Belur Halebidu and Sravanabelagola
Belur-Halebid are the twin cities located in the Hassan district of the Indian state of Karnataka. Separated only by a short drive, both were home to the Hoysala dynasty for three centuries (mid-11th to mid-14th century). The Belur and Halebid temples are cut from the soft stone called chloritic schist. It allowed for very fine detailing, evident in the intricately carved temple walls. The tradition of ivory and sandalwood handwork is reflected in the sculptures of these temples. Not too far is Sravanabelagola, one of the most-visited Jain pilgrimage spots in South India. It is famous for a massive 57-ft high statue of Bahubali, the world's tallest monolithic stone statue carved out of a single granite block. This is a full-day tour of Belur, Halebidu & Sravanabelagola.
Itinerary
Meet our experienced guide and proceed to Belur. The town is renowned for its Chennakeshava Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The temple is one of the finest examples of Hoysala architecture and the largest Hindu temple complex that has survived from pre-14th-century Dravida tradition. A historic site inspired by the teachings of Ramanujacharya, it has been a Vaishnava Hindu pilgrimage center since at least the 12th-century. It was also the first capital of the Hoysala dynasty before they built Dorasamudra (modern Halebidu).
Continue to Halebidu which is literally old capital, city encampment or ruined city. Historically known as Dorasamudra or Dwarasamudra, Halebidu became the regal capital of the Hoysala Empire in the 11th century CE. In the modern era literature it is sometimes referred to as Halebeedu or Halebid as the phonetic equivalent, a local name after it was damaged and deserted after being ransacked and looted twice by the forces of the Delhi Sultanate in the 14th century. The Hoysaleswara Temple, the main attraction here, was built in 1152. It is a dikutachala temple, meaning it has two shrines on the same platform. They are both dedicated to Lord Shiva. The second temple in Halebid is the Shantaleswara Temple. The two temples took some 100 years to build.
Drive to Sravanabelagola, one of the most-visited Jain pilgrimage spots in South India. It is famous for a massive 57-ft high statue of Bahubali, world's tallest monolithic stone statue carved out of a single granite block.
Instructions
- A good walking shoe, a hat, and sun protection are recommended.
- Avoid wearing expensive jewellery and keep your valuables under safe custody at all times.
