Located on the banks of the Malaprabha river, Aihole is known as the "Cradle of Indian Architecture". Start the morning by visiting Durga Temple, which is the best-preserved temple in Aihole. After that, head to Lad Khan Temple to see the intricate carvings and sculptures. For the afternoon, drive to Meguti Jain Temple, which offers a stunning view of the surrounding area. Then, visit the Ravanaphadi rock-cut temple, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva. In the evening, relax by the river and enjoy the sunset.
In the morning, visit Badami Caves, a series of four cave temples carved out of the soft sandstone. The temples are dedicated to Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu, and Jain Tirthankaras. After that, head to the Bhutanatha temple, which is located on the banks of the Agastya Lake. For lunch, try the local cuisine at Hotel Mayura Chalukya. In the afternoon, drive to Pattadakal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that houses a group of ten temples. Visit the Virupaksha temple, one of the best examples of Chalukyan architecture. End the day by watching the Sound and Light show at the temple complex.
If you have extra time, consider visiting the Banashankari Temple or the Mahakuta group of temples. For a day trip, visit Hampi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is known for its ruins of the Vijayanagara Empire. To maximize your fun, hire a guide who can provide you with more information and insights about the history and architecture of the temples.