Belur is 222 Kms from Bangalore, 34 Kms from Hassan and 149 Kms from Mysore. This place is famous for its exquisite temples. Belur is known as Dakshina Varanasi or South Banaras for its temples. The serenity of Belur is attributed to the celebrated temple of Channakeshava, built by the Hoysala King Vishnuvardhana in 1117 A. D. to commemorate his conversion from Jainism to Vaishnavism. 

Halebid which also houses some famous temples is 17 Kms from Belur, the other nearby famous place is 

Sharavanabelagola (approx. 85 Kms), which has the biggest Gomateshwara Statue. 

Chennakeshava Temple 
The main temple to be seen here is the Channakeshava temple. The main structure of the temple, which is star shaped, is a homogenous architectural unit on a raised platform. Everything is carved in blackstone looking like metal. Facing the temple, at the entrance, stands the winged figure of Garuda, Lord Vishnu's carrier. 

Inside, even in the darkness you can see the hand-lathe-turned shinning pillars, each unique in its splendor. On the smooth circular platform in front of the shrine you can see the beautiful Shantala Devi, queen of King Vishnuvardhana. The spotlight is on the famous bracket figures on the ornate ceiling. All these figures have been inspired by Shantala Devi's Voluptuous beauty.

Sculpted limbs undulated in lyrical lines. One sculpted beauty communicates with a pet parrot whose tail is like that of a peacock another wrings water from her long hair and you can see the drops collected on hair ends. The delicacy and attention to the fines details here are incredible. 

Ugranarasimha (Wall Carving)
The 650 charging elephants on the frieze around the walls outside are all different from each other. The exotic bracket figures (Madanikas) on the walls of the temple are serene, playful and amorous, enhancing the overall effect of this pinnacle of architectural excellence.

The nearest Airports are Bangalore 222 Kms & Mangalore which is 194 Kms. The nearest Railhead is Hassan which is connected to other major junctions like Bangalore, Mysore & Mangalore. 

The best way to reach Belur is by keeping Hassan as your base. From Hassan, Belur is just 38 Kms away and a host of transports can be found to travel to these points. Your Hotel can provide cars and information on buses that could take you between Hassan and Belur.