Belur historical place in Hassan, Karnataka

Climate/Weather

Rainfall: 110 cms

History

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.

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.

Interesting things to do

And if that is not enough, 17 km east of Belur is yet another visual delight, Halebeedu. The Hoysaleshwara Temple is astounding for its wealth of sculptural details. Incidentally, this temple is incomplete despite 86 years of labour.
All these temples are an outstanding testimony to the unbounded patronage that the skilled sculptors received then.

Interesting things to Visit

☀ Narasimha Pillar:
This pillar, which once revolved on its ball bearings, has a small space left on it to be sculpted by anyone who has the skill. However, it is untouched till date.

☀ Madanikas:
There are four well-known bracket figures on the ornate ceiling that are inspired by Shantala Devi’s well-endowed beauty. On the walls, there are 38 bracket figures of attractive, meditative, mischievous and romantic women.

☀ Shantala Devi:
The beautiful sculpture of Shantala Devi, Queen of King Vishnuvardhana, is placed on the circular platform in front of the shrine. It is unique for its hollow and movable jewelry.

Nearest Visiting places

☀ Doddagaddavalli:
This village in Hassan District is positioned en-route to Belur. The main attraction of this village is the Lakshmidevi Temple, built by the Hoysalas in the year 1114 AD during the rule of King Vishnuvardhana. Set amidst lush coconut plantations, the temple has a lake at its rear.

Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation

☀ At Hassan:
Hotel Amblee Palika.
Phone:66307
Hotel Hassan Ashok
Phone: +91-8172-68731

☀ At Belur:
Hotel Mayura Velapuri
Temple Street
Belur 573115
Phone: +91-8177-722209

☀ Sri Annapoorna Lodge
Temple Road, Belur.
Rooms: 08
Tariff:
Double Bed Room: Rs.150/-
Conference Hall Capacity: 100 Max.
Conference Hall Charges: Rs.300/-

Travellers Bungalow
Department of public works, Belur.
Rooms: 05
Tariff: Double Bed Room: Rs.60/-

☀ Sri Vishnu Regency
Main Road, Belur.
Rooms: 22
Tariff:
Single Bed Room: Rs. 50/- Double Bed Room: Rs.100/-

☀ Hotel Mayura Velapuri
Temple Street, Belur.
Rooms: 22
Tariff:
Dormitory (20 Beds): Rs.35 per head.
Single: Rs.135- Rs.160/-
Double Bed Room: Rs.175- Rs.200/-

Location info

**Address:**From Bangalore to Hassan 194 kms approx. & than to belur is 16 kms.
**District:**Hassan
**Nearest City:**Bangalore
Best time to visit: Between October and March

How to reach Belur

**Nearest Railway Station:**Nearest Rail head is Hassan about 38 km. It is well connected to Bangalore, Mysore, and Mangalore by regular trains.

**Nearest Airport:**Bangalore International Airport and Mangalore International Airport are the nearest international airports to the city,The nearest airport is Mangalore 184 kms.

**Road Transport:**Belur is well connected with Hassan, Mysore, Mangalore and Bangalore by road

Helpline & emergency contacts

Police Station: Hassan-100
**Nearest Hospital:**Sri Chamarajendra Govt.Hospital & Red Furn Hospital in Hassan
Society/Community Phone Number

Mobile network coverage

Airtel, Jio, BSNL, and Vi all provide coverage across Karnataka. 4G is reliable in Bangalore, Mysore, Mangalore, Hubli, and along highways. Coverage may be weaker in deep forest areas of Bandipur, Nagarhole, and certain Western Ghats sections. Most hotels, resorts, and cafes in tourist areas offer free Wi-Fi.

Food & restaurants nearby

Food options are available in the nearest town. Karnataka cuisine ranges from coastal seafood to Udupi vegetarian to Coorg’s pandi curry. Dosa, idli, bisi bele bath, and filter coffee are iconic.

Nearest petrol pump

Petrol pumps are available in the nearest town or on the approach road — check locally for the closest option.

Best time to visit Belur

October to March is the best time to explore historical sites in Karnataka — pleasant weather for walking and exploring. Early morning (6:00-9:00 AM) or late afternoon (3:00-5:30 PM) offers the best light for photography and comfortable temperatures.

Timings & opening hours

Typically 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily. Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) protected sites have specific hours — usually sunrise to sunset. Some monuments may close earlier.

Entry fee & tickets

Entry fee: ₹10-₹30 for Indian nationals, ₹100-₹500 for foreign nationals (varies by monument significance). Camera fee: ₹25-₹50 for still cameras. Video camera: ₹100-₹200. ASI monument passes and composite tickets may be available.

Duration needed

1-2 hours for a basic visit. History enthusiasts and photographers may want to spend 3-4 hours exploring the site in detail.

Safety tips

Do not climb on fragile structures or enter cordoned-off areas. Some monuments have uneven floors and staircases — watch your step. Carry water as some sites have limited facilities. Beware of monkeys at some locations — do not carry open food. Keep valuables secure.

Things to carry

Camera for photographs, water bottles, hat/cap, sunscreen, comfortable walking shoes, guidebook or audio guide (if available), and small change for entry fees.

Nearest airport, railway & bus

Nearest railway station depends on the site’s location. Nearest airport varies. The site is typically well connected by road from the nearest town.

Frequently asked questions

Is the site protected by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)? Many major historical sites in Karnataka are ASI-protected monuments with designated entry fees and visiting hours.

Are there guides available? Licensed guides are available at major historical sites and offer valuable insights into the history and architecture.

What is the best time to avoid crowds? Early morning opening time (typically 6:00 AM) is the least crowded. Weekdays are quieter than weekends and holidays.