I started out today with a short ride to Aihole (about 30 kms.) where I could stop at a tourist place and see the extraordinary sites here. On my way was Pattadkal a UNESCO world heritage site. Another extraordinary place. It gives me an extraordinary feeling for the past, and here a past dating to 7th century. The emotion and passion in the temple sculptures here (the oldest in Karnataka) is wonderful.I stayed in the Karnataka state “resort” in Aihole. It bore all the hallmarks of a state run enterprise- good intentions with shabby maintenance and a “fawlty towers” ambience. At 1500 rs. for an a.c. room it was fine, if not excellent. 
. 
. 
. An active Nandi in a temple in Pattadkal.
