Things To Do In Belur

Belur is predominantly a tourist site in Karnataka for historic heritage places. Belur is synonymous with its places of worship, so you may not be able to find anything hip and trendy in and around the town. But the township as well as other settlements around have beautiful landscapes with hills and lakes that offer a package of sightseeing and adventure. Here are some amazing things to do in and around Belur.

You can drive to Mullayanagari hill, which is said to be one of the highest peaks in Karnataka, rising over 6300 ft above sea level. There are waterfalls and streams along the way, making the trek a memorable one. Mullayanagiri Hills are about 47 km from Belur.

Kemmangundi, about 4,700 ft above sea level is another hill you can trek up to. Kemmangundi is ideally a royal retreat, as it was used as a summer resort by King Krishnaraja Wodeyar IV. Kemmangundi is about 86 km from Belur.

Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary is nestled between the lush forested regions of the Western Ghats and Shimoga. The Sanctuary which is actually a Tiger Reserve is home to elephants, bison, tigers, panthers, deer and pythons. The Sanctuary arranges for safaris and Nature Trails. The Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary is about 38 km from Chikmagalur and about 103 km from Belur. It’s an ideal place for a weekend getaway.

The Shettihalli Rosary Church is an ancient relic that lies on the banks of the Hemavathi River in Shettihalli village of Hassan district. The Church was built by the French in 1860 and was abandoned years later after the dam was built and the water in the reservoir rose up, flooding the area. Tourists visit the ruins of the Floating Church on a coracle during the monsoons. In summer it makes a good trek up to the Church.

Shettihalli Church is about 54 km from Belur.

Drive away to the Yagachi Reservoir for some water games. There is a small garden, places where you can sit back and relax or go off on a short walk. You can go banana boat riding or on a speed boat when the reservoir’s full, probably during the monsoon. The Yagachi dam and reservoir are about 3 km from Belur.

The temple town's souvenir specialities are stuff made of metals. You can find a number of metal lamps, bells and  Panchaloka divinity statues. You can buy terracotta ware in the souvenir shops outside the temple.

With an abundance of temples, there are bound to be festivals and fairs celebrated round the year. You can visit the Malekallu Thirupathi Fair at Arsikere, the 2 day Car Festival at Chennakesava Temple in Belur in the month of April, the Mahamastakabisheka for Gomateshwara at Shravanabelagola that’s held once in 12 years. The next Mahamastakabisheka would be in the year 2030.

There are a number of hotels in Belur. The KSTDC’s Mayura Velapuri Hotel near the Chennakeshava temple offers a good place along with a restaurant where you can have your meals even if you choose not to stay-in. There are a number of resorts in Hassan or ones like the Hoysala Village Resort located on the Belur-Hassan Road, that offer a comfortable stay, along with swimming pool, shuttle services and a relaxed environment. There are modestly priced hotels in Hassan and Belur too.