World Heritage Sites: Belur, Halebid and Somanathapura temples

Temples see huge influx of visitors after receiving Heritage tag recently

This is India's 42nd World Heritage Site, marking fourth such site in Karnataka

The designation of World Heritage Sites by UNESCO for the temples in Belur, Halebid, and Somanathapura in Karnataka has led to a significant increase in tourist visits to these remarkable architectural wonders.

These three temples, dating back to the 12th century during the Hoysala era, have gained global recognition as part of India’s 42nd World Heritage Site, marking the fourth such site in Karnataka.

During a discussion on the Restoration of Heritage Structures at the SKAL India Congress, A Devaraj, the Commissioner of the Department of Archaeology, Heritage, and Museums, revealed that Somanathapura, Belur, and Halebid used to receive relatively fewer visitors. However, since being bestowed with World Heritage status, there has been a noticeable surge in tourists visiting these temples, consequently benefiting the local economy.

Devaraj also mentioned that the state government is actively pursuing recognition for six more sites, including Gol Gumbaz, Srirangapatna Fort, and various heritage locations in Vijayapura, with hopes of obtaining the prestigious World Heritage Site designation.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah initiated the Namma Smaraka portal, which allows corporations and individuals to participate in the adoption and restoration of cultural heritage sites.

Remarkably, the government has taken a great step by creating 360-degree scans of heritage properties, in collaboration with the Karnataka Science and Technology Board. These images have been made available online, providing valuable resources for students and scholars interested in the field of archaeology.