Belur, Hassan.(230Kms from Bengaluru.)

There are several ways to get to belur temple. The temples are very finely carved and a real beauty. The belur temple is the largest of the 3 temples that the Hoysala kings built. The route to get there is simple. Take the Hassan road towards Hassan and a fine road emerges all the way to Belur town. Bengaluru-(NH4)Nelamangala-(NH48)Kunigal- Chanarayapatna-Hassan-(SH57)Belur.
The rogue parking monkeys will rob you off Rs 30 for parking saying it is panchayat fees. Wonder what is wrong with those people and what services they are providing for parking to charge such a high sum.
Make a complaint at the municipal office at the end of the road.
The temple courtyard is large and spacious. The inside of the temple has some spectacular carvings and there is a charge of Rs10 for the man to focus the lights on the ceilings. A very nicely carved pillar next to the sanctum sanctorum.

Outside are 42 madanika images and each sculpture has the sculptors name inscribed on it.

One of them is the darpana sundari.

A very large pillar supported by its own centre of gravity and weight is a sight to watch.
The temple has its regular friezes and intricate sculptures a trademark of the Hoysala empire. The darpana sundari sculpture is famous over here for its work as also the other madanika images. It was raining that day and the picture doesnot justify the pose. Out on the streets you will get the whole madanika kit.

Before you get to the Belur temple is the Lakshmi Devi temple at Doddagaddavalli. The temple is done up well. You will see a rather large signboard from the main road. Go 1-2 kms in and you will see this rather abandoned temple. Built by a trader and not as grand as the Belur or halebid temple.

The one distinguishing aspect of the temple are the large Betala figures guarding the deity. The betalas are demonic living corpses. Found it eery maybe 'cos there was no one else in the temple. The back side has a scenic lake which complements the temple.
You will need to get the key to the temple if you are going at odd hours from the neighbouring house adjacent to the temple. Read more here.