Belur Tourism, Chennakeshava Temple, Hoysala Capital, Karnataka |Pravase

History, Best Places to Visit and Travel Guide of Belur, Major Pilgrimage and Tourist Destination of Karnataka

Belur, the small town of Hassan district of Karnataka, located on bank of river Yagachi is ancient historical city and one of the most famous tourist destination of city. Belur was known as Velapura earlier and second capital of great Hoysala Empire during 13th century. Due to invasion of Delhi Sultanate Hoysala had shifted their capital from Halebid to Belur. Belur is very popular across the globe due to the world famous ancient Chennakeshava Temple, also known as Keshava, Kesava or Vijayanarayana Temple which was built during the rule of King Vishnuvardhana in 1117. During the rule of around 300 year Hoysala dynasty had built lots of marvelous temple which showcase the architecture mastery and sculptures with metal-like polish cannot be achieved with latest technology even today. Chennakeshava Temple is the best of three Hoysala temples which are nominated for UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The other two temples are at Halebid and Somnathpur.

Hoysalas dynasty had ruled in surrounding area from 11th to 13th Centuries. As per the folklore, Hoysala dynasty has been named after the words ‘Hoy and Sala’ here Hoy means ‘Strike’, Sala is the name of a legendary leader of dynasty. Sala had killed a lion or tiger to save his jain Guru Sudatta Muni. Then Guruji blessed him by giving him the power to rule. By quality of his heroic act he becomes the leader of the tribe and gradually emerges as the king.

Along with Chennakeshava Temple, there are several important temple located near Belur. These are Sankaresvara Temple, Pathaleshwara Temple, Hoysaleswara Temple and Jain Temples in Halebid, the capital of Hoysala dynasty.

Hoysala Mahotsava, a dance festival to promote the rich culture and heritage of India, arranged in the temples of Belur and Halebid during the month of March is celebrated here with great zeal.

How to Reach Belur, One of major tourist attraction, Karnataka, India

As Belur is major Tourist destination and taluka place of Karnataka and home to majestic Chennakeshava Temple the masterpiece of Hoysala ruler. Thus, it is easily reachable via road, rail and air network. Nearest major railway station from Belur is in Hassan at 37 km and Chikmagalur at 25 km from where you can get train to all major station of India. You can get government and private vehicle from nearby cities to reach here by road. You can reach here via air connectivity easily as Mangalore airport is at just 160 km from Belur. Belur is located at 25 km from Chikmanglur, 16 km from Halebid, 155 km from Mangalore, 40 km from Hassan, and 217 km from Bangalore.

Taluka / Tehsil: Belur, District: Hassan, State: karnataka, Country: india.

Religious Importance: Hindu