Having stayed for a couple of days in ancient Badami, we moved to explore some other nearby villages, that appeared to be even more ancient. Compared to Badami, locals in Aihole seem to live life in and amongst the ancient temples, with religious deities are their neighbours. The hight of technology here seems to be electricity and a tractor. Those who can’t afford one use their custom painted cattle as a substitute to modern technology. Aihole is a place of muddy roads with open drains running through low settlements of stone and wood, to resist the rays of the merciless sun. Some locals seem wary of outsiders, while other braver souls approach to offer food and their smiles.
