Belur Halebid

It has almost become a joke between me and my husband whenever I start saying Hoysala architecture he completes the statement for me by saying "Star Shaped temple" hahaha the reason for this is that the only thing i knew about hoysala architecture is that it is famous for its star shaped temples and carvings .

This place is perfect for a day outing from bangalore else u can also combine this with chickmanglur and make it a weekend getaway , chickmangalur is only 25kms from belur .

u can cover three things in belur halebid
1. Belur vishnu temple
2. halebid shiva temple
3. shravanabelagola - buddha statue

belur is 222 kms from bangalore and we visited this place by hiring a cab . it took us 3 to 4 hrs to reach this place
go well stocked with food ,water and juice nothing is available on the way nor in the places

there are 2 food stopovers on way where u get good food
1. kamat
2.mayura hotel
u get good idli , coffee and clean restrooms here

i went expecting lush greens on both sides , some scenic views and maginificent temples - was in for a shock

the land is very barren and very dry with only a smattering of greens here and there - u will be amazed at the scene change from bangalore and some 10 kms from bangalore .only as u get closer to chickmanglur u get cool breeze and some greenery to see

dont go in summer months as it is impossible to walk on the hot rocks

out iternary
1.morning left bangalore at 9.30
2.reached mayura at 11.30 had late breakfast

3.reached belur at 12.30 to visit the chennakesava temple meaning handsome vishnu temple

if u are expecting a huge temple u will be disappointed what u get to see is a beautiful temple that stands in midst of barren land and pulls u with its carving and beauty
if u dont have a passion for carving and architecture u will not like this place - u need to have imagination to enjoy this place - its huge - i could imagine the royal families of yesteryears comming here and paying homage to lord , ladies dancing in the courtyard for the king - the temple premises is big and beautiful , the carvings are exquisite and it is worth to pay for a guide . u have a pedestle and on it sits the temple in a star shape form . the guide tells us that the belur temple is famous for interiors and the halebid temple is known for its exterior carvings . the lions and elephants cardved out of pillars is something i will remember for a long time

4.about 17 kms from belur is halebid - the first impression u get on seeing halebid is well this is better tourist oriented place , its clean ,lawned and u have lot of people selling u things - halebid has a shiva temple and i liked the hugs nandi's, there is also a small lake/pond nearby giving toursit some relief from the sun .

imagine hundreds of artisans sitting and carving these rocks giving them life , and shapes just astounds the human mind .

5.we skipped out shravanabelagola as we were too tired

6. on way back again stopped at mayura for refill and reached bangalore at about 8 in the night .

this place is not a romantic getaway - u can probablu spend time together in the car ride , it is for people who want to appreciate our heritage .