Pattadakalu, located on the banks of the river Malaprabha, is one of the most iconic World Heritage Sites located in North Karnataka. It highlights the evolution and synthesis of architectural forms, as can be seen in the temples largely patronised by the Western Chalukyas of Kalyani. 

Pattadakalu is formed by two words- 'patta' which stands for crown and 'kalu' which means ground or stone. This is known to be a royal site where kings were coronated. The red soil over here was suitable for coronation purposes. Architecturally, this enclosure represents the transition from rock-cut to free-standing structures. Badami, located about 18 kms from this site, is renowned for its rock-cut caves that were patronised by the Early Chalukyan rulers. 

There are a total of eight temples within the enclosure, with the Nagara-styled Papanath temple located almost adjacently. Out of all the temples, the Virupaksha temple is the only temple that is still under worship. There are a vast number of subsidiary shrines in the enclosure. [ref]