Experience the Ancient Architecture at its Glorious Best With Belur Halebidu

Belur Halebidu is one of the most famous temples of the Hoysala dynasty, which showcase the splendid architectural history of the clan.

These temples have become UNESCO world heritage sites, giving a glimpse of the Hindu temple’s art and carvings at their glorious best.

The Hoysala dynasty was very prompt in perpetuating art, culture, history, architecture, philosophy, and spirituality, as a result of which they built over 1500 temples in Karnataka alone.

The Belur Halebidu temples are the most famous among all their creations and are a must-visit tourist destination in the country!

Overview

The Hoysala dynasty rulers were keen on imparting art and architecture as a sign of the glory and pride of their clan.

They followed the Dravidian and Vesara styles of architecture to build highly mesmerizing monuments around the state of Karnataka with splendid carvings and art on the ceilings, walls, and pillars of the temples.

(Source: Backpack Adventures)

History of Belur Halebidu

The rulers of the Hoysala empire built the temples of Belur Halebidu.

Prince Sala is believed to be the founder of the Hoysala dynasty, whose reign stretched from the 11th to the 14th century.

The initial capital of the Hoysala empire was Halebidu which was later shifted to Belur.

The temples of Belur Halebidu were built around 1117 A.D and took generations to complete.

They depict the rich culture of the prestigious Indian heritage.

Architecture

The Belur Halebidu temples are specifically famous for the exceptional architecture they bear.

Beautiful cravings and art on the temple’s walls, ceilings, and pillars are beautiful.

The Hoysala dynasty rulers were fond of the Dravidian and Vesara styles and followed the same for building most temples during their reign.

The Hoysala ruler Vishnuvardhana and his successors followed in the footsteps of the Chalukyas in the expression of art.

The carvings on the temples had a deep meaning depicted through creativity and skill.

King Vishnuvardhana wanted an extraordinary temple in Belur that was architectured in an excellent manner and decorated with the most precious metals to celebrate his military victory in the year 1117 AD.

It took nearly 103 years to construct this historical temple that marks the auspicious heritage of the Hoysala dynasty till today.

Another architectural glory of the Hoysala empire survives in the form of the Hoysaleshvara Temple at Halebidu.

The temple is dedicated to lord Shiva and houses two shrines which consist of the lingams of Hoysaleshwara and Shanthaleshwara, Ketumalla.

In the temple, one can find a statue of Nandi facing the statue of Lord Shiva.

There are intricate carvings of gods, humans, animals, hunting, etc., on the walls of this temple, and it took 80 years to build this historical legacy.

(Source: Backpack Adventures)

Things to do in Belur Halebidu

There are a variety of activities that can be done around Belur Halebidu.

A few of them are as follows:

1. The Baba Budan Hills Trek in Chikmagalur
2. Attend the Hoysala Mahotsava, a great music and dance festival from March – April
3. Visit the Archeological Museum in Halebidu
4. Visit the spiritual space of Belavadi, where Bhima is believed to have killed Bakasur

Restaurants and Local Food in Belur Halebidu

The typical South Indian and North Indian platters are famous in this region.

Vegetarian cuisines are the taste of most of the people of the Belur Halebidu region.

People here in this region can also come across Continental, Tandoori, and Mughlai cuisines, but that would not be a common scenario.

Kesuvina Gantu, Kaayi kadabu, and Halasinakai Chutney are the specialties of this region.

(Source: Justdial)

Must Visit Places in Belur Halebidu

The Belur Halebidu region in Karnataka is laden with multiple spots and sites worth visiting in your lifetime.

These places are as follows:

Chennakesava Temple

The Chennakesava temple is located in Belur, Karnataka, which was built by King Vishuvardhana in the year 1117 C.E., by the banks of river Yagachi.

The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is an essential site of pilgrimage for Hindus all over the world.

The temple has excellent artwork on its walls, pillars, and ceilings depicting instances and scriptures from the Ramayana and Mahabharata and is famous for its cultural and historical heritage.

(Source: Tripadvisor)

Yagachi Dam

The Yagachi Dam is located in Belur and is built across the river Yagachi.

It is a famous tourist spot in the state of Karnataka.

The Yagachi Dam facilitates rafting and other water sports for adventure-freak visitors.

(Source: Deccan Herald)

Halebidu

Halebidu was the capital of the Hoysala empire during the 12th and 13th centuries.

It now houses the famous Hoyaleswara and Kedareshwara temples, recognized world Heritage sites.

The temple In Halebidu is dedicated to lord Shiva and is an architectural masterpiece.

It houses two shrines which consist of the lingams of Hoysaleshwara and Shanthaleshwara, Ketumalla.

There are intricate carvings of gods, humans, animals, hunting, etc., on the walls of this temple, and it took 80 years to build this historical legacy.

(Source: Karnataka.com)

Belavadi

Belavadi is a place in Karnataka that has got historical and religious importance.

It is believed to be where Bhima from Mahabharata killed the demon Bakasura and protected the people of the village.

Belavadi is also famous for housing the glorious Sri Veera Narayana Temple, built in Hoysala architectural style.

(Source: Tripoto)

Monuments to Visit in Belur Halebidu

The various monuments you won’t be able to get your eyes off are:

• The famous temples of Belur Halebidu, built by the Hoysala dynasty rulers, are now tagged as UNESCO world heritage sites.
• Arsikere Temple Trial
• Kedareswara Temple

Best Time to Visit Belur Halebidu

The best time to visit Belur Halebidu is from November to March when the weather here tends to be pleasant.

A grand music and dance festival is also organized in this region, a tourist attraction site.

How to Reach Belur Halebidu

Belur Halebidu can be reached by all means of transport.

The nearest railway station to this location is the Hassan Railway station.

You can also reach the Bangalore or Mangalore railway station and book a bus to these sites.

The Bangalore and Mangalore airports are also close to these sites.

One can reach the main cities via flight and then travel to these tourist spots through roadways.

Location

FAQs

(Feature image source: Tripadvisor)