Dec 10, 2004 01:37 AM
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(Updated Dec 10, 2004 01:37 AM)
People usually cover the trio - Belur , Halebid and Sharavanabelagola in a day. But I felt that going all the way and again driving back would be tedious and decided to stay in Belur. The drive from Bangalore is good. You drive down Yeshwantpur railway station, past the Himalaya drug factory; cross Neelamangala and take a left turn further down.
There is a clear signboard, which mentions Hassan. You could also do a little ahead and take the toll paid road -which is excellent, but those guys said that the distance would increase. Stop opposite Kunilgal police station for a good breakfast of idli and chatni. Real big ones and superbly hot! We started at six and reached Belur around one.
The road is good except for a stretch from Halebid to Belur. It was a hot afternoon when we reached Belur - even then the temple and its architecture compensated from the heat! The main temple is opposite to the KSTDC guest house.
Further down there is one more temple. Guides are available in the main Hoysala Temple. Look out for the depiction of Ramayana in the walls of the main temple. We covered Halebid the same day - gorgeous architecture and have a look at the rath ( horse drawn carriage ) outside the temple.
There is a big halogen lamp inside the main temple, which is focused on the statues for the visitors to taking photographs! I asked on of the temple guides to focus the lamp on one of the statues which was promptly done at a cost of Rs 2.
The KSTDC guest house is better avoided - it has not the basic facilities even! The dinner for 2 plates of bolied potatoes , 2 plates of dal and 3 plates of rice costed us Rs 475. Surprised! The rooms are disastrous, the toilets are worser!
In case you want to stay for the night , please make arrangements in Hassan. Next day early morning around 5 a.m we started for Shravanabelagola. Walking up would be problem for senior people - I arranged for a carriage ( Rs 100 / max 1 hour halting time in the top, if you stay more than an hour in the top additional payment is required) for my mother. Panting and enjoying the wind and the scenery at the same time - I managed to crawl the stairs up to the Gomateshwara.
Awesome - is the word to describe the idol. You feel humbled in HIS presence. Lot of photos were clicked. Interestingly even though the sun was scorching, the rock cut stones was not hot - why? After consuming lots and lots of tender coconut water we got into our cars and drove back to Bangalore
