of the Malaprabha River in Bagalkot district of North Karnataka region. It is 22 km from Badami and about 10 km from Aihole. Pattadakal has many UNESCO World Heritage temples built by Vikramaditya II.
Mallikarjuna temple in dravidian style and Kashi Vishwanatha temple in nagara style at Pattadakal, built 740 CE.

Aihole:Aihole, which lies on the banks of the Malaprabha River, is an important temple town with over 140 temples belonging to both the early and later Chalukya times.Aihole is in the Bagalkot district of Karnataka, India. Early inscriptions call this town "Ayyavole" and "Aryapura". Aihole has its own historical significance and is called as cradle of Hindu rock architecture. Many temples and caves of historical importance can be found at Aihole. It is a very popular tourist spot in north Karnataka.

Arettina Bavi
Built in AD 1708 by Visajipanta, Arettina Bavi is a stone pond situated north of Bilagi, 30 km from Bagalkot. The ruined shrine inside the well is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The walls of the well have Kannada, Marathi and Persian inscriptions.

Kudalasangama:Kudalasangama, where Basavanna's samadhi is located.The 12th century social reformist Basavanna, known for his crusade against caste exploitation was born in Basavana Bagewadi.

Mallegitti Shivalaya Temple: Mallegitti Shivalaya Temple set on the summit of a hill is 2 km away from Badami. This magnificent temple enshrines the calm idol of Shiva in the form of the garland maker. Built of stone, it has a shrine, a small porch, and a mandapa with a Dravidian tower.

Mallikarjuna Temple :Mallikarjuna Temple is a highly revered shrine located at Pattadakkal, in Bagalkot District of Karnataka. The temple was built by the queens of Vikramaditya II in memory of his victorious march against Kanchi in 745 AD

Sangameshwara Temple:Sangameshwara Temple is the oldest temple in the group of the Pattadakkal temples. Built by King Vijayaditya Satyashraya, this unfinished temple with well proportioned storeys capped by the square-to-dome roof is a fine example of Chalukya architecture.

Mahakuta: Mahakuta group of temples:The Mahakuteshwara temple dedicated to Shiva, is built in the Dravidian style.

Naganath Temple, located in a forest on the way to Mahakuta, it is one of the early Chalukya temples dedicated to Shiva. Mahakuta, once a great center of shaiva cult, Mahakuta is a beautiful place surrounded by hills.

Banashankari: A famous fair and festival is held here during January, February.Here the temple is dedicated to Banashankari or Shakambari a form of Parvati is located at Cholachagud popularly called Banashankari.

Mudhol: Birth Place of Poet Kavi Chakravarti Ranna.The Principality of Mudhol was one of the 9-gun princely states of British India.Mudol is famous for a breed of dog known as the 'Mudhol Hound.

Agastyatirtha Tank:Agastyatirtha Tank, a large 5th century sacred pool, is locaed in Badami. The richly sculpted cave temples of Badami look out over the pool. Its water is thought to possess medicinal properties.

Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation:

Bagalkot District Major Attraction