Hoysala Temples Karnataka: India's Latest UNESCO Crush

Hoysala Temples Karnataka: India's Latest UNESCO Crush

By Author

Published on September 24, 2023

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has bestowed World Heritage status upon the renowned Hoysala temples in Karnataka, including those in Belur, Halebidu (Halebid), and Somnathapura (Somananthpura). This significant addition brings India's total UNESCO listings to 42, following in the footsteps of Rabindranath Tagore's Shantiniketan in West Bengal. These historic shrines, collectively known as 'The Sacred Ensembles of Hoysalas,' are celebrated for their architectural and cultural significance in the districts of Hassan and Mysuru.

The Hoysala temples, with their unique architectural style, blended influences from different parts of India. You could see hints of Central India, the northern and western traditions, and the Karnataka Dravida style, all coming together in these temples.

Belur's Channakesava Temple: A Timeless Marvel

The Channakesava Temple, the oldest among the Belur trio, was commissioned by King Vishnuvardhan in 116 AD, taking 103 years to reach completion. This sprawling complex features multiple smaller shrines surrounding the primary sanctum, dedicated to the 'most beautiful Vishnu' or Channakesava. Its true distinction lies in the exquisite carvings, both on the exterior walls, showcasing detailed scenes from epics and Bharatnatyam mudras, and inside, where mythological figures like nymphs and apsaras spring to life. The famed pillars here have even influenced traditional temple jewellery designs in South India.

Halebidu's Hoysaleswara Temple: Ruins of Remarkable Beauty

About 18km away stands the Hoysaleswara Temple in Halebidu, a dedication to Lord Shiva, built a century later in the 12th century. Although plundered in the 14th century, it remains a stunning ruin, reminiscent of Khajuraho, especially on its exterior walls. The grand Nandi statue in front of the temple is equally striking.

Somnathapura's Keshava Temple: A Trio's Artistic King

Located approximately 30 minutes from the Hoysaleswara Temple is Somnathapura's Keshava Temple, built by King Somanatha Dandanayaka during Narasimha III's reign in 1268. It shares architectural, layout, and stylistic similarities with its counterparts, featuring large star-shaped platforms, intricately carved ceilings, a majestic sanctum and a striking idol of Lord Vishnu.

The Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysala temples, with their remarkable architecture and intricate carvings, not only stand as magnificent examples of Hindu temple artistry but also hold a significant place in the broader context of India's temple heritage. These temples have left an indelible mark, influencing later temple styles in the region and beyond.

Their listing on the World Heritage List is a testament to their Outstanding Universal Value, signifying their exceptional cultural significance for all of humanity. This recognition brings forth a host of benefits, including international prestige, legal protection, access to funding, and increased tourism revenue.


FLY91 Adds Extra Pune-Goa Daily Flight to Meet Summer Travel Demand

FLY91 Adds Extra Pune-Goa Daily Flight to Meet Summer Travel Demand

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on May 19, 2026

FLY91 has announced an additional weekday daily flight between Pune and Goa for May 2026 to meet increased passenger demand during the summer holiday season. The temporary addition comes as travel activity continues to rise due to vacations, family trips and seasonal travel movement.

The airline already operates daily weekday services on the Pune-Goa route, while weekend operations currently run twice daily. The newly introduced weekday frequency is expected to provide travellers with more options and greater convenience during one of the busiest travel periods of the year.

According to the airline, the decision was taken in response to increased movement from holidaymakers, students, families and business travellers. The Pune-Goa route has witnessed steady demand throughout the summer season, making it an important sector within the airline’s growing network.

By adding another service, FLY91 aims to improve schedule flexibility while increasing seat availability between the two destinations. The move is also expected to ease travel during the peak vacation period and support smoother passenger movement.

Pune continues to remain one of western India’s key educational and commercial centres, while Goa attracts a significant number of domestic travellers during the summer months. The additional service is expected to further strengthen connectivity between the two cities and support increasing regional travel demand.

FLY91 said the new flight also aligns with its broader objective of strengthening dependable and safe regional connectivity across underserved and high-demand sectors in India.

