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From Wikitravel

Belur (Kannada: ಬೇಲೂರು) is a historic town in Hassan district of Karnataka state.

[edit] Understand

Belur today is a nondescript little town that does not even merit for itself the title of district headquarters. But once, it was the magnificent capital of the Hoysala Empire that was spread over most of what is now Karnataka and large parts of present-day Tamil Nadu, and which lasted from the 10th to the 14th centuries. The greatest ruler of this empire was Vishnuvardhana who started the construction of the visually stunning Chennakesava temple. He is also credited with the construction of the Hoysaleswara (lord of the Hoysalas) temple at Halebidu, 16 km away. Sadly, these two temples and some ruins at Hale Belur (older Belur) some distance away from Belur, are the only archaeological remnants of this era. The legend of the Hoysala empire, however, is very much part of Karnataka's historical consciousness, and Vishnuvardhana's encouragement of the arts of sculpture and dancing is well-remembered and commemorated in the state.

The best period to visit Belur is October to April. Though the weather is generally pleasant, summers may get very hot. Visitors generally combine Belur and Halebidu into a single day trip.

Belur is a little town in Hassan district of karnataka. I am an resident of Belur. Belur was a capital of hoysala dynasty and was rich city at that time. King Vishnuvardhana built the temple. All the sculpture work was done by Jakanachari and his son Dakanachari. There is nothing called as hale belur, and the chennakesave temple is not destroyed in belur. It is still in good condition. Once in a life time you have to visit the Belur temple to see the unmatchable carvings and engineering work of the 11th century. "Shilabalike" is one of the main attractions in the Belur temple. No where in the world you can see Shilabalike. Stories of "Ramayana" and "Mahabharata" are narrated on the walls of the temples.

[edit] Get in

[edit] Get around

[edit][add listing] See

• Chennakesava temple.  edit

[edit][add listing] Do

[edit][add listing] Buy

[edit][add listing] Eat

• Puliyogare
• Sakre Pongal

[edit][add listing] Drink

[edit][add listing] Sleep

• Sumukha Lodge
• Vishnu Lodge at temple road.
• Vishnu residency : Non-A/C double rooms cost 600 Rs.

[edit] Get out

The bus station is in the center and there are buses for Bangalore, Hassan and Channarayapatna.

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