Belur

Belur, also known as Dakshina Varanasi or Southern Banares, lies on the banks of the river Yagachi in Hassan District. The capital of the erstwhile Hoysala Empire, Belur is well known for its marvelous temples.

An architectural delight, Chennakesava Temple is the prime attraction in the city. It took 103 years to complete and is regarded as one of the finest examples of Hoysala architecture. The other attractions here are the Veeranarayana Temple and the Chennigaraya Temple.

Belur is 222 km west of Bangalore and 38 km north-west of Hassan. Belur is well-connected by road and rail to Hassan, which lies on the National Highway 48. The nearest airport is at Bangalore.