Belur
About Belur
Far From City: 15 kms from city center
Cost:
About Belur
Weather:
Time Required:One day
Open Time:Temple timings: 7:30 AM - 5:30 PM,
Inner sanctum of main deity stay closed between 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM, 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM, and 5:00 PM - 5:30 PM
Cost:Free entrance, Government approved guides cost between INR 125 - INR 250
History of Belur
Hoysalas were a hill tribe hailing from the Western Ghats and served as in charge of Chalukyas' land ownings. The rose in their ranks under Tinayaditya who became a prominent leader during the period ranging from 1047 - 1078. Erstwhile known as Velapuri, Belur along with Halebid was once the centre of the vast empire ruled by the Hoysalas during the 12th century. The greater ruler that came to be in the Hoysala Dynasty was Vishnuvardhana, the capital was shifted to Halebid. After the invasion by Delhi Sultanate, Belur became the second capital of the Hoysala Empire. The remarkable temples of the place are believed to be constructed to mark the victory of King Vishnuvardhana over Cholas in 1117 and took about 103 years to complete.
Architecture of Belur
Belur is a town packed with great architectural wonder, displaying some exclusive carving and sculpture works. Built in typical Dravidian style architecture, the intricacy with which the architectures here are built is splendid. The Chennakesava temple is one of the classic examples of Hoysala architecture. The entire facade of the temple is covered with detailed stonework such that no portion is left blank. Sculptures of birds, elephants, lions, horses and other animals can also be seen. Apart from that, you will be fascinated with intricate carvings on the temple that depicts the scenes from the Mahabharata, Ramayana and the Upanishadas. The sculptures inside the temple are built using ivory and sandalwood. With its delicate carving and stunning sculptures, the Belur temples are often compared with those at Khajuraho. Belur along with its twin town Halebid once served as a capital of Hoysalas and Shravanabelagola, form the Golden Triangle of Karnataka Tourism.
Kappe Chennigaraya temple which was built by Shantaladevi is also situated in Belur. It is said that Shantaladevi herself danced in front of the main shrine during its installation and her dance inspired the figurines that adorn the temple walls. Two more temples are situated in the complex along with the Pushkarni or step well, which are astonishing architectures in their own right.
Belur - Halebid - Shravanbelgola Packages
If you wish to explore the Belur -Halebid-Shravanbelgolacircuit, the best way to do this is by booking a one-day package tour that is provided by the KSTDC or Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation. Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation. The details of the same are as follows:-
Departure from Badami House,Bangalore:06:30 AM
Breakfast:08:30 AM - 09:00 AM
Visit Shravanabelagola & Darshan of Lord Bahubali (Gomateshwara):10:30 AM - 11.30 AM
Lunch at Karnataka Hotels Belur:01:30 PM - 01:45 PM
Visit Hoysala style Chennakeshava temple, Belur:02:00 PM - 03:00 PM
Visit Hoysala style Hoysaleshwara Temple, Halebeedu:03:45 PM - 04:45 PM
Tour ends at Badami House, Bangalore:10:00 PM
Ticket Prices: INR 1000 per head
Best time to visit Belur
The best time to explore this old town of Belur is between the months of March and April when the weather is perfect for outings. Morning and evening hours are best to visit this destination.
How to Reach Belur
The best way to explore the twin temple towns is on foot. However, to reach either of them you can hire a taxi, auto-rickshaw or take a bus which is easily available. In order to commute between the two towns, all the three options of taxi, auto-rickshaw and bus are available.
Top Tourist Places in Halebid
Hoysaleswara Temple
Basadi Halli
Yagachi Dam
Archaeological Museum
City Shopping
Kedareswara Temple
All Tourist Places in Halebid
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