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Belur Travel Guide
Discovering the Beauty and History of Belur: A Travel Guide
Belur, located in the Indian state of Karnataka, is a hidden gem that is often overlooked by tourists in favor of more well-known destinations. But this charming town has a lot to offer, from its rich history and cultural heritage to its stunning natural beauty. Here's a travel guide to help you explore all that Belur has to offer.
First, let's start with a bit of history. Belur is home to the famous Chennakeshava Temple, a stunning example of Hoysala architecture that dates back to the 12th century. The temple, dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu, is renowned for its intricate carvings and sculptures, and is considered to be one of the most beautiful temples in India.
In addition to the Chennakeshava Temple, Belur is also home to a number of other historical and cultural attractions. The town was once the capital of the Hoysala Empire, and as a result, is home to a number of other temples and historical sites. These include the Kappe Chennigraya Temple, the Veeranarayana Temple, and the Belur Math, the headquarters of the Ramakrishna Mission.
But Belur isn't just about history and culture. The town is also surrounded by beautiful natural scenery, with the stunning Western Ghats mountain range providing a stunning backdrop. If you're an outdoor enthusiast, then Belur is the perfect destination for you. The town offers a range of activities, such as hiking, birdwatching, and rafting, that will allow you to explore its natural beauty.
Finally, no trip to Belur would be complete without trying some of the local cuisine. The town is known for its delicious food, with a range of dishes to suit every palate. Be sure to try some of the local specialties, such as akki roti (rice flour flatbread) and koli saaru (chicken curry), and wash it all down with a glass of the local sweet drink, ginger coffee.
In conclusion, Belur may not be as well-known as some of India's other destinations, but it definitely has a lot to offer. Whether you're interested in history, culture, or simply want to enjoy the great outdoors, Belur has something for everyone. So why not start planning your trip to this hidden gem today?
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MAKE AN ENQUIRYBest Places To Visit In Belur
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Chennakesava Temple
Sri Chennakeshava Temple is an ancient temple located in Belur, Karnataka. The temple is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Also known as Keshava or Vijayanarayana Temple of Belur, Chennakeshava Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. King Vishnuvardhana of the Hoysala dynasty built this temple in 1117 AD on the banks of the Yagachi River at Belur, the early capital of the Hoysala Empire.
Doddagaddavalli
The serene little village of Doddagadavalli is one of the most unique places to visit in Belur. Doddagadavalli is known to be the home of the Lakshmidevi temple built by the Hoysalas in 1114 AD. The main attraction of the temple is the attractive image of Goddess Lakshmi standing in the sanctum sanctorum. Temples of Lakshmi, Shiva, Vishnu and Kali can also be found in this temple. Covered with beautiful coconut plantations, the temple has a deep reflection of the era of King Vishnuvardhana, under whose rule the temple was built. As is typical of Hoysala architecture, the temple is built of soapstone and is independent of a platform.
Madanikas
Inspired by Shantala Devi, queen of King Vishnuvardhana, the Chennakeshava temple has 42 soapstone bracket figures called madanikas (or celestial nymphs) placed in different corners of the temple. All the madanikas are found in different postures of Bharata Natyam and are engraved in fine detail. Of these, the figures of four brackets located inside the ornate ceiling of the temple have become very famous and represent the true beauty of Hoysala sculpture.
Narasimha Pillar
One of the most spectacular creations and designs of the Hoysala era, the Narasimha Pillar is a stone pillar standing at a height of 30 feet. Crafted from soapstone, this pillar is located inside the premises of the famous Chennakeshava temple. Of the fifty different pillars located inside the temple, the Narasimha Pillar is an artistic marvel. It, in a miniature form, carries all the unique architectural features of the temple. You can also see all the sculptures of the temple carved on this pillar. Narasimha Pillar is another thing that makes Chennakaseva Temple one of the most attractive places to visit in Belur.
Shantaleswara Temple
Another splendid creation of the Hoysalas, the Shantaleswara Temple was built in the 12th century as a tribute to Lord Shiva. Located in Halebidu, it is one of the most religious places to visit in Belur, and there are two similar temples inside the complex, known as Shantaleswara and Hoysaleshwar. The temple is named after Queen Shantaladevi, wife of King Vishnuvardhana Hoysala, both of whom are believed to be seated in the temple. One of the most striking features of the temple is that the basic structure of the temple is like a star.
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