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 Belur’s breathtaking sights, the region is close to other beautiful and historically important places worth visiting for a nice holiday. In this guide, we will help you identify the best places to visit around Belur that will make your stay in Karnataka more fulfilling.
10 Places To Visit Near Belur
Here’s a hand-picked list of ten places to visit near Belur 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. Mullayanagiri is the best trekking trail for adventure enthusiasts.
Distance From Belur: 25 km
Activities: Trekking, plantation tours
Suggested Read: Places To Visit Near Mysore For An Idyllic Getaway In Karnataka
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
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, which makes it a great place for people who love history.
Distance From Belur: 16 km
Activities: Temple exploration, Photography, Archaeological site visits, Cultural tours, Nature walks
Suggested Read: Discover The Top Places To Visit Near Chikmagalur In The Western Ghats
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 an amazing and fulfilling beauty for people who have a fondness for nature and wish to go trekking or adventure in peace.
Distance From Belur: 45 km
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.
Distance From Belur: 50 km
Activities: Trekking, Visiting temples and shrines, Birdwatching, Photography, Exploring coffee plantations
Suggested Read: Places To Visit Near Murudeshwar On Your Next Vacation
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
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
Activities: Exploring the fort’s architecture, Hiking to the fort, Photography, Birdwatching, Enjoying panoramic views
Suggested Read: Discover The Top Places To Visit Near Gokarna
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 ideal for a peaceful holiday in the lap of nature.
Distance From Belur: 75 km
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
Activities: Jeep safaris, Birdwatching, Trekking, Nature photography, Wildlife spotting
Suggested Read: Places To Visit Near Bandipur For A Mesmerising Getaway In Karnataka
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
Activities: Trekking, Coffee plantation tours, Visiting waterfalls, Nature photography, Exploring heritage sites
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