Getting There & Around
The most convenient way to see the Hoysala sights is to hire a car and driver in Mysore or even Bengaluru. (It is incidentally possible to see all three main attractions in one long day and return to the better accommodations available in Bengaluru, but should you want to take it a little easier you can overnight in either Hassan or Chikmagalur.) If you don't want to drive from Mysore, a more affordable option is to catch a train from Mysore to Hassan (3 hr. away), from where you can pick up a taxi for a full day of sightseeing (approx. Rs 1,500). Hassan can also be reached overland from Mangalore. If you need to hire a vehicle in Hassan, we recommend Mr. Altaf (tel. 94-4825-6479; or ask the manager at Hotel Southern Star to give him a call), who offers excellent rates.
Visitor Information
Visit the friendly Regional Tourist Office (Vartha Bhavan, B.M. Rd.; tel. 08172/26-8862; 10am-5:30pm, closed Sun and second Sat of the month) if you need to stock up on brochures. You can also deepen your knowledge at Hotel Mayura Velapuri's Belur Tourist Information Centre (Temple Rd.; tel. 08177/22-2209; daily 9:30am-6:30pm). In Halebid, there's a Tourist Help Desk (Mon-Sat 10am-5:30pm) at Hoysalesvara Temple. You can pick up ASI-certified guides outside each of the two main temples in Belur and Halebid.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
