Halebid

This place is situated in Hassan district of Karnataka - India. Halebeed was once known as Dwarasamudra and capital of Hoysala Empire during 12th and 13th centuries. This place attracts visitors from all part of the world for the famous Hoysaleswara and Kedareshwara temples. Hoysaleshwara temple has the deities of Lord Hoysaleswara and Lord Shantaleshwara. Kedareshwara temple has been decorated with sculptures and panels in Hoysala style. The art of Hoysaleswara temple was the creation of a commander in the Kind Vishnuvardhana's kingdom called Ketamalla.

How to reach

Halebeedu is 30Kms from the district head quarters, Hassan in North direction. The transportation is by road only. The nearest railway station is Hassan and well connected with Bangalore, Mangalore, Mysore and Shimoga. People can plan to visit Halebidu and Belur together as both are nearby. There are frequent buses available to Halebid from Hassan through Master Control Facility (MCF - also called space city, protected area) and Salagame. People travelling by private vehicle can proceed towards Chikmagalur upto a place called Hagare. Hagare is 25Kms from Hassan. Take right diversion at Hagare and travel towards Halebid which is only 12 Kms. People visiting Halebid after seeing Belur can take private or Government bus at Belur (frequently available). People travelling from Chikmagalur, better to visit Belur first as it is very nearer and then proceed to Halebid. People travelling from Bangalore have to reach Hassan first and then travel towards either Belur or Halebid. People travelling from Shimoga can take left diversion at Banavar and reach Halebid. Nearest airport is Mangalore/ Bangalore (both are of same distance to Hassan).

Importance of Halebid

The main attraction of Halebid is Hoysaleshwara temple. This temple has lord Hoysaleshwara and Lord Shantaleshwara. Plenty of sculptures have been carved on the outer wall and is the speciality of this temple. The Kedareshwara temple, this was built by Ballala - II and decorated with sculptures and panels in typical Hoysala style. Shrine on either side of Navaranga hall inside. The basement shows the rows of Elephants, Horse, Lion and an imaginary animal called Makara. Pushpagiri is situated 3 Kms nearer to Halebid. This has got temples of Lord Mallikarjuna, Lord Vishnu and Goddess Parvathi. These are all built during Vijayanagara period. Lord Chatteshwara temple in Chattachattanahalli which is 3 Kms from Halebid. Sri Ranganatha temple with the 6 ft statue of Lord Ranganatha with Brahma taking birth in the lotus at Nabhi (Navel) and Aridevi serving at his feet. Basadi halli (Jain Mandir) is very nearer to Hoysaleswara temple. Three jain temples Parswanathaswamy (14 ft height, made of black stone), Adinathaswamy (central mandir) and Shanthinathaswamy (located at east of Shanthinathaswamy) can be seen here.

Belur channakeshava temple inside pillars

Belur channakeshava temple inside pillars

Photography allowed inside the temple premesis in all these areas, no additional fee for cameras.
Standard tourist package available by Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporations (KSTDC) to visit Belur, Halebeedu and Shravanabelagola. Halebid and Belur are situated to the North of Hassan (district head quarters) and Shravanabelagola is situated almost to the South of Hassan. After visiting Belur and Halebidu, people can proceed towards Chikmagalur if they have planned to visit Western ghats and other tourist places in Shimoga and other districts. People travelling from North part of India, they can visit Belur and Halebid and proceed towards Hassan and see Shravanabelagola later.

Visit the Hassan home page to get the details of other visiting places in Hassan district.

This article is written by go2india.in team.