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Belur, in Karnataka, is a small town rich in cultural and architectural history, making it a considerable part of the Hoysala dynasty. The city is primarily known for the Chennakesava Temple and attracts tourists and pilgrims interested in history, architecture, and spirituality. Yet, apart from the city’s breathtaking sights, there are numerous places to visit near Belur that are equally beautiful and historically important for a memorable holiday. In this guide, we will help you identify some of the wonderful places to visit around Belur that will make your stay in Karnataka more fulfilling.
Top 15 Places To Visit Near Belur
Here’s a hand-picked list of the top places to visit near Belur, Karnataka to make your trip to Karnataka unforgettable.
1. Chikmagalur
Photo: Nishal Pavithran / Unsplash
Chikmagalur is a hill station in the Western Ghats. It is a perfect destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers. Due to its vast coffee plantations, the town is often known as the ‘Coffee Land of Karnataka’. The cool weather, gentle slopes and verdant scenery around the town make it a perfect place for people who wish to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. Chikmagalur has many trekking trails in addition to the plantations for adventure enthusiasts, making it one of the major places to visit in Karnataka.
Distance From Belur: 25 km
Major Activities: Trekking, plantation tours
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Chikmagalur
2. Yagachi Dam
Photo: Harijibhv / Wikimedia Commons
The Yagachi Dam is a calm place where one can relax for a day. The dam built over the Yagachi River provides the dam’s visitors with breathtaking sights of the environment. It is a great place to have a quiet time or go for water activities like canoeing, jet skiing and boating offered to the guests. The peace and calm along the cool breeze of the dam make it a great place to be away from the hustle and bustle of the city and introspect. Yagachi Dam serves as a must-visit place for people who want to have a good time outdoors and indulge in recreational activities near Belur.
Distance From Belur: 5 km
Major Activities: Boating, Kayaking, Jet skiing, Picnicking, Photography
3. Halebidu
Halebidu is a classic example of Hoysala architecture. Halebidu served as the capital city of the Hoysala Empire and possesses intricate works on its walls, pillars, ceilings, and floors of numerous deities, animals, and mythology depicting the craftsmanship of that era. The temple complex is encircled by picturesque surroundings, providing a calm atmosphere for the tourists. In addition to the temple, Halebidu has numerous ancient places of archaeological significance, making it one of the top attractions near Belur for people who love history.
Distance From Belur: 16 km
Major Activities: Temple exploration, Photography, Archaeological site visits, Cultural tours, Nature walks
Suggested Read: Places To Visit Near Sirsi Karnataka
4. Mullayanagiri
Mullayanagiri is the highest peak in Karnataka, 1925 m above sea level. Mullayanagiri is one of the most beautiful places in Karnataka and forms a part of the scenic Western Ghats. The lush hills are laden with delightful views and adorned nature. The summit climb is pleasing especially to adventure lovers, as it offers beautiful sceneries and coffee plantations grown along the way. At the summit, there’s a small shrine for Lord Shiva beside the beautiful hills. Mullayanagiri is one of the amazing places to see near Belur for people who have a fondness for nature and wish to go trekking or adventure in peace.
Distance From Belur: 45 km
Major Activities: Trekking, Photography, Visiting the Shiva temple, Nature walks, Birdwatching
5. Baba Budangiri
Photo: Dinesh Valke / Wikimedia Commons
Baba Budangiri is a scenic hill station in the Western Ghats, renowned for its scenic beauty as well as its diverse flora and fauna. This place of reverence takes its name from Baba Budan, the famous Sufi saint who is said to have brought coffee to India. The region is also home to several trekking offering breathtaking sights, one of which is the Baba Budangiri Peak. Apart from that, there are many temples and shrines popular in this region, attracting spiritual aspirants as well as naturalists who wish to seek a peaceful time. It is one of the major tourist attractions near Belur.
