Belur is a town in Hassan district in Karnataka state. It is located on the banks of river Yagachi. Earlier this place acted as capital of Hoysala Empire. Major attraction of this temple is Chennakeshava Temple. Temples in the city are best example for Hoysala architecture. Carvings of Upanishads, Ramayana and Mahabharata are most attractive on the temples of Belur. Sculptures of animals and birds also placed on the temples. Halebeedu and Belur towns are known as twin towns. Visitors who are visiting to Belur will see Halebeedu also as they feel that it will be incomplete if they visit only Belur.
What to see in Belur:
Chennakesava Temple: This temple is the best example for Hoysala architecture. With the intension to know the victory of King Vishnuvardhana over Cholas in 1117 to whole world this was built. Though construction of this temple was started by King Vishnuvardhana this was completed by his grandson Veera Ballal II. Carvings of Upanishads, Ramayana and Mahabharata on the temple are most attractive. Beautiful work of the craftsman can be known just by seeing the Sculpture Darpan Sundari that means a lady with the mirror. Black stones are used to make each and every sculpture in the temple.
Veeranarayana Temple: This temple is dedicated to Lord Veeranarayana. Other shrines of this temple are Saumya Nayaki, Andal, and Kappe Chenniga. This temple is situated on the west of Chennakesava Temple.
Kappe Chennigraya Temple: This temple is located very near to Chennakesava Temple. It was constructed by Shantala Devi. She is the wife of Hoysala King Vishnuvardhana. This is the temple complex. In this complex 2 other temples are also located. These are built with light green soapstone. For the sculptures of the temple sandalwood and Ivory are used.
Archaeological Museum: This was established in 1970. More than 1500 sculptures and historic articles are placed here. Some of the historic sculptures are Brahma, Saraswati, Dancing Ganesha, Veena Saraswati, Nataraja, and Govardhanagiridhari Krishna.
What to see around Belur:
Hoysaleswara Temple: This is located at Halebeedu which is 16kms away from Belur. For the completion of this temple it has taken 86 years. Walls of the temple say about the Hindu mythology. Another attraction of the temple is Nandi.
Shravanabelagola Temple: This is the main pilgrim centre for the jains. It is situated between two rocky hills. Lord Gomateshwara is worshiped here. It is located 88kms away from Belur.
Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary: It is located 76kms away from Belur. Major attraction of this sanctuary is Mouse deer, Barking deer, spotted deer, Wild Pig, Jungle cat, Porcupine.
Shantaleswara Temple: It is one of the attractions near Belur. This is 16kms away from Belur. This temple is dedicated to Lord Shantaleswara. Main idol is made up of Soft soapstone.
Getting to Belur: This place is well connected though road. From the cities such as Mysore, Mangalore, Bangalore buses are available. Nearest railway station is Hassan. From the cities such as Mumbai, Delhi trains are available. Nearest airport is located at Bangalore.
Getting around Belur: Two wheelers will be given on rent to visit the places in Belur. Autos and buses are available to visit the places around Belur.
Best time to visit Belur: Best time to visit this place is between October to April.
Where to stay in Belur: In Belur accommodations are very limited. Good service will be provided at Midrange hotels. Guest houses at Halebeedu are available. These guest houses are maintaining by KSTDC.
Where to eat in Belur: Only Limited restaurants are available. Restaurants are providing North Indian and south Indian food. It is not possible to get non-vegetarian.