The town of Halebid is also known as Halebidu, and it is located on the district of Hassan on the state of Karnataka. The town was previously known as Dwarasamudra, and the place is one of the hot tourist spots due to the presence of multiple sculptures, shrines, and temples. The presence of Hoysala architecture is the main highlight of Halebid, and there are some prominent Jain sites as well.

Halebidu Story

The town of Halebid can be said to be a little back in history, and it still resembles the signs of the art, culture, and architecture of the Hoysala Empire. This town was the head or the imperial capital of the empire, and this town flourished between 12th Century and 13th Century. By the 14th Century, the city was almost destroyed and looted by the Delhi Sultanate ruler Malik Kafur more than once. The name Halebid came from this plundering, as the literal meaning of Halebid is an old city. It is one of the famous spot tourists not miss out and you should include in your Chikamagalur tour package.

Tourist Attractions

There is a twin Lord Shiva temple present in the city. There are shrines dedicated to Hoysaleswara and Shantaleswara. The temple of Hoysaleswara is one of the finest pieces of architecture. The Nandimantapa is another tourist attraction, and it houses the 7 ft tall image of Surya Dev. 

Apart from these spots, visitors can also visit the Kedareshwara temple and the Archaeological Survey of India Museum. The large temple complex in Belur, Hassan district, Karnataka is another place to visit. Signs of the Hoysala architecture are also present elsewhere, and one of the prominent examples is the Keshava temple built in the 13th Century. It is one of the top places to visit in Belur.

Festivals & Fairs

One of the grandest festivals in Southern India is the Mahamastakabhisheka, which is the worship of the gigantic 17 m tall Lord Bahubali statue. This festival occurs once in every 12 years, and many people are said to travel from far places to experience this grand festival.

Best Time to Visit

The duration between October and February is the best time for visiting Halebid.

Halebidu Temple Timings

The temple timings are 6:30 AM to 9:30 PM