Belur

Belur is a historic town in Hassan district of Karnataka state.

The Hoysala Crest

Belur is a historic town with beautiful, famous temples, some dating to the times of the Hoysala Dynasty .

Kannada is the official state language but English is also widely understood.

Chenna Kesava Temple

The following temples are open daily 7:30AM-5:30PM. Inner Sanctum of main deity is closed from 10AM-11AM, 1PM-3PM, 5PM-5:30PM. Many government-approved tour guides can be hired to show around the temple for ₹125-250.

  • Chenna Kesava Temple. The temple of Chenna Kesava is dedicated to Lord Vijayanarayana, one of the 24 incarnations of Vishnu. It was built over a century beginning in 1116 CE. The temple is roughly 30 m (100 feet) high and has a magnificent threshold or Gopuram. Its inner walls are adorned with sculptured stories from the Puranas, the Upanishads and the epics of Ramayana and Mahabharata. Chenna Kesava Temple is surrounded by Kappe Chennigaraya Temple on the south and Veera Narayana temple on the west and other shrines and mandapas within the main temple complex.
  • Darpana Sundari. This carving on the walls of Belur temple has several representations of Madanikas (heavenly nymphs) singing and dancing. This elaborate temple complex is enclosed by the high walls; it has a garbha griha (sanctum sanctorum), a Sukhanasi (vestibule) and navaranga mandapa. The complex has many small shrines, mandapas and other structures. There are two thresholds or gateways. The one has a gopuram was built in 1935. Poojas have been performed every morning and evening at this temple since the 12th century CE. The temples of Belur and Halibeedu were carved from soapstone (steatite).
  • Kappe Chennigaraya Temple. This small shrine resembling the main temple is located south of the main sanctum. It is dedicated to Kappe Chennigaraya and was consecrated by Shantala Devi, a queen. The icon of Lord Kappe Chennigaraya is located near the Chennakesava Temple.
  • The Gravity Pillar. This 23 m tall (42 feet) pillar was constructed in 1414 and is still standing.
  • Veera Narayana Temple. This small shrine, west of Chenna Kesava temple, is dedicated to Veera Narayana or Lakshmi Narayana. Its outer walls are decorated with large images of divinities.
  • Vishnu Samudra.

Main thing to see are the temples. No other major activity to do here though. The temple it self takes up most of your time. Make sure you take a camera along, these historic monuments and sculptures make interesting visual delights and are worth capturing. The guides that you get at Belur and Halibidu are ok. Some part of what they tell you is made up but the other part is actual history.

As you exit the temple you may be approached by vendors stalking you to try and sell various books, trinkets and other souvenirs. You get some nice bronze and stone statuettes that you can buy as souvenirs. There is nothing much to shop about in this temple town.

Puliyogare

  • Ragi mudde ] is a wholesome meal in Karnataka and it is mainly popular with the rural folk of Karnataka.
  • Avarekaalina Saaru and raagi mudde are very famous in Hassan. Also, avarekaalina saaru tastes good with all kinds of rotis and chapathis also.
  • Puliyogare (Kannada: ಪುಳಿಯೋಗರೆ)] is a south Indian rice preparation usually eaten as a snack. Puli means sour taste and Ogara means rice in Halegannada, thus Puliyogare translates as sour tasting rice. Puliyogare is also known as Huli anna or Tamarind rice in some parts of Karnataka.
  • Sakre Pongal- freshly harvested rice and jaggery ('palm sugar') are put to boil in pots the out is bubbly mixture. Served hot-Enjoy Sakre Pongal.

It is customary to serve coffee to visitors. The best coffee beans in India are grown in Karnataka and in Hassan District.

Bangalore

  • Dharmasthala - Belur - Halebidu - Shravanabelagola would complete a brief Heritage tour of southern Karnataka. They call Belur, Halebeedu and Shravanabelagola as the triangle eloquence in stone and are nominated to be UNESCO World Heritage Centers.
  • You can go north and to Chikmagalur (3000–3500 ft ASL) - Coffee plantations and forests combine to give a feel that is a little different to Coorg. The area is less populated and plantations are larger, surrounded with hills, forests and river streams.
  • You can go south to Madikeri- also known as Coorg or Mercara, travel via Shimoga. At Medikeri you can go to Talakaveri and Nagarhole National Park, they are both must see places.
  • You can go east towards Bangalore (224 km)– Karnataka capital. Bangalore, officially known as Bengaluru, is one of the most hip and happening cities in India and also a major center of the I.T. industry
  • Enroute you can visit Halebidu, Hassan and Shravanabelagola.
  • You can go west towards Mangalore a port city and the headquarters of Dakshina Kannada district in the coastal region of Karnataka State in India.
  • En route to Mangalore you can visit the famous Dharmastala which is 98 km away. Dharmastala is a renowned pilgrimage destination where Manjunatha Swamy temple is situated.