If planning for a day trip nearby Bangalore, then Belur and Halebidu could be good option.
You have 2 route options to visit this place. One route is through Shravanabelagola (famous Jain pilgrimage center), Hassan and the another one is through Tumkur road. We took Tumkur route option. Started at about 8 am in the morning and reached Halebidu at about 12 pm.
Halebidu:
Halebidu:
Also known as Dwara Samudra. It was the capital of Hoysalas. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The sculptors are all made up of soap stone. Each of the sculptors, ornamented designs and carvings, one can see great artistic work and even now the intricacy are visible. Each of these sculptors speak the story. Need to give credits to the people who conceptualised and implemented these in a very great manner. We saw the major historical events of Vishnu avatars, epics like Ramayana and Mahabharata etc in the carving. Surely an epitome of Indian art.
Around 16 km from Halebidu lies a beautiful architectural Chenna Keshava Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. We were delighted by the star shape Temple complex, Darphana Sundari,
the decorations on the outer walls etc. What a masterpiece! We are
speechless. This is surely a place for all. Even those who do not have a
love for architect will definitely change their thoughts once they go
and visit this place. Who will forget the famous song Ragam, Thanam and
Pallavi from a blockbluster movie Sankarabharanam which was shot here.
Some tips if you are planning to visit these places.
1. Have a sunscreen lotion,
2. Sun glass, cap and socks.
3. Bring the camera to capture and take the memories with you.
Our Humble suggestion:
Don't touch the sculptors and scribble on the wall. It has to be preserved and must be available for the coming generation for viewing the beautiful architects.
Map:
