Explore UNESCO Sites Belur & Halebidu + Shravanabelagola

Set out on a captivating journey to discover the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Belur, Halebidu, and Shravanabelagola. This small-group tour offers an intimate experience as you admire the exquisite stone carvings of the Chennakeshava and Hoysaleswara Temples, and the monumental Gomateshwara statue, the world’s largest monolithic statue. Enjoy the rich cultural heritage of these ancient sites, savor traditional South Indian meals, and travel in comfort from Bengaluru. With insightful guided tours, you’ll uncover the fascinating history and significance of these remarkable destinations, leaving you eager to explore more.

Key Points

• This tour visits two UNESCO World Heritage sites, Chennakeshava Temple in Belur and Hoysaleswara Temple in Halebidu, exploring their intricate stone carvings.
• Participants will also witness the colossal 57-foot Gomateshwara statue, a significant Jain heritage monument in Shravanabelagola.
• The tour includes guided explorations, traditional South Indian meals, and air-conditioned transportation, providing a comprehensive cultural experience.
• The itinerary covers the rich history and architectural significance of these destinations, dating back over 900 years.
• The small-group format, limited to 8 participants, ensures personalized attention and an immersive exploration of these UNESCO-recognized sites.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The tour offers visitors the chance to explore two UNESCO World Heritage sites – the Chennakeshava Temple in Belur and the Hoysaleswara Temple in Halebidu.

Priced from $225 per person, the 14-hour small-group tour (limited to 8 participants) includes hotel pickup, all monument entry fees, and transportation by air-conditioned vehicle.

Guided tours in English are provided at each site, and the tour includes a traditional South Indian breakfast and lunch.

Guests can marvel at the intricate stone carvings and architecture, and the experience is further enhanced by the option to cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Itinerary Details

This guided tour begins with a pickup from Bengaluru, followed by a 45-minute stop in Kunigal for a traditional South Indian breakfast.

The next stop is Shravanabelagola, where guests will enjoy a 2-hour guided tour to marvel at the colossal Gomateshwara statue, one of India’s most significant Jain monuments.

The tour then proceeds to Belur’s Chennakeshava Temple for a 2-hour guided exploration of its exquisite stone carvings.

After a 45-minute lunch at a local restaurant, the final stop is the Hoysaleswara Temple in Halebidu, where guests will spend an hour admiring its unique sculptures and carvings before returning to Bengaluru.

Highlights and Experiences

Marvel at the Gomateshwara statue at Shravanabelagola, India’s tallest monolith. This 57-foot statue is a highlight of the tour, offering a glimpse into the region’s deep-rooted Jain heritage.

Explore the exquisite stone carvings at the Chennakeshava Temple and Hoysaleswara Temple, marveling at the intricate craftsmanship that has stood the test of time.

Enjoy traditional South Indian breakfast and lunch, enjoying the local culinary delights.

The tour provides an opportunity to experience the beauty of ancient architecture and rich history, giving visitors a deeper appreciation for the cultural significance of these UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Cultural and Historical Significance

Shravanabelagola, an ancient town dating back over 2,300 years, holds immense significance in Jainism, a prominent Indian religion.

The town is home to the colossal 57-foot-tall Gomateshwara statue, the largest monolithic stone statue in the world. This awe-inspiring monument is a key pilgrimage site for Jains.

The Chennakeshava Temple in Belur, commissioned by the Hoysala King Vishnuvardhana in 1116 AD, showcases exquisite carvings and architectural marvels.

The nearby Hoysaleswara Temple in Halebidu, also over 900 years old, is celebrated for its unique sculptures and intricate craftsmanship.

These UNESCO-recognized sites provide a window into the rich cultural and historical heritage of southern India.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Inclusions and Additional Information

The UNESCO tour package includes hotel pickup and drop-off from central Bengaluru, ensuring a seamless start and end to the day’s explorations.

All monument entry fees and admission tickets are covered, allowing visitors to fully enjoy the historical sites without additional costs.

The air-conditioned vehicle provides comfortable transportation throughout the tour.

While alcoholic drinks are available for purchase, personal shopping and gratuities aren’t included in the package price.

With these inclusions, travelers can focus on discovering the rich cultural and architectural heritage of Belur, Halebidu, and Shravanabelagola without worrying about logistics.

Explore UNESCO Sites

Visitors embark on a captivating journey through the UNESCO-recognized sites of Belur and Halebidu, where they’ll uncover the mesmerizing history and architectural prowess of these ancient Hoysala-era masterpieces.

At Belur, the Chennakeshava Temple dazzles with its intricate stone carvings, while the Hoysaleswara Temple in Halebidu showcases the Hoysalas’ unparalleled craftsmanship.

Complementing these UNESCO gems is the revered Jain pilgrimage site of Shravanabelagola, home to the colossal Gomateshwara statue.

Through guided tours, travelers enjoy the rich cultural and historical narratives that have shaped these remarkable destinations, leaving with a deeper appreciation for India’s enduring heritage.

Small Group Limited to 8

Ensuring an intimate and personalized exploration, this tour limits its group size to a maximum of 8 participants.

This small group setting allows for a more interactive and immersive experience, enabling the guide to provide personalized attention and respond to the unique interests and needs of each traveler.

The small group size also ensures easy navigation through the historic sites, reducing the challenges associated with larger crowds.

This approach enhances the overall quality of the tour, fostering a deeper appreciation for the cultural and architectural wonders of Belur, Halebidu, and Shravanabelagola.

The intimate group dynamic encourages meaningful conversations, allowing travelers to engage more closely with the guide and fellow participants.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Book This Tour for a Larger Group?

Yes, the tour can accommodate larger groups. The operator states the small group is limited to 8 participants, so it’s possible to book this tour for a larger group size by making special arrangements with the tour provider.

How Much Time Is Allotted for Personal Exploration?

The tour allots 45 minutes for personal exploration at each site, allowing guests to wander and discover the highlights of the UNESCO-listed temples and ancient town on their own. The overall schedule is balanced between guided tours and free time.

Is the Tour Accessible for Individuals With Disabilities?

The tour provider offers accessibility accommodations, but specific details are not provided. It’s recommended to inquire about accessibility needs when booking to ensure the tour can accommodate individual requirements.

Can I Customize the Itinerary to Suit My Interests?

Yes, travelers can customize the itinerary to suit their interests. The tour company offers flexibility, allowing participants to adjust the schedule or focus on specific sites based on their preferences within the overall tour duration.

Are There Any Dress Code Requirements for the Tour?

The tour doesn’t have a strict dress code, but visitors are advised to wear comfortable, modest clothing that covers the knees and shoulders when visiting the temples. This helps respect the cultural and religious significance of the sites.

Recap

This small-group UNESCO tour provides an intimate exploration of Belur, Halebidu, and Shravanabelagola. Visitors can admire the exquisite stone carvings, the world’s largest monolithic statue, and enjoy the rich cultural heritage of these ancient sites. With traditional South Indian meals, insightful guided tours, and comfortable transportation from Bengaluru, this captivating journey offers a comprehensive and informative experience.

You can check if your dates are available here: