Photo: Wonder in Stone

Belur used to be the early capital of the glorious Hoysala Empire.
The Channakesava Temple in Belur is regarded as one of the most magnificent pieces of Hoysala Architecture. It is estimated that it took over a 100 years to build this temple complex.It was finally completed in 1116 AD. The temple walls contain intricate sculptures of wars, great epics and the sagas of glorious kings. There are over a thousand miniature sculptures of elephants that adorn the outer (lower) walls. The interesting fact is that each of these elephants is unique in its design and posture.