Some Context

I was planning for a long time to visit Belur and Halebid. This month had been easy from work perspective and hence I decided to undertake this long pending trip. From my previous trips to places with historic significance, I have learned that it is mostly a waste of time if you visit such places without any prior preparation, I mean without knowing sufficiently about the historical context. I started my research on Belur and Halebid and what really to expect during my visit. Of-course online sources like enwikipedia, et al were some of the important sources of information. Additionally I bought a book titled A complete guide to Hoysala Temples by Gerard Foekema to help me plan my itinerary.

A brief historical context:

Hoysala Kings were from Malnad Hill region in the Western Ghats. They started as chiefs of hill tribes and gradually formed their own kingdow which during its peak (around 1200 AD)comprised of almost all of present day Karnataka, some parts of western Andhra and north Tamil Nadu

Historians believe that Hoysala Kings have made significant contributions to art and architecture in South India. They gave a unique temple architecture now known as Hoysala Temple Architecture. According to historical records, around 1500 temples in 958 centers were built during the Hoysala period - between A.D. 1000 and A.D. 1346. However, only a few (around 100) temples have survived. And at-least 15-18 of them are worth a visit for any above average traveller.

Note: Discussion on Hoysala Temple Architecture is beyond the scope of this blog and I have no skill to discuss the subject as well. But it will help if one reads about it so as to better appreciate the temples.

Other preparations:

I had carefully chosen some 11 temples to visit which were within 40-50 kilometers from Hassan. I have couple of good maps including India Road Atlas by Eicher but except Belur and Halebid, none of the places exist on my map. And I have no idea about in which direction from Hassan these places exist. Moreover I was not sure if there would be a guide available at these other temples located in some non descripts places. To make it even worse, I don't know the local dialect - Kannada. So how do I now ensure that my trip will be smooth and I will not be wasting time (I have only two days). So I needed a good guide who can be with me for two days and also help me in planning my visit to these temples depending on the route. I posted on some online communities to help find a guide as well as I approached one of my colleagues who is from Hassan. Fortunately for me my colleague was going to Hassan that week and he promised to help me. And he did. He was able to find a district guide. This guide accompanied me for two days and he also helped me with sequencing.