Book Mysore to Belur Car Rental

The shortest route from Mysore to Belur is via NH 373. It is approximately 150 km long, and you can cover it in around 3 hours and 30 minutes. You can visit Bisle Ghat, Maharajana Durga, Haranahalli, and Shri Kappe Chennigarayana Temple along this route.

A slightly longer route is via Channarayapatna Road and NH-373. It is 161 km long and takes 3 hours 45 minutes to cover. You can take a break to explore Devanahalli Fort, Bhimeshwara Temple, M Visweswaraya Museum, Kalavaarahalli Betta, and Nehru Nilaya.

Another alternate route is via Arsikere – Mysuru Road and Channarayapatna-Arisikere Road. It is longer than the other routes, and you can cover the distance of 181 km in over 4.5 hours. Sri Lakshminarayana Swamy Temple, Chandragiri Hill, Sri Bhoga Nandishwara Gudi, and Hoysaleshwara Temple are interesting stopovers along this route.

Veera Narayana Temple

Veera Narayana Temple is a three-shrined temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu as Veera Narayana and his avatars, Lord Krishna playing the flute as Venugopala and a deity in a yogic posture as Yoga Narasimha. The 270-foot-long temple is made from soapstone and amalgamates three different architectural eras. The entrance showcases Vijayanagara artistry. Its Ranga Mandapa and garuda Stambha are constructed by Hoysala artists, and the main tower and inner sanctums display Chalukya grandeur.

Chennakesava Temple

Chennakesava Temple is a 12th-century marvel of architecture dedicated to Lord Vijayanarayana, one of the 24 incarnations of Lord Vishnu. It was commissioned by King Vishnuvardhana of the Hoysala Empire in 1117 CE. The temple symbolizes the victory of the then-Hoysala king over the Cholas in the battle of Talakad. It has beautiful sculptures and portrays a few scenes from Mahabharata, Ramayana, and Upanishads. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Doddagaddavalli

Doddagaddavalli is a small village in Belur known for its Mahalakshmi temple, built during the rule of Hoysala Vishnuvardhana in 1113 AD. The temple is notable for its unique Chatushkuta design, which means it has four shrines aligned to the cardinal directions. Its Dvitala Vimana (two-tiered tower) is its most striking feature, rising majestically above the sanctum sanctorum. You can admire the Hoysala artistry comprising lathe-turned pillars and decorative motifs.

Shantaleshwara Temple

Shantaleshwara Temple is one of the two identical temples in the Hoysaleswara Temple complex. It was built in the early 12th century by the Hoysala King Vishnuvardhana and named after his wife, Shantala Devi. The temple has a beautiful Shivalinga as its main deity is Lord Shiva. The pillars and ceilings of the temple are noted for their minute carvings of divine figures, animals, and scenes from mythology, showcasing the skill of Hoysala artisans. It is a UNESCO Heritage site and a must-visit venue.

Belur is known for its temples, Hoysala architecture, and grandeur. History buffs can visit Halebidu to explore its ornamental carvings and detailed sculptures dating back to the 12th century. Locals and tourists love Yagachi Dam for its lush greenery, serenity, and cool breeze. It is a perfect picnic spot. The open-air museum in Belur, the State Archaeological Museum, will awe you with its exhibits telling stories of Belur’s rich history and culture.

This is known as the Benaras of the South as it is a culturally rich place. Its rich cultural heritage, beautiful temples, and tranquil surroundings make it a suitable tourist destination for history enthusiasts, architecture lovers, and nature admirers.

The best time to visit Belur is from November to February. During these months, the weather remains pleasant, so you can enjoy outdoor activities and witness local festivals like Makar Sankranti and Kambala.

Belur also has plenty of hotels offering a range of stays, from luxurious vacations to pocket-friendly visits. You can stay at The Holiday Inn or Hotel New Empire, which is known for its great locations. There are also 3-star hotels like Treebo Orchid and Hotel Samanavi International. If you want a luxurious experience, you can book your stay at 5-star hotels like Hotel Mayura Yagachi or Dwarasamudra Resorts. You can also stay at service apartments or book villas in Belur.

Belur has a lot to offer to its tourists. You can buy traditional handicrafts, silk sarees, locally grown spices, wooden sculptures, and handwoven carpets. You can also visit the Hoysala market and Panchloka Divinity statues to buy souvenirs like miniature idols of gods and goddesses, intricately designed keychains and decorative items made from sandalwood. You can also purchase metal lamps, terracotta items, and fresh seafood from the Yagachi River at the Yagachi Fish Market.

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