Book Mysore to Belur – Halebidu Car Rental

The shortest route from Mysore to Halebidu is via State Highway 57. The road is great except a rough stretch at the outskirts of Hassan. It is a combination of four-lane and two-lane highways while the traffic is comfortable for easy driving. The drive from Halebidu is through a forest with ancient Banyan trees. Rent a car from Mysore Wheels and enjoy the drive through the scenic route. 

The alternate route is via NH-150A and NH75. It takes around 3.5 hours to drive along the stretch of approximately 188 kilometres. With a Mysore to Belur Halebidu car rental, you can even stopover at Sri Dhandina Maramma Temple along this route.

1. Chenna Kesava Temple

One of the most beautiful temples in India, Chenna Kesava Temple is the abode of Chenna Kesava or Beautiful Kesava. Commissioned by King Vishnuvardhana in 1117 CE, the temple is said to have been completed in around 103 years. 

The complex has two entrances and its Mahadwara was burnt down during the reign of Mohammad bin Tughlak. Its Vimana was dismantled in 1879 to protect the sanctum sanctorum, yet what remains of the temple is awe-inspiring.

2. Hoysaleswara Temple

A revered Hindu temple, Hoysaleswara Temple is locally referred to as Halebid Temple. It is a 12^th-century Dikutachala temple (a temple housing two shrines on one platform) built near the Dwarasamudra lake. Both shrines are dedicated to Lord Shiva, and one of them is known as Shantaleswara Temple.

A landmark monument of the Hoysala empire, the temple was built under the aegis of King Vishnuvardhana Hoysaleswara during 1121 CE-1160 CE. It was designed by the renowned Shilpkar Kedoraja. The walls of the temple are carved with elaborate designs depicting Gods revered by the clan and brave soldiers of the Hoysala army.

3. Kedareswara Temple

Built by Veer Ballala II, a Hoysala King and his queen Abhinava Ketala Devi, Kedareswara Temple was dedicated to Lord Shiva. It was commissioned around 1220 A.D. but the construction couldn’t be completed. The temple houses a black stone Shivlinga of Krishnashila.

Ruins of the temple depict sequences from The Ramayana, The Mahabharata, and The Bhagavad Gita. The intricate carvings in soapstone add to the beauty of the temple.

4. Yagachi Dam

Yagachi Dam is a famous tourist spot in Belur. It was built in 2001 over the River Yagachi to supply water to the nearby towns. It is a picnic spot visited by locals and tourists alike. The scenic beauty of its surroundings invites you to spend a relaxing day with your family.

It is also popular among adventure enthusiasts, as they can indulge in exciting water sports and fun rides at the dam. You can select from the several options including a speedboat ride, jet ski, banana boat ride, kayaking, or bumper ride.

5. Archaeological Museum

Archaeological Museum, Halebid is an open-air museum. It was established in 1970. It houses over 1500 sculptures, images, exhibits, inscriptions belonging to the 12^th to 13^th century, recovered from nearby areas. Dancing Shiva, Nataraja, Veena Saraswati, Govardhanagiridhari Krishna, and a bronze statue of a Tirthankara are some of the most significant sculptures and exhibits here.

Belur Halebidu is considered the Benaras or Varanasi of South India. The beautiful towns are dedicated to Lord Shiva and dotted with multiple shrines devoted to him. Hire a car rental from Mysore Wheels and enjoy a trip to the twin cities at leisure.

The cities are ideal for a day trip with limited options for shopping and sightseeing. Most temples are ideal places to explore for history buffs and architecture lovers. You can however experience the rustic village life away from the bustle of the city.

Adventure seekers can have an enthralling experience at the Yagachi Dam as they try the wide variety of water sports offered at the spot.

Mysore is the city of imperial art and culture of Wodeyar rulers. The charming city is embellished with magnificent architecture and is renowned as the ‘City of Palaces’. A majestic landmark of the city, Mysore palace attracts tourists from across the globe. Along with this, there are plenty of other places to visit in Mysore for avid travellers. Mysore is also famous for authentic silk, sandalwood products and the traditional Ashtanga Yoga.

Mysore to Belur Halebidu road trip offered by Mysore Wheels is a journey from a city of regal architecture to a town with astounding ancient temple architecture.

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You can buy Panchaloha (an alloy of gold, silver, zinc, copper and bronze) statues of gods and goddesses at the temples.

Food in Hassan district is notably different from other nearby places. Vegetarian South-Indian and North Indian platters are commonly available in the area. You must also try Malnad specialities, like ragi balls with mutton or veg stews. Continental, Mughlai and Tandoori cuisines are also worth trying at some restaurants. Local specialities include Kesuvina Gantu (Colocasia Leaf Knot), Kaayi kadabu (Sweet Coconut Dumplings), and Halasinakai Chutney (Raw Jackfruit Condiment).