Belur, a charming temple town in Karnataka, is renowned for its Hoysala architecture and historical significance. Often referred to as the “Banaras of the South”, Belur is a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts, architecture lovers, and pilgrims alike. The star attraction here is the Chennakesava Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site nominee that showcases some of the most intricate stone carvings and craftsmanship of the Hoysala dynasty.
Located in the Hassan district of Karnataka, Belur offers a tranquil and cultural retreat, far removed from the bustle of big cities. While it is a small town, it is well-connected to major cities like Bangalore, Mangalore, Mysore, and Hassan through various modes of transportation. Whether you’re looking for a quick weekend getaway or an extended cultural exploration, getting to Belur is relatively straightforward with options via flight, train, and road.
In this detailed guide, we’ll explain how to reach Belur by flight, train, and road, along with practical tips to make your journey smooth and memorable.
How to Reach Belur by Flight
Belur does not have its own airport, but it is easily accessible from nearby airports. The nearest major airport is the Kempegowda International Airport (Bangalore), located approximately 220 km (4.5-5 hours by road) away. Another convenient option is Mangalore International Airport, which is around 170 km (3.5-4 hours by road) from Belur.
Steps to Reach Belur by Flight:
- Fly to Bangalore or Mangalore Airport:
- Bangalore Airport is the busiest in Karnataka, with excellent connectivity to major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Chennai, Kolkata, and international hubs like Dubai, Singapore, and London.
- Mangalore Airport is also well-connected to key cities in India, including Bangalore, Hyderabad, Mumbai, and Kochi, as well as international destinations like Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
- From the Airport to Belur:
- From Bangalore:
- Hire a taxi or self-drive from Kempegowda International Airport to Belur, which takes about 4.5-5 hours.
- Alternatively, you can take an airport shuttle or cab to Bangalore City Railway Station or Majestic Bus Stand and proceed to Belur by train or bus.
- From Mangalore:
- A taxi ride from Mangalore Airport to Belur takes about 3.5-4 hours.
- Budget travelers can take a cab or local transport to Mangalore City Bus Stand or Railway Station, from where buses and trains to Hassan (the nearest town to Belur) are available.
- From Bangalore:
Best For:
Traveling by flight is ideal for tourists coming from distant cities or international destinations who want to save time and prefer convenience.
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How to Reach Belur by Train
Belur does not have its own railway station, but the nearest railway station is Hassan Junction, located about 40 km (1 hour by road) from Belur. Hassan is a major railway hub in Karnataka and is well-connected to cities like Bangalore, Mysore, and Mangalore via regular train services.
Steps to Reach Belur by Train:
- Book a Train to Hassan Junction:
- Popular trains like the Hampi Express, Mysore Express, and KSR Bengaluru-Hassan Intercity Express connect Bangalore to Hassan. The train journey from Bangalore to Hassan takes approximately 3-4 hours.
- Trains from Mangalore to Hassan, like the Mangalore-Hassan Passenger, also operate frequently and take about 3 hours.
- From Hassan to Belur:
- Once you arrive at Hassan Junction, you can hire a taxi or take a local bus to Belur, which is about 40 km away. The drive takes roughly 1 hour and offers scenic views of the countryside.
Alternative Railway Stations:
- If you cannot find a direct train to Hassan, you can opt for trains to Mysore or Bangalore and then continue your journey to Hassan and Belur by road.
Best For:
Traveling by train is an affordable and comfortable option, especially for domestic travelers coming from nearby cities like Bangalore, Mysore, or Mangalore.
How to Reach Belur by Road
Traveling by road is one of the most scenic and convenient ways to reach Belur. The town is well-connected to Karnataka’s major cities through a network of national and state highways. Whether you’re driving yourself, hiring a taxi, or taking a bus, road travel offers flexibility and the chance to soak in the picturesque landscapes of Karnataka.
Steps to Reach Belur by Road:
- Driving to Belur:
- From Bangalore (220 km):
Take the NH75 route via Nelamangala, Kunigal, and Hassan. The journey takes approximately 4.5-5 hours and passes through smooth highways and lush greenery. - From Mangalore (170 km):
Drive along the NH73 route via Sakleshpur, which offers stunning views of the Western Ghats. The drive takes around 3.5-4 hours. - From Mysore (155 km):
The route via NH150A and SH57 is the fastest, taking about 3.5-4 hours.
- From Bangalore (220 km):
- By Bus:
- Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) operates regular buses from Bangalore, Mangalore, Mysore, and Hassan to Belur.
- From Bangalore, you can take an express or semi-deluxe KSRTC bus to Hassan, which takes 3-4 hours. From Hassan, local buses to Belur are frequent and take 1 hour.
- Private operators also run sleeper and semi-sleeper buses from Bangalore to Hassan, offering more comfortable options.
- By Taxi or Self-Drive:
- For a hassle-free experience, hire a private taxi or rent a self-drive car from cities like Bangalore or Mangalore. This option gives you the flexibility to explore nearby attractions like Halebidu (just 16 km away from Belur) or Chikmagalur (25 km away).
Best For:
Traveling by road is perfect for families, groups of friends, or solo travelers who enjoy the flexibility of stopping at scenic spots and exploring other attractions along the way.
Best Way to Reach Belur: A Recommended Travel Plan
The best way to reach Belur depends on your starting point, budget, and travel preferences. Here’s a suggested travel plan:
From Bangalore:
- By Train: Take the KSR Bengaluru-Hassan Intercity Express to Hassan (3-4 hours) and then continue by taxi or bus to Belur (1 hour).
- By Road: Drive directly to Belur via NH75 for a comfortable and scenic 4.5-hour journey.
- By Flight: Fly to Kempegowda International Airport (if coming from another city) and then travel by road or train.
From Mangalore:
- By Train: Take the Mangalore-Hassan Passenger to Hassan (3 hours) and then a taxi or bus to Belur.
- By Road: Drive directly via NH73 for a 3.5-hour scenic journey.
From Mysore:
- By Road: Travel via NH150A and SH57 for a direct 3.5-hour drive to Belur.
- By Train: Reach Hassan by train and continue to Belur by road.
Tips for Traveling to Belur
- Visit Nearby Attractions: Combine your trip to Belur with nearby attractions like Halebidu, home to more Hoysala temples, and Chikmagalur, known for its coffee plantations and trekking trails.
- Best Time to Visit: The ideal time to visit Belur is between October and March, as the weather is cool and pleasant for sightseeing.
- Book Tickets in Advance: Trains and buses can fill up quickly during peak travel seasons, so it’s a good idea to book your tickets early.
- Carry Essentials: If traveling by road, carry water, snacks, and a basic first-aid kit, as there may not be many amenities on the highways.
- Dress Comfortably: As Belur is a religious destination, wear modest clothing when visiting temples.
Conclusion
Belur is a treasure trove of history, art, and culture, making it one of Karnataka’s must-visit destinations. Whether you choose to fly, take the train, or drive, the journey to Belur is an adventure in itself, offering scenic routes and opportunities to explore Karnataka’s rich heritage along the way.
With this comprehensive guide, you’re now equipped to plan your trip and enjoy a seamless journey to Belur. So, pack your bags, charge your camera, and get ready to immerse yourself in the architectural wonders of the Hoysala dynasty!
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