Hotels in Hoysala Heartland

Accommodations close to the temples are limited and hardly the stuff of kings. You'll find a number of government-run hotels in both Belur and Halebid; these have restaurants of questionable quality and extremely basic rooms. In Halebid, the tourism department's Hotel Mayura Shanthala (Temple Rd.; tel. 08177/27-3224; doubles Rs 260) is within striking distance of a number of temples, but you get what you pay for (very little). Equally so at Belur's Hotel Mayura Velapuri (tel. 08177/222-209; doubles Rs 432), located just outside the temple entrance. Better to opt for Hotel Southern Star Hassan (tel. 08172/22-51816 or -51817; www.ushalexushotels.com; doubles from Rs 3,000), which offers pleasant service (including sightseeing advice) and safe dining. It's certainly not luxury level, but guest rooms are comfortable and clean. Views from odd-numbered rooms are of a less built-up part of the town.