Overview

Unesco World heritage Sites, intricate carvings, Hindu symbolism, Stone art

The world famous Unesco World Heritage sites - Beluru and Halebidu - are best known for their highly intricate carved stone temples. These cities were once the capitals of the famous Hoysala rulers who ruled much of South India a thousand years ago. A day tour will cover the world renowned Heritage temples of Beluru & Halebidu.
An overnight tour takes you on a historical Hoysala journey through the small town of Doddagaddavalli (with a beautiful & fearsome temple shrines for Goddesses Lakshmi & Kali) & the capital cities - Beluru and Halebidu. Learn about people, society, tales of yore as you admire the ancient & intricate temple carvings and other relics of the past.
PS: We can also optimise this tour to include the hill town Shravanabelagola, famous for its colossal 57 feet stone statue of Gommateshwara (Bahubali) that was carved a thousand years ago, though we highly recommend you to visit the place on a separate day tour.

Ancient cities. Intricate Temples. Stone art.

A King who defeated the powerful Cholas - who ruled not just the South India but controlled the Indian ocean trade! Temple Sculptors who became legends of their own time and showed off their works by etching their signatures on stone! Elite soldiers who guarded their King in his life & afterlife! Places so ancient that they are mentioned in the Indian Epics!
This tour takes you on a 1000 year old journey as we unravel the story of this charismatic Hoysala dynasty starting out as small-time hillchiefs to ruling most of South India. The Hoysalas were known for bravery, stable administration, multiculturalism in society, trade & agricultural advancements and of course their amazing sculptors who achieved miracles on stone. We take you on a Hoysala tour through Doddagaddavalli, Beluru, Halebidu. The capital cities of Hoysalas - Belur and Halebidu - are best known for their temple complexes and are, today, world renowned Unesco World Heritage sites.

On an overnight tour, along with these famous cities, we visit a lesser known but equally charming town of Doddagaddavalli, home to one of the earliest Hoysala tempe (for Goddess Lakshmi) built by a merchant! As you admire the ancient temple sculptures, city ruins & tales of yore, you witness South India in all its glory - set in stone.