Food @ Haleebedu - 1km on way to Belur, Hassan.

I just wanted to add this new section because many people refuse or have apprehensions to have food at smaller joints while travelling; and, seem to be missing the good food that these people make. I happenned to come across one on my way to Belur temple from Haleebedu, a kilometer away. I am posting the name of the place and the sumptuous food they served.

The name of the restaurant is "Sri Pushpagiri Hotel" run by Masale spices professor Shekhar. You get a papad served first. Then a brown ragi ball shown in the left. FYI: All are very bland and donot expect anything spicy. This is the local food. There is potato gravy, a salad and horse gram. You also get a horse gram gravy for the rice. This food is supposed to keep the labourers full of carbohydrates to last the tough conditions in the paddy fields. You get some curd and buttermilk too.

All this @ a reasonable cost of Rs.20 for a meal. We thought it would be a little higher. The place is much cleaner than it looks inside. This is the board that shows the restaurant. Anyway, I enjoyed the food. Please use your own judgement.

You can also try the plate idli(rice dumplings) that is served on the Bangalore- Mysore Road and most places in Karnataka with chutney.

Plenty of jackfruits in Karnataka. If you love this fruit and if you want to read how to cut them or what is edible - check this link.

Begur Temple and Fort

You can reach Begur by making a right from Hosur Road at Bommanahalli. This is just a km after the flyover. You pass through Hogasandra. Keep travelling 10 minutes and you will see the temple. Close to the temple is also a fort.
It is surprising that everywhere they say Begur is a more than 1000 year temple and yet there is no sign of the Archaeological Society of India declaring it as a protected monument.
Work is going on in terms of 4 mandapams being built. A picture of the artisans can be seen here.
The temple itself is beautiful BUT neglected and willfully looks abandoned with an encroached lake in front.
The temple is locked except for a few hours in the morning and evenings.Special days are on Karthika Somvara (Oct-Nov), Navarathri Festival (Oct-Nov), Utsava Moorthi (Festival Idols), Ugadi, Sri Rama Navami and Shankara Jayanthi. Talk of an inscription dating back several years ago where Bengaluru derived its modern name drew us here. However, we saw no such inscription. It must be inside the temple. The nandi and a few sculptures are priceless here. Some hieroglypics depicting everyday ancient life can also be observed.The lions tail is more like a monkeys. What is inbetween it's front feet ? I like the last one showing cattle and livestock. Read a detailed description of the Begur temple here. It has some interesting read but is rather exhaustive in its description. I would go here early mornings or evenings when temple is open or else be prepared to just while away your time and swat some flies if any come by. As in all temples they say there are energy zones where when stood or seated will revitalize, have positive attributes, helps in mental peace, protection from enemies, diseases, skin problems, spiritual enhancement and protection from black magic etc.