Halebidu is a town in Hassan district of Karnataka, between 2 major districts of Hassan & Chikmagalur. It's famous for its Hoysaleswara Temple, listed as one of the world heritage centers.
Halebidu was a flourishing capital established under the Hoysala Dynasty, who ruled this region in the 12th Century. King Vishnuvardhana of Hoysala Dynasty was inspired by the place, that he decided to establish his capital here. It's popularly known as "Dwarasamudra".
The flourishing capital was plunged into ruins during the various invasions that took place in the 14th to 16th Century from the northwest frontiers, and hence the name Halebidu was later adorned to this place to mean "The Old Capital" or the "Destroyed Capital".
Tourists can stay either at Hassan or Chikmaglur and cover both Belur and Halebidu in a single day.
- Hoysaleswara temple. open from 9AM to 5PM. Unlike the other Hoysala structures, generally dedicated to Lord Vishnu, this Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The Temple was built by the Minister to Hoysala Dynasty, a devotee of Lord shiva, The temple has 2 Sanctums for Lord Shiva (Hoysaleshwara and Kedareshwara), one built for the King and the other built for the Queen. 2 huge sculptures of Nandi, the vehicle of Lord Shiva are present in front of the Sanctums. The Star structure, a major architecture for any Hoysala structure, is present in this temple too. The Star joins the 2 sanctums on the outer part. Major sculptures, showing the episodes from Mahabaratha are carved on the outer structure of the temple. Though a major of them have been plundered, the way the carvings have been made are still an attraction to watch. Pooja inside the Temple is done only in the mornings, only once.
- Museum, On the main temple grounds. 9-5, closed Fridays. Mostly a collection of sculptures, with some wood carvings, maps and photos as well. ₹5 only (for everyone).
- Jain Basadis. Ask at the museum ticket office for a free brochure, this has a map on which you can see how to get there.
Hoysaleswara temple. open from 9AM to 5PM. Unlike the other Hoysala structures, generally dedicated to Lord Vishnu, this Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The Temple was built by the Minister to Hoysala Dynasty, a devotee of Lord shiva, The temple has 2 Sanctums for Lord Shiva (Hoysaleshwara and Kedareshwara), one built for the King and the other built for the Queen. 2 huge sculptures of Nandi, the vehicle of Lord Shiva are present in front of the Sanctums. The Star structure, a major architecture for any Hoysala structure, is present in this temple too. The Star joins the 2 sanctums on the outer part. Major sculptures, showing the episodes from Mahabaratha are carved on the outer structure of the temple. Though a major of them have been plundered, the way the carvings have been made are still an attraction to watch. Pooja inside the Temple is done only in the mornings, only once.
Museum, On the main temple grounds. 9-5, closed Fridays. Mostly a collection of sculptures, with some wood carvings, maps and photos as well. ₹5 only (for everyone).
Jain Basadis. Ask at the museum ticket office for a free brochure, this has a map on which you can see how to get there.
Walk around the temple. A major place to visit if you are a historical buff, an architectural admirer or a photographic enthusiast. Carry caps and water bottle as major works are on outside and afternoon sun can be dehydrating.
Tourist guides, appointed and trained by State Government are present to provide overall view of the Temple, inside as well as outside. Tourist guides charge about Rs.100/- per head if the trip is undertaken through a KSTDC package. Focusing Light is present inside the Temple and Rs.20/- is seprately charged for lighting the same inside the temple for better clarity and explanation of the sculptures
Food at Halebidu might be a problem if you are not a south Indian. Hence it is better to carry food from Hassan or reach Belur.
KSTDC Restaurant, Inside the Government Hotel (100m past the bus station, opposite the main temple. Breakfast-10PM. Choose between covered al-fresco dining on the patio, or dine in the garden. A respectable selection of north and south Indian dishes, as well as some token western items. Priced a little higher than average, but not outrageous..
KSTDC Restaurant, Inside the Government Hotel (100m past the bus station, opposite the main temple. Breakfast-10PM. Choose between covered al-fresco dining on the patio, or dine in the garden. A respectable selection of north and south Indian dishes, as well as some token western items. Priced a little higher than average, but not outrageous..
- Belur
- Hassan
- Mangalore
- Chikmagalur