BELUR & HALEBEEDU - A STORY SET IN STONE

The Hoysala dynasty ruled much South India a thousand years ago. Amidst a volatile South, they provided a stable government, a good administration and secular in their outlook. However today, we remember them for their awesome temples - highly carved gems on soapstone. 

Like any other ancient Indian city, the temples act as the citadels of the local histories and of course,
beautiful works of stone art. The temples have huge courtyards, lovely intricate carvings with many colourful stories that are locally known about the making of these temples. The temple at Belur took more than a century to be completed. 
The Hoysalas are known to have patronised and pampered sculptors. But the story doesn't just end there. 

Our Hoysala journey takes us through three places - Doddagaddavalli to see fiercesome goddess Parvati, who embodifies female power. From here we reach Belur, the capital city, where we see the beautiful temple built by King Vishnuvardhana a thousand years back. We stay overnight & walk through the city as we learn more about its people & streets.

The next day, we go to Halebeedu, that literally means 'old habitat' - the earlier capital of Hoysalas. Here we visit the awesome twin temples, the bastihalli and a beautiful Kalyani (pond) as we learn more about the people, their kings & life in South India as we explore these present day UNESCO World Heritage cities.