The airline currently operates flights across 12 destinations including Goa (GOX), Pune, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Solapur, Jalgaon, Sindhudurg, Kochi, Agatti, Rajahmundry, Vijayawada and Hubballi.


IRCTC Launches Bharat Gaurav Nepal Yatra from Indore for Pashupatinath Pilgrimage

IRCTC Launches Bharat Gaurav Nepal Yatra from Indore for Pashupatinath Pilgrimage

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on May 17, 2026

The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has announced a special religious journey to Nepal under its Bharat Gaurav scheme, giving travellers and pilgrims from Madhya Pradesh and nearby regions an opportunity to explore important spiritual and tourist destinations in the neighbouring country.

The special 'Pashupatinath Nepal Darshan Yatra' will begin from Indore on June 12 aboard a Deluxe AC tourist train. According to IRCTC, this is the first Bharat Gaurav tourist train service designed for passengers travelling beyond India’s borders, making it a significant addition to its tourism offerings.

The journey will run for nine nights and 10 days, covering some of Nepal’s well-known religious and tourist attractions. The itinerary includes visits to Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu, Pokhara, Chitwan National Park, and Manakamana Temple. As part of the experience, travellers will also get access to a ropeway ride at Manakamana Temple and a Jeep Safari at Chitwan, arranged by IRCTC.

Passengers can board the train from multiple stations across Madhya Pradesh including Indore, Ujjain, Shujalpur, Sehore, Rani Kamalapati (Bhopal), Itarsi, Narsinghpur, Jabalpur, Katni, and Satna.

Rahul Holkar, Executive Tourism (Indore), said: "Dining facilities will be available for passengers onboard, with two restaurant coaches arranged for this purpose."

He also shared that the train will have 14 coaches and offer three accommodation categories: First AC, Second AC, and Third AC. The package further includes five-night accommodation in three-star hotels, along with local sightseeing through AC buses.

IRCTC has introduced different fare structures based on the selected category. The package covers rail travel, hotel stays, meals onboard and during the journey, local transportation, sightseeing, travel insurance, tour escorts, security arrangements and housekeeping services.

Officials also clarified that the Nepal Darshan Yatra is a guided tourist journey and should be viewed as a specially curated travel experience rather than a regular international tour package. Bookings for the Bharat Gaurav Nepal Yatra can be made through IRCTC’s official website and authorised offices.


Air India Begins Twice Daily Flights to Ludhiana Halwara Airport

Air India Begins Twice Daily Flights to Ludhiana Halwara Airport

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on May 16, 2026

Air India has commenced commercial operations to Ludhiana’s newly operational Halwara airport, becoming the first airline to launch services at the airport. The new route strengthens connectivity between Ludhiana and Delhi while also opening access to Air India’s wider international network.

The inaugural flight from Delhi landed at Halwara airport at 0703 Hrs, while the return service departed from Ludhiana at 0800 Hrs. Air India will now operate two daily flights on the Delhi–Ludhiana route using its A320 family aircraft.

The newly launched services have been scheduled to provide passengers with smoother onward connections through Delhi to Air India’s international destinations. Travellers flying from Ludhiana can conveniently connect to cities including London, Paris, Milan, Rome, and Birmingham through a single ticket and a unified baggage allowance system with through check-in facilities.

Passengers will also benefit from same-terminal transfers at Delhi airport, allowing easier movement between domestic and international flights.

The flight schedule for the Delhi–Ludhiana route includes:

  • AI481: Delhi to Ludhiana (Halwara) – Departure: 05:55 | Arrival: 07:05 | Daily
  • AI482: Ludhiana (Halwara) to Delhi – Departure: 07:55 | Arrival: 09:10 | Daily
  • AI483: Delhi to Ludhiana (Halwara) – Departure: 12:55 | Arrival: 14:10 | Daily
  • AI484: Ludhiana (Halwara) to Delhi – Departure: 14:40 | Arrival: 15:55 | Daily

With the launch of operations at Halwara airport, Air India continues to expand its domestic network while strengthening connectivity between regional cities and international destinations.

Bookings for Air India’s Ludhiana flights are now open across all channels, including the airline’s website, mobile app, and travel partners worldwide.

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