Distance From Belur: 50 km
Major Activities: Trekking, Visiting temples and shrines, Birdwatching, Photography, Exploring coffee plantations
Suggested Read: Hill Stations In Karnataka You Must-Visit For Breathtaking Vistas
6. Kudremukh National Park
Photo: Navi guy / Wikimedia Commons
Kudremukh National Park is a stunningly beautiful park located in the Western Ghat mountain. It is listed under UNESCO World Heritage Sites. It is famous for its picturesque scenery as the park is characterised by hills and dense forests dotted with wildlife such as leopards, deer, and other birds. The park receives its name from the Kudremukh Peak because it bears a striking resemblance to a horse’s face. Most of the tourists who visit this area come here for trekking as there are various trails which provide breathtaking views as well as the opportunity to have a close look at the beautiful wildlife.
Distance From Belur: 70 km
Major Activities: Trekking, Wildlife spotting, Birdwatching, Nature photography, Camping
7. Manjarabad Fort
Photo: రవిచంద్ర / Wikimedia Commons
The Manjarabad Fort, which is about 60 km away from the town of Belur, is a historical star-shaped fort constructed by Sultan Tippu in the year 1792. Standing on a hill, this fort gives an extraordinary view of the Western Ghats and the surrounding view of greenery. The fortification reflects the military genius of the age with its thick wall structures and strategically cut-out watch towers. You can visit the fort and its intact facilities such as the soldiers’ barracks, the ammunition store and the main entrance.
Distance From Belur: 60 km
Major Activities: Exploring the fort’s architecture, Hiking to the fort, Photography, Birdwatching, Enjoying panoramic views
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Belur
8. Agumbe
Photo: Ganesh Partheeban / Unsplash
Agumbe is often called the ‘Cherrapunji of the South’ due to the wet climatic conditions dominating the area throughout the year supporting rich vegetation and diverse wildlife. The village boasts several beautiful waterfalls such as the Barkana Falls, Jogi Gundi Falls, and other waterfalls ideal for adventure seekers and nature lovers alike. In addition to its nature-gifted attractions, Agumbe has numerous ancient temples that are worth visiting. Given its calm environment and beautiful landscapes, Agumbe is one of the best places to visit near Belur, ideal for a peaceful holiday in the lap of nature.
Distance From Belur: 75 km
Major Activities: Trekking to waterfalls (Barkana Falls, Jogi Gundi Falls), Birdwatching, Exploring rainforests, Visiting local temples, Photography
9. Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary
The Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary situated about 90 kilometres from Belur is a great reservoir of biodiversity in the Western Ghats classified under the UNESCO World Heritage sites. Covering an area of more than 490 square kilometres, the wildlife sanctuary exhibits a wide variety of flora and fauna such as tigers, leopards, elephants and many bird species. The evergreen jungles, hills and scenic beauty of the sanctuary make this place a heaven for nature and wildlife photographers alike. The visitors can also venture into the sanctuary on jeep safari rides or trekking trails to experience the wonders of nature.
Distance From Belur: 90 km
Major Activities: Jeep safaris, Birdwatching, Trekking, Nature photography, Wildlife spotting
Suggested Read: Wildlife Sanctuaries In Karnataka To Explore Exotic Wildlife
10. Sakleshpur
Photo: Mohamed Meqath Mani / Unsplash
Sakleshpur is a quaint little hill station in the Western Ghats, renowned for its greenery and coffee estates. This beautiful place is a perfect getaway for all nature and adventure lovers. Sakleshpur is famous for its scenic beauty and is characterised by lush green rolling hills, beautiful waterfalls and pretty weather. There are also trekking trails leading to breathtaking views like the Manjarabad Fort and Ettina Bhuja Peak. The city also comprises a few heritage sites making it a perfect location for people who want to enjoy some peace and adventure within the lap of nature.
