Pattadakkal

Where the Past comes Alive

Pattadakkal is situated along the banks of the Malprabha River. The town is today most famous for its temples, which are the only remnants of a once glorious era. You can find Chalukyan art at its best in the dozen or so temples scattered across the terrain here.

Pattadakkal has in fact been declared as a UNESCO world heritage site on account of its temples, which were all built around the 7th and 8th centuries. The most famous among the temples include the Sangameswara temple, the Virupaksha temple, the Mallikarjuna temple, the Galganatha temple, the Papanatha temple, the Jambulinga temple and the Jain temple. Rich in carvings and sculptures, these temples display a blend of the Rekha Nagara Prasada and the Dravida Vimana styles of architecture.

Pattadakkal revolves mainly around its annual dance festival when the town comes into its own. It was the second capital of the Chalukyan kings; the place used to be the venue for the coronation of the Chalukyan kings.