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| Know Belur |
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Belur is a famous temple town in Karnataka, located in Hassan district. Belur is especially renowned for the grand Hoysala Temple Complex.
LOCATION
State : Karnataka
Belur is situated 330 km from Hospet, 222 km from Bangalore, 194 km from Mangalore, 149 km from Mysore, 38 km from Hassan and 17 km from Halebid.
FACTS ABOUT BELUR
1. The best time to visit Belur is between the months of October and April.
2. The magnanimous dance festival held at the impressive Hoysala temples in Belur and Helebid is a glorious event. This cultural extravaganza is celebrated in the month of March.
3. Belur is also known as Dakshina Varanasi or Southern Banaras.
4. The intricate workmanship found in the Chennakesava tempple includes elephants, lions, horses, episodes from the Indian mythological epics, and sensuous dancers (Shilabalikas). Darpana Sundari ( Lady with the mirror ) carved on walls of Belur Temple is one of major attraction in complex.
Major Hotels & Resorts
- Hotel Hassan Ashok
- Hotel Southern Star
- Hotel Suvarna Regency
- Hoysala Village Resort
- Hotel Mayura Velapuri
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| Attractions in Belur |
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1. Chennakesava temple complex : This complex comprises of the Chennakesava Temple (dedicated to Lord Chennakeshava) as the centre piece, surrounded by the Kappe Chnnegraya temple, and two more shrines. The Chennakesava Temple, one of the finest examples of Hoysala architecture, was built by King Vishnuvardhana in 1114 AD.
2. Narasimha Pillar : This pillar, which once revolved on its ball bearings, has a small space left on it to be sculpted by anyone who has the skill. However, it is untouched till date.
3. Madanikas : There are four well-known bracket figures on the ornate ceiling that are inspired by Shantala Devi's well-endowed beauty. On the walls, there are 38 bracket figures of attractive, meditative, mischievous and romantic women.
4. Shantala Devi : The beautiful sculpture of Shantala Devi, Queen of King Vishnuvardhana, is placed on the circular platform in front of the shrine. It is unique for its hollow and movable jewelry.
5. Veeranarayana temple : Situated on the west of the Chenna Kesava Temple is Veeranarayana temple. This temple houses the shrines of Kappe Chenniga, Andal, Saumya Nayaki, and other deities.
6. Nearest tourist spot : Doddagaddavalli - This village in Hassan District is positioned en-route to Belur. The main attraction of this village is the Lakshmidevi Temple, built by the Hoysalas in the year 1114 AD during the rule of King Vishnuvardhana. Set amidst lush coconut plantations, the temple has a lake at its rear.
7. Nearest tourist spot : Halabedu(Halebid)
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| Connectivity |
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Airways
The nearest airports are Bangalore and Mangalore. Bangalore is located 222 km away and Mangalore is 194 km away.
Railways
Hassan is just 40 kms from Belur. It is connected to other prominent junctions like Bangalore, Mysore and Mangalore. Banavara and Arasikere are also near Belur.
Roadways
There are regular buses from Bangalore (222km), Halebid (16km), Hassan (40 km), Hospet (330km), Mangalore (124 km) and Mysore (149km) to Belur. There are tourist taxis that can be hired to take you from Hassan to Belur.
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