Distance From Belur: 40 km
Major Activities: Trekking, Coffee plantation tours, Visiting waterfalls, Nature photography, Exploring heritage sites
11. Belavadi
Photo: Dineshkannambadi / Wikipedia
Belavadi is a peaceful village famous for the Veera Narayana Temple, one of the finest examples of Hoysala architecture. The temple is unique with three sanctums and more than a hundred carved pillars that showcase exquisite artistry. Unlike the crowded tourist spots, Belavadi offers a quiet, unhurried experience where visitors can truly admire the craftsmanship and spiritual ambience. Surrounded by fields and rural charm, it makes for a refreshing stop for history and culture enthusiasts exploring the Belur region. Add this village to your Karnataka travel guide for a peaceful and refreshing getaway.
Distance From Belur: 10 km
Major Activities: Temple exploration, photography, architecture study, heritage walk
Suggested Read: Places To Visit Near Kollur Mookambika Temple For Travellers
12. Javagal
Javagal is home to the Lakshminarasimha Temple, a beautiful Hoysala-era shrine that reflects delicate stonework and intricate friezes. The temple walls are adorned with mythological carvings, depicting stories from epics such as the Ramayana and Mahabharata. Visitors often find this place calm and less visited, which allows them to connect more deeply with the site’s history and artistry. Its rural setting adds a rustic charm, making it not just a cultural stop but also a refreshing break from busier circuits near Belur. Exploring this historic site is one of the best things to do in Karnataka for history enthusiasts.
Distance From Belur: 20 km
Major Activities: Temple visit, cultural exploration, photography, heritage sightseeing
13. Mosale
Photo: Dineshkannambadi / Wikimedia Commons
The village of Mosale is best known for its twin temples, Nageshvara and Chennakeshava, which stand side by side in quiet harmony. Both shrines feature fine Hoysala carvings, polished stone panels, and elegant architectural balance. Visitors are often struck by the sense of symmetry and serenity that the temples exude. Far removed from the crowds, Mosale offers an intimate encounter with history and art, where the blend of rural landscapes and historic architecture creates a unique travel experience. It is one of the historic places to visit near Belur for a memorable escape.
Distance From Belur: 35 km
Major Activities: Exploring twin temples, photography, heritage walk, and a peaceful countryside visit
Suggested Read: Temples In Srirangapatna
14. Koravangala
Photo: Sanidhya2012 / Wikimedia Commons
Koravangala is home to the Bucheshwara Temple, a 12th-century Hoysala creation renowned for its intricate pillars, decorative motifs, and mythological sculptures. Unlike the more popular sites, this temple retains an untouched charm that makes it a peaceful stop for travellers. The carvings here reveal a great deal about the religious and cultural imagination of that time. With its serene ambience, Koravangala is perfect for visitors who want to appreciate artistry in a quiet village setting without the bustle of large tourist crowds.
Distance From Belur: 35 km
Major Activities: Temple sightseeing, cultural exploration, photography, heritage study
15. Doddagaddavalli
Photo: Dineshkannambadi / Wikipedia
Doddagaddavalli’s Lakshmi Devi Temple is considered one of the earliest examples of Hoysala craftsmanship, built in 1114 CE. Its distinctive design includes four shrines surrounding a central hall, which makes it stand out from later temples. The serene location beside a small lake adds a scenic backdrop, making the temple as picturesque as it is historic. The simple yet graceful carvings give a glimpse into the early style of Hoysala art. Exploring this iconic place is one of the most exciting things to do in Karnataka for travellers interested in history, architecture, and village life.
Distance From Belur: 16 km
Major Activities: Temple exploration, photography, architecture study, village walk
Suggested Read: Offbeat Places In Karnataka With Outstanding Experiences
Visiting Belur and its nearby attractions is an amazing experience. The wildlife, rivers, ancient temples and mesmerizing architecture are a must-visit. Plan your visit to places near Belur today and learn about the rich history and beautiful architecture. If you are a history lover, nature enthusiast or just looking for a calm holiday then places near Belur have something for everyone. Plan your trip with TripXL and book your tickets now for a memorable experience.
Cover Photo: Amit K / Unsplash
