Bangalore to Belur & Shravanabelagola Day Trip Review

So, you’re thinking about squeezing Belur and Shravanabelagola into just one day from Bangalore, are you? That can sound pretty intense, yet, is actually doable with the right game plan. Many visitors are wanting to see these marvelous historic spots, plus possibly chuck in a look at a plantation that produces coffee too it’s almost as a delightful bonus. But what’s it really like, and are all those travel-blog boasts truthful? Well, let’s have a real conversation about my daylong exploration from Bangalore, hitting these places so you, like your friend, can discover whether or not it’s really your type of thing.

Setting off from Bangalore

Right then, my early start kicked off around 6 in the morning; which is just a bit early for those that aren’t really morning folk but genuinely vital for evading traffic. Getting out of Bangalore alone can feel like you’re participating in some sort of automotive Olympic sport. By booking a cab for the whole day, I managed to wiggle away without needing to deal with driving or trying to find parking – that is just a proper lifesaver. The first stretch is basically traveling out toward Belur, which is often a four-hour or thereabouts car ride give or take, influenced of course by what the traffic is actually doing on that particular day.

Belur: A History Lesson Etched in Stone

As soon as you pull into Belur, so too it’s obvious you’re at someplace pretty special, even a little awe-inspiring. The Chennakesava Temple is just very eye-catching and you just have to stand back for a moment to really take in what it is. It’s thought that this spot started getting put together in the 1100s. That meant the Hoysala Empire had both power, plus extremely skillful people working for them, which actually shines throughout the stone art. Stories are all around the walls — like actual episodes drawn straight from Hindu stories — plus there’s every type of bird and beast carved throughout. That type of accuracy makes it so all these stone carvings are extremely alive; seriously, it’s far from only an ancient spot – you could even state that it throbs with old stories.

Take it from me, it pays well to grab yourself an area tour guide, like your mate did last summer! They will give life to the carvings, explaining everything that they represent, plus providing historic context you would certainly neglect if left by yourself. I went approximately taking in every minute, exploring nooks as well as crannies, all while grabbing a great deal of photos – anticipate to invest around 2-3 hours simply soaking up this spectacular location.

Shravanabelagola: Reaching for the Heavens

Right, with Belur now under my belt, my driver next took me towards Shravanabelagola. This site is most famously the home of the Gomateshwara statue. That would be a large statue of a Jain holy guy known as Bahubali. However just so you’re aware beforehand; this is more than simply turning up and gazing at something spectacular: getting right up to the statue also includes a good little trek, yet one which actually provides stunning views and a real feeling of pilgrimage, in some respects, it could be stated. Bare in mind there are hundreds of steps that require walking up with absolutely no footwear, which really could possibly be difficult in the high temperatures. You could be out of breath because the climb can feel a bit intense. But actually trust me that it is well worth every little drop of sweat.

The Gomateshwara statue towers magnificently, is that not so? It seems pretty simple however still inspires as well as radiates tranquilness. When you do reach the very top, the views pull you across the neighboring landscapes. You just might feel all tiny however in some manner linked to ages of custom and spiritual commitment. Invest around 2-3 hours absorbing Shravanabelagola so that it’s possible to take in not simply the statue itself but the general peaceful feel regarding the location.

Coffee Break: A Plantation pit stop

Since I had a little spare time to use plus a very good tourist guide that knows everything, we squeezed in a check out to a coffee estate nearby. Truthfully, the precise information would certainly vary based on route and schedule, but countless options exist close by where it’s feasible to experience exactly how regional coffee expands — it is almost such as tasting included local flavour. So I took advantage of the chance for an interesting visit around the grounds and took in a lesson on exactly how it’s grown from small beginnings straight up to your cups, followed certainly by sampling a fresh, local blend. And actually, what more could a caffeine fan desire after hrs walking heritage trails!? It provided not only much-needed rest but at the same time connected us that little bit a lot more with neighborhood rural life hereabouts, usually missed on these whistle-stop visits; really I highly recommend it as that perfect relaxing break in the schedule.

Going back to Bangalore

Beginning the return trip to Bangalore after a packed day feels really long. When darkness started moving around me, I just reflected on everything that happened during that brief area of time as this historical region. Actually it turned clear, seeing both Belur as well as Sravanabelagola and a plantation growing coffee all during one day needed some effort but provides something great if coordinated carefully. The trick is always that you start really early to overcome any traffic. Then hiring a dependable taxi really helps since they understand what roadways will keep things smooth; as well don’t even consider skimping there; and make the tours both speedy and well planned in order that you are not losing unnecessary hrs on either location.