| Sightseeing Highlights:
In Belur, one of the main attractions is the Chennakeshava temple, which is the only temple still in use for people to offer prayers. It is the most marvelous specimen of Hoysala architecture - the angled bracket figures depicting celestial nymphs are found here. Stories from the Puranas, the Upanishads and other mythological sources and tales from Ramayana and Mahabharata have been depicted in the temples.
One can also visit the temples of Chennigaraya, Veeranarayana, Sridevi, and Bhoodevi, all in the same complex.
In Halebid, one must see the Hoysaleswara temple, which even though not completed, remains one of the finest temples in the country.
The temple complex also has a museum, which has the idols, statues, and sculptures excavated from the ruins. It is open daily except for Fridays.
Halebid also has some Jain temples with fine carvings.
Other Activities:
Besides visiting other places around, such as Hassan and Shravanabelagola, one can also shop for stone idols, sculptures and terra cotta items.
Located on the banks of the Yagachi River, Halebid and Belur
are known for the Hoysala temples, which are world famous for their
sculptures and architecture. The twin towns are about 16 km away from
each other and the distance between the two can be covered by bus,
taxi, auto or even hired bicycle. The cities were the capital of the
Hoysala dynasty between the 11th and 14th centuries. The Belur and
Halebid temples are cut from soft stone allowing for very intricate
carvings on the walls. Among the great temple complexes of South India, they are comparable to the Khajuraho temples of Madhya Pradesh.
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