Halebid

Halebid Tours - Halebidu, along with Belur has become one of the most visited destinations in Karnataka.

Noted for its exquisite Hoysala architecture and its star shaped temples, it is a must-see destination in Karnataka. Plan your travel to Halebid today with the travel guide below. 

About Halebid 

Halebid or Halebeedu (meaning ‘old home/town') is about 16 kms away from Belur and 31 kms from Hassan Town 216 kms from Bangalore (Bengaluru).

Hoysaleshwara temple at HalebidThis city was built during the 12th century. It flourished for about 150 years in the Deccan. During 1311A.D. Malli Kafur, a Muslim ruler looted this city and carried away its wealth. Later, Mohammed Bin Tughlak invaded and plundered the entire city in 1326 A.D

The place was reduced to ruins after the death of the King Ballala III. During the 17th century, the Vijayanagar dynasty changed its capital to Belur and the ruined city was called as Halebeedu. 

This place was known as Dwara Samudra, the wealthy capital of the Hoysalas. Halebid has several strikingly beautiful Hoysala Temples and Jain shrines. The Sri Hoysaleshwara Temple, standing on platform, is a sculptural show, richly endowed with most finely detailed scrollwork in stone. 

(Photo Credit: madpai)

Tourist attractions in Halebid 

The Hoysaleshwara and the Shantaleshwara temples are the main attractions in Halebid. Apart from this, there are several Jain temples around the town.

Take a virtual tour of the temples and see other sights around Halebeedu

History of Halebidu 

Halebidu was the 12th century capital of the Hoysalas, shortly after Belur. The Hoysaleswara temple was built during this time by Ketamala and attributed to Vishnuvardhana the Hoysala king at that time.

Ketumalla, the chief of staff of King Vishnuvardhana, built this temple during 1121 A.D. It is learnt that it took 105 years to complete. It has two important shrines - Hoysaleswara and Shantaleswara, named after the temple builder Vishnuvardhana Hoysala and his wife, Queen Shantala.

In the 14th Century, it was ransacked by a Mughal Cheiftan, Malik Kafur. Many temples now stand in a dilapidated state and half-finished. Even with all this, the temple looks grand.

Travel tips on your Belur-Halebid-Hassan tour

Regular tourist packages are operated by Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation (KSTDC) to visit Belur, Halebeedu and Shravanabelagola besides other places.

After visiting Belur, Halebeedu and Shravanabelagola, you can proceed towards Chikamagalur, if you plan to spend sometime on the lap of the Western Ghats and have a taste of its beautiful hill stations or if you plan to visit Shimoga, Jog Falls, Sringeri, Horanadu and Agumbe and other places towards the coastal belt.   

• Go on a tour of Belur and its temples
• or Head to Shravanabelagola's Jain temples