Belur : The Channekeshava temple was constructed in 1116 to commemorate the Hoysala's victory over the Cholas at Talakad. The religious ceremonies are at 9 am, 3 pm and 7.30 pm. The front of the temple has dancers and characters from Kamasutra, while the back has gods. The internal supporting pillars are also decorated with carvings. The 14 century seven storey gopuram has sensual sculptures portraying the activities of dancing girls of the temple.

The other Hoysala temples of Belur are the Chennigaraya and the Viranarayana temples. Direct buses operate from Mysore (Rs 60, 4.5 hour). Halebid is 16 km from Belur an has a bus in every 30 minutes.

Halebid : The Hoysaleswara temple is the most outstanding examples of Hoysala art with it's intricate carvings. The star shaped temple set on a platform is covered with riots of Hindu deities, sages, stylised animals and friezes depicting the life of the Hoysala rulers.

The temple is in a garden and have a small museum (Rs 2, Friday closed). The Kedareswara temple enclosure in Halebid has three Jain temples with fine carvings.