Tours – Sravanabelagola, Belur and Halebidu
DAY 1 – Bangalore / Sravanabelagola / Hassan
Depart Bangalore early afternoon, driving due west to Sravanabelagola (141 km/2.5 hours) across the great Deccan plain.
Sravanabelagola is the site of the giant Gomateshvara Monolith depicting Bahubali seeking enlightenment, a freestanding 18m high sculpture. The site was established during the 9th/10th centuries CE under royal patronage and flourished from there onwards as one of the most sacred bastions for the Jain religion and its followers who have a significant presence in Karnataka.
While the builders of the site converted to Jainism, Sravanabelagola was protected and developed further by the Hoysalas, Vijayanagaras and Wodeyars, testimony to the religious tolerance and harmony that prevailed in that era.
Continue to Hassan (36 km) for the night.
(One night at Hoysala Village Resort www.hoysalavillageresorts.com)
DAY 2 – Hassan / Belur / Halebidu /Bangalore
The Hoysala dynasty ruled during the 10th/14th centuries CE over much of what is now Karnataka and the western Deccan and their legacy remains in the distinctive temples that they built during their time, the most prominent among them surviving till today in a near-perfect state of preservation. Hoysala temples are characterized by their star shaped floor plan and embellished with exterior carvings that are known for their sophisticated design, intricacy and detail.
Belur was their original capital, followed by Halebidu the latter much grander with a lifespan close to three centuries. Although much of Halebidu was destroyed by invaders from the north in 1310, some exceptional structures survived.
About 35 km north of Hassan, is Belur. Built in 1117 as a victory monument, the Chennakesava temple is highlighted by horizontal friezes with sculptures depicting scenes from daily life together with vignettes from the Ramayana and Mahabharata. Dedicated to Vishnu, this has been a living temple since its inception.
About 14 km east is Halebid. Built in 1121, the Hoysalswara temple is perhaps the most exemplary of all Hoysala temples, its artistic design and sculptural finesse surpassing all others in tis genre. Dedicated to Shiva, it was financed by wealthy merchants unlike most other temples which were the result of royal patronage. The prime feature here are the 240 wall sculptures that run along the outer wall.
Drive back to Hassan (42 km).
In the afternoon, drive back to Bangalore (174 km/4 hours).
PRICES
Tempo Traveler Rs 10,985 per person if six passengers, else per person cost will increase.
Inclusions are:
- roundtrip transportation
- accompanying guide
- overnight accommodation on double shared basis with breakfast
- applicable entry fees
All Tours start on 28 July 2023
For Tour Bookings, please contact:
Reet Hazarika
Managing Director, Quo Vadis
(+91) 98104 25252
reet.hazarika@quovadisindia.com
Slow Travel in The Indian Subcontinent