Two to three days covers the highlights. Spend one day on Belur and Halebidu, the twin showpieces of Hoysala carving, and another on Shravanabelagola and its giant Bahubali statue. A third day fits the Shettihalli church, Gorur Dam and, at Deepavali, a visit to the Hasanamba Temple in town.

The church is partly submerged from about July to October, when the monsoon fills the Hemavathi reservoir. From around December to May the water recedes and the ruin stands on dry ground, so you can walk inside. Many visitors come twice to see both versions of the same Gothic shell.

The Hasanamba shrine opens only once a year, for about twelve days around Deepavali, on dates set by the Hindu calendar. The district administration announces each year's darshan. When the doors close, a ghee lamp, flowers and rice are left inside, and devotees believe the lamp is still burning next year.