Belur

Belur is a panchayat town in Hassan district, Karnataka. Belur was the early capital of the Hoysala Empire. With Halebidu which is only 16 km away, this is one of the major tourist destinations in Karnataka, India. Belur is located in Hassan district. According to inscriptions discovered here, it was also referred to as Velapuri. Distance from Belur to Halebeedu, Karnataka is 22.6 km and travelling time is around 29 min via Belur Road.

The main attraction in Belur is the Chennakesava temple complex which contains the Chennakesava Temple (dedicated to Lord Chennakeshava , meaning handsome Vishnu) as the centre piece, surrounded by the Kappe Chennigraya temple built by Shantaladevi, queen of king Vishnuvardhana.



There are two more shrines here that are still in use by devotees and there is a Pushkarni or stepped well to the right side of the main entrance. The Dravida style rayagopuram at the entrance which was a later addition by the Vijayanagar kings, who considered this deity as one of their Kuladevata or family god.

Location	Hassan district, Karnataka
Best time to visit	October to April
Places to visit	Belur Chennakesava Temple, Belur Ramakrishna Math, Chikmagalur, Hassan, Belur, Banavaran and Arasikere

The temple is one of the finest examples of Hoysala architecture. It was built by king Vishnuvardhana in commemoration of his victory over the Cholas at Talakad in 1117 CE. Legend has it that it took 103 years to complete and Vishnuvardhana's grandson Veera Ballala II completed the task. The facade of the temple is filled with intricate sculptures and friezes with no portion left blank. The intricate workmanship includes elephants, lions, horses, episodes from the Indian mythological epics, and sensuous dancers (Shilabalikas). Inside the temple are a number of ornate pillars. Darpana Sundari (Lady with the mirror) carved on walls of Belur Temple is one of major attraction in complex.

This temple along with Hoysaleswara temple in Halebidu and the Jaina monuments at Shravanabelagola are being proposed as UNESCO world heritage sites.

KSTDC offers various Belur Karnataka Tourism packages.

Chennakesava Temple
Halebidu
Historical Places in Karnataka
Hoysala Tour Packages
Hotels, Boarding, Lodging & Accomodation in Belur
Belur Chikmagalur Kemmannugundi Tour Package
Belur Halebeedu Shravanabelagola Package Tour

Temples in Belur

Chennakesava Temple was originally referred to as the Vijayanarayana temple. It was previously the capital of the Hoysala rulers. The city of Belur is about 40 kilometres from the city of Hassan. Bangalore is about 220 kilometres from Belur. Chennakesava means "handsome Kesava". Lord Vishnu is worshipped in this temple.

Top 10 Facts about Belur

Here are Top 10 facts about Belur

1. Belur is known for its magnificent temples, especially the Chennakesava Temple, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The temple is an architectural marvel and is known for its intricate carvings and sculptures.
   
2. The Chennakesava Temple was built by the Hoysala Empire in the 12th century and is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The temple is a fine example of Hoysala architecture and is one of the best-preserved temples of the era.
   
3. Belur is also home to several other temples like the Veeranarayana Temple and the Kappe Chennigaraya Temple, both of which are known for their exquisite carvings and architecture.
   
4. The town is surrounded by lush greenery and is a great place to relax and unwind amidst nature. Visitors can take a stroll through the beautiful gardens and parks in the town and enjoy the tranquility of the surroundings.
   
5. The town is also known for its silk industry and is home to several silk weaving units. Visitors can visit these units and learn about the silk-making process.
   
6. Belur is located close to several other tourist destinations like Halebidu, Shravanabelagola, and Chikmagalur, making it a popular stopover for tourists.
   
7. The town is well-connected to other parts of Karnataka by road and is easily accessible from nearby cities like Bangalore and Mysore.
   
8. The best time to visit Belur is between the months of October and March when the weather is pleasant and ideal for sightseeing.
   
9. Belur is a great place to experience the rich culture and heritage of Karnataka. The town is known for its traditional dance forms like Yakshagana and visitors can witness these performances during local festivals.
   
10. Belur is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in history, architecture, and culture and is a perfect destination for a day trip or a weekend getaway.