Located on the banks of the Yagachi river, Halebid and Belur are famous twin towns which attracts travellers across globe. They were the capital of the Hoysala dynasty between the 11th and 14th centuries, and are today known for the ancient Hoysala temples. These temples are excellent examples of the sculptures and architecture of the time. The soft stone from which the temples are cut from, allow for very intricate carvings on the walls. Among the great temple complexes of South India, they are comparable to the Khajuraho temples of Madhya Pradesh.
The twin towns of Halebid and Belur are about 16 km away from each other and the distance between the two can be covered by bus, taxi, auto, or even hired bicycle and a lot of tour packages available here.
SIGHTSEEING HIGHLIGHTS
The main attraction at both Belur and Halebid are the Hoysala temples. In Belur, you must visit the
Chennakeshava temple, the most marvellous specimen of Hoysala architecture. It is the only temple still in
use for people to offer prayers. Notice the stories from the Puranas, the Upanishads, Ramayana and Mahabharata, as well as tales from Hindu mythology that have been depicted along the temple walls. The tar-shaped temple plinth, the unique columns, the bracket figures of celestial nymphs called Shilabalikes are typical features of Hoysala architecture that you can see here. The Darpana Sundari or ‘lady with the mirror’ carving is one of the highlights of this temple.
One can also visit the temples of Chennigaraya, Veeranarayana, Sridevi, and Bhoodevi, all in the same complex.
In Halebid, one must see the Hoysaleswara temple. This temple fell to enemy attacks even before it was
completed. Yet, even from the ruins, we can say that it is one of the finest examples of temple architecture in India.
The temple complex also has a museum with idols, statues, and sculptures excavated from the ruins. It is open on all days except Fridays. Halebid also has some Jain temples with fine carvings. The three Jain temples at Basadi Halli, situated near the Hoysaleshwara temple, are famous for their highly polished blackstone pillars and carved ceilings.
The most important and well preserved of these temples is the one dedicated to Parshwanatha Swamy. The
14-foot idol preserved here is carved out of black stone and bears a seven-headed serpent on its head. Besides sightseeing at Belur and Halebid, you can also visit the historical monuments at Hassan and Shravanabelagola on the way. Hassan is also a good place to enjoy the quiet of nature and experience rustic
Karnataka.
WHERE TO STAY
Belur and Halebid make for an ideal one-day trip from Bangalore. However, if you want to spend a couple of
days here to properly look around the temples and get a chance to also explore the other attractions of
Hassan district, you could stay at one of the hotels here. There are good four hotels in the area. While
three of these offer rooms for Rs 2,000 or less, one hotel has rooms between Rs 2,000 and Rs 5,000.
Alternatively, you could choose to stay in some of the hotels at Hassan town.
TOP QUERY
We are planning to go on a one-day tour of Halebid and Belur. How is the KSTDC tour? Do you have guides at every spot there? Also, is there enough time to see everything at every spot?
Reply:
KSTDC is a government service and one of the best operators offering a one-day tour to Belur and Halebid.
The tours are well organised and dependable. You might probably have a qualified guide to travel with you
throughout the trip, to show you around and explain the history of the place. There are also local guides
offering their services at these locations. You will have enough time to look around. Give yourself at
least two hours in each place.
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