Belur is 222 Kms from Bangalore, 149 Kms from Mysore and 34 Kms from Hassan. Belur is considered as the Banaras of South and is thus also known as Dakshina Varanasi. The serenity of Belur is attributed to the celebrated temple of Channakeshava, built by the Hoysala King Vishnuvardhana in 117 A. D. The Hoysalas were brilliant builders who developed a new style of temple architecture.
The Hoysalas promoted temple art to such a degree that the artists actually left their signatures on their work. The sculptures are unparalleled in their beauty; in fact, as a challenge to their art, the sculptors left a small blank space on the revolving Narasimha pillar, to be filled in by anyone who has the talent. The space remains blank till today.
Belur, a small town located on the banks of River Yagachi, is very popular for its marvellous temples which are among the best if one wants to study temple architecture.
The serenity of Belur is attributed to the celebrated temple of Channakeshava. According to inscriptions, the temple was built to commemorate his conversion from Jainism to Vaishnavism. He signalised his conversion by the erection of many temples of unsurpassed excellence, of which the temple of Chennakesava was no doubt the best.
It 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.
How to reach
The nearest airport is at Bangalore from where it is about 4 hrs by road to Belur. There are direct buses on this route and a daily train from Hassan. The nearest railway station is at Hassan (1 hr). There are trains to Hassan from all over the state. It’s very easy to get to Belur from here. Buses run through the day till 11:30 p.m. There are direct services from Bangalore, Mysore, Mangalore and Arsikere.The best way to reach Belur or Halebid by bus if you are dependent on public transport is from Hassan, which is very well connected to the both these place as well as to the rest of the region. Otherwise you can rent a car with a driver at Hassan and do the circuit at your own pace.
There are regular buses plying between Belur and Halebid, and from both places to Hassan but they aren't a very comfortable option. Belur and Halebid can be covered on foot, or you could rent a bicycle for the day. For the 16 km intervening distance (Belur-Halebid; 33 km-Halebid-Hassan) hire a cab or take an auto-rickshaw.