Lack of facilities, publicity stare Halebeedu
Hoysalotsava
Halebeedu, which has made it to the list of heritage structures, which has been attracting hordes of tourists — for its historical importance — from India and abroad and has been selected to host Hoysala utsav is under limelight now.
The district administration, in association with various departments, has decided to hold the utsav after a long gap of seven years. A proposal has already been submitted to the state government, seeking funds. The festival to be held from January 18 to 22 will be inaugurated at Halebeedu and will be held in Belur and Shravanabelagola and the valedictory will be held in Hassan.
It is the wish of the residents of the place to hold Hoysala utsav on lines of Hampi utsav. The festival, which is being held to create awareness about the rich cultural heritage of the historical place, is sure to attract huge crowds, making it a success.
Tourists from far off places who come to be a part of the festival will be disappointed as no proper accommodation is available. The government undertaking KSTDC’s Mayura Hotel has just four rooms to spare and that too are under renovation. There are only a few private accommodation facilities available and those who wish to come here would have to stay at Shravanabelagola and visit Halebeedu.
The roads that connect Halebeedu are ridden with potholes and those who come with great expectations of see the world famous sculptures will be exhausted by the time they reach Halebeedu.
Parking
There is no parking facility for those who arrive by their own conveyance. Although a spot has been identified for parking near Hoysaleshwara temple and Pushpagiri, where the festival is being held, the place is not levelled properly for parking.
Apart from Hoysaleshwara temple, there are Venugopala temple, Rani Shanthale swimming pool, Jain basadi, Kedareshwara temple, palace premises, Theerthamallikarjuna pond at Cheelanayakanahalli, Chatteshwara temple, etc, which have equal importance but have been neglected. There are no nameboards even to identify these spots. There is a need to bring such neglected spots under limelight to showcase our cultural heritage at least during the festival.
