Belur travel guide

Belur temple tour - Belur, along with Halebidu is one of Karnataka's tourist destinations. Known for its star-shaped Channakeshava temple and intricate Hoysala architecture, it is a must-see for anyone visiting Karnataka.

About Belur

Chennakesava temple at BelurBelur is located 222 kms from Bangalore, 39 kms from Hassan and 149 kms from Mysore is Belur famous for its exquisite temples. Belur is known as the Dakshina Varanasi or Southern Banaras.

The serenity of Belur is attributed to the celebrated Sri Channakeshava Temple, built by the Hoysala King Vishnuvardhana in 1117 A.D. to commemorate his conversion from Jainism to Vaishnavism.

(photo by: dijis)

How to reach Belur

Belur is 40 kms from Hassan & 222 kms from Bangalore by road. This place is on the way to Mudigere & Chikamagalur and frequent buses are available.

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History of Belur

The Channakeshava temple in Belur is one of the finest built using soft soapstone during Hoysala period. Belur is on the banks of river Yegachi. This place is one of the famous tourist destinations in Karnataka. Belur was also called as Velapuri during Hoysala period. Today's Belur is a small town in Hassan District. It was the Capital of a powerful Empire of Hoysala Kings.

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Main Tourist Attraction in Belur 

Elephant Sculptures in Belur templeThe star-shaped ChennaKesava temple is the main draw in Belur.

The main structure of the temple is star-shaped and is a homogeneous architectural unit on a raised platform. Everything is carved in black stone, looking like metal.

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(photo by: jimbob)

Travel tips on your  Belur-Halebid-Hassan tour

Regular tourist packages are operated by Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation (KSTDC) to visit Belur, Halebeedu and Shravanabelagola besides other places.

After visiting Belur, Halebeedu and Shravanabelagola, you can proceed towards Chikamagalur, if you plan to spend sometime on the lap of the Western Ghats and have a taste of its beautiful hill stations or if you plan to visit Shimoga, Jog Falls, Sringeri, Horanadu and Agumbe and other places towards the coastal belt.