Overview of the destinationThe twins towns Halebidu and Belur are quite, non-commercial and secluded unlike other popular tourist places.
The temples, are undoubtedly the best feature of Halebidu & Belur. One can spend a day or two just looking at these monuments and studying the various sculptures. Taking a guide helps understand the story behind many cravings.
Not to be missed - In Belur temple, Apsaras or dasis in different poses, lord Shiva dancing inside an elephant, a disappointed lady, the feeling portrayed by a monkey sucking her hand when he cannot reach a bunch of grapes.
In Halebidu tempe, the most decorated Nandi in India, different hairdos, the hierarchy where a warrior women dasi has another dasi, removing a thorn from her feet on a hunting expedition.
Apart from these, the temples have several stories from our epics.
Food, sight-seeing and shopping
There are many decent hotels in Hassan or you could choose to stay in Halebidu or Belur itself. Either way, expect decent rooms with basic essentials.
Food and stay at KSTDC Mayura Shantala was good ; with average vegetarian thalis and the Indianised Chinese.
Though shopping was not on my mind at all, I picked quite a few pieces of toys made out of stone, sold outside the temples. Little bargaining and you could get a good deal.
Activities & things to do
Enjoy the country side as you drive in and out of the place. The roads are good and enjoyable. Explore and take in the ancient architecture.
Travel tips, How to reach, travel warnings etc.
If coming from Bangalore, one can take the following route: Bangalore-
Shravanabelagola-Halebidu-Belur-Mysore-Bangalore.
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