Belur and Halebid City Guide
Belur and Halebid, are more of twin hamlets having many things in common between them. Both together complete the full square of the Hoysala temples along with Hampi and Hassan. Both have exquisite ancient temples built by the Hoysala dynasty and have at one point of the time been the capital city of the Hoysala dynasty.
Belur and Halebid are the twin towns which are located in the Hassan district of the Indian state of Karnataka. These twin towns houses among some of the most finely casted Temples built during the Hoysala empire. Belur is situated at the distance of 222 Km from Bangalore-the capital city of Karnataka state and Halebid is another 16 Km away. These Temple towns of Karnataka are well connected via Rail and Road. The famous tourist attractions here are the temples showcasing the outstanding work of art.
The Elaborate Art & Architechture of Belur and Halebid
The twin temple towns of Belur and Halebid introduces you to glorius Hindu temple art at its best. In the 16th century, Belur-Halebid were at the heart of the Hoysala empire. The Hoysalas were huge patrons of art and architecture and built massive temples that have survived the ravages of time. Some of the sculptures are so exotic, erotic and eloquent - that you expect them to speak or move.
The most outstanding temple in Belur is the Chenakeshava, a monumental edifice that took 103 years to build, possibly because of the intricate details and the myriads of friezes and sculptures that embellish the temple walls. Scenes from the epics, elephants in battle and sensuous dancers come alive in stone. The 42 'madanikas' or celestial dancers were inspired by Queen Shantaladevi, who is said to have epitomized beauty. The Hoysala architects had an eye for detail and such wizardry with their chisels that the earrings on the lobes of the dancers can rotate and beads of perspiration glisten in the hair of some.
Two other minor temples from the Hoysala dynasty are the Virnarayan and the Chennigaraya temples - smaller, but as intricately sculpted as the Chenakeshava.
About 16 km away from Belur is Halebid, the other temple town, equally magnificent but not as well preserved. Halebid was the capital of the Hoysalas till it was destroyed in the early 14th century after attacks by the Delhi Sultanate. The Hoysaleshwara temple survived the pillage but it somehow managed to remain incomplete even after 87 years of uninterrupted construction. The temple is dedicated to Shiva and has two enormous Nandi bulls at the entrance.
Best Time to Visit
Though you can visit these temple towns at any time of the year, its best to come here in winter when the weather is at its mildest. Winter temperatures are 14ºC to 28ºC and in summer it is 25ºC to 35ºC. Carry caps, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a water bottle as it gets very hot during the day.
Accomodation in Belur and Halebid
Some very basic accommodation is available at Belur, while Halebid has a state tourism motel. Most people prefer to stay at Hassan, which has decent hotels. Simple food is available at the
Excursions from Belur and Halebid
Shravanabelagola
A sacred Jain pilgrimage, Shravanabelagola is known for the giant monolithic statue of Lord Gomateshwara. During the festival of Mahamastakabhisheka, thousands of devotees throng this holy shrine.
Hoysaleshwara Temple
A gem of Hoysala temple architecture, the Hoysaleshwara temple is ornamented with a plethora of exquisite carvings and sculptures. It was built by Ketamalla, a minister of Hoysala ruler Vishnuvardhana, in the 12th century AD.
Archaeological Museum
The landscaped garden in front of the Hoysaleshwara Temple serves as an Archaeological Museum. The museum houses the idols, statues, busts, and sculptures excavated by the Archaeological Department from the ruins. It is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Closed on Fridays.
Basadi Halli
The Basadi Halli locates a number of Jain monasteries. The Parshwanatha Swamy temple possesses a 14 feet high statue of Parshwanatha Swamy made of gleaming black stone. A seven-headed serpent has been carved on the head of this figure.
Kedareshwara Temple
Built in 1319 AD by Veeraballala II and his younger Queen Abhinva Ketala Devi, the Kedareshwara temple is a collapsed structure that has not been restored to its original shape. Besides the exquisitely carved walls and the ceiling, the basement of the temple exhibits a profusion of sculptured friezes depicting stories of Ramayana, Mahabharata and Bhagavad-Gita.
