Halebidu is at the junction of Karnataka’s rolling hills. It is a small town that shows the architectural mastery of the Hoysala Empire. It was the one-time regal capital of this great dynasty with an illustrious past; “Old City” Halebidu called people to take their minds back to days gone by. In its meandering streets, this old settlement spoke volumes about days of yore because music could be heard coming from its houses indicating how culturally rich it had been since time immemorial.
About Halebidu
If you’re a history buff, an architecture enthusiast or someone hoping for a captivating cultural experience, Halebidu will impress you. Therefore, you must go on the journey through Hoysala’s architectural magnificence which makes you feel as if you are living in a period of great art.
Halebidu lies at a distance of around 30 km from Hassan, a connectivity link that is serviced by road, and the rail system runs from major cities like Bangalore, Mysore or Mangalore. Conversely, Mangalore International Airport is the closest airport located 184 km away. One may either hire a cab or board a bus from Hassan headed for Halebidu.
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Places To Visit Around Halebidu
Whether you are travelling alone or with your family and friends, Halebidu offers many places to explore while you are here. Here are some of the places to visit around Halebidu
1.Hoysaleshwara Temple
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The Hoysaleshwara Temple is considered the greatest architectural prize of Halebidu. It has two shrines and epitomizes the excellent work of the Hoysalas. It sits on a star-shaped pedestal and is decorated with refined sculptures of sages, Hindu gods and goddesses, as well as animals in various styles. Moreover, carvings depicting episodes from Ramayana and Mahabharata adorn its walls.
Location: Halebeedu, Karnataka 573121
Timings: 6:30 AM to 6:30 PM
2.Kedareshwara Temple
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King Veera Ballala II and Queen Ketaladevi were given the task of building Kedareshwara Temple which features another variety of Hoysala architectural style. Built with sophisticated carvings as well as a perfect mix of Hindu as well as Jain features, the temple demonstrates the diversity that existed in terms of religion and art during the reign of the Hoysala dynasty.
Location: 6X5V+HXJ, Kedareshwara Temple Rd, Halebeedu, Karnataka 573121
Timings: 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM
3.Hoysala Museum
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To enjoy a full trip to Halibedu, visit the Hoysala Museum founded by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). From that repository, you can see more than 1,500 sculptures, and artifacts, which date back to Hoysala times enabling us to understand the artistic culture that thrived during that era. At the shrines of Hoysalas, the tourists can view finely crafted stone sculptures, delicate bronze idols and writings, which offer crucial details about their religion and culture.
Location: 6X7V+8VX, Halebeedu, Karnataka 573121
Timings: 9 AM to 5 PM
4.Hulikere Step Well
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The Hulikere step well, also known as Kalyani, is another architectural wonder located within the magnificent temple complex of Halebidu. It was built during medieval times by Hoysala kings as a rainwater reservoir with symmetric steps on all four sides making it look like an inverted pyramid. Beautiful carvings adorn this ancient water-harvesting site offering insight into their advanced technology in handling water.
Location: 52X3+J6F, Hulikere, Karnataka 573216
Timings: Always open
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5.Chennakeshava Temple
Hoysala Architectures
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The town of Belur is a showcase of the architectural genius that is trademarked to Hoysalas, located just 15 km from Halebidu. The Chennakeshava Temple commemorates King Vishnuvardhana’s victory over the Chola Empire. It is a true example of Hoysala artistry. This temple has many delicate carvings showing events from the Ramayana and Mahabharata and its tall spire and elaborately decorated entrance are astounding.
Location: Belur, Karnataka 573115
Timings: 7:30 AM to 7:30 PM
6.Nageshwara Temple
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Nageshwara Temple in Halebidu
Just 13 kilometers from Belur, the beautiful temple complex of Mosale awaits you, sheltering the Nageshwara. The Nageshwara Temple is distinct for its detailed carvings and harmonious integration of Hindu and Jain characteristics, all this while being devoted to Lord Shiva. Guests can enjoy the temple’s stepped pyramid-like structure as well as witness some of the finest mythological frescoes ever created anywhere in India or beyond.
Location: W42R+JXJ, Mosale, Thimmanahalli, Karnataka 573120
Timings: 6 AM to 6 PM
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7.Gommateshwara Statue
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Located 45 kilometers from Halebidu, Shravanabelogola is a popular center of Jain pilgrimages with many architectural masterpieces. It houses the world’s tallest free-standing monolithic statue, Gommateshvara, giving visitors a chance to get involved in spiritual and cultural aspects of the Jain religion.
Location: VF3M+JVG, Shravanbela Gola (Rural), Karnataka 573135
Accessibility: private cab or taking a bus from Halebidu
8. Baba Budan Hills
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Located at a distance of about 60 kilometers from Halebidu, these scenic hills are a favorite with hikers and nature lovers alike. This stunningly beautiful landscape is a perfect place for trekking with its winding trails among the hills, waterfalls tumbling down the rock sides, and thick foliage constituting a home for a rich variety of plants and animals. The Baba Budan Hills have gained historic prominence since it is said that it was here that Baba Budan, a Sufi saint, introduced the cultivation of coffee in India.
Location: Dattathreyapeeta, Karnataka 577131
Best time to visit: October to March
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Best Time To Visit
It is best to plan your trip to Halebidu from October to March, when the weather is at its best, between 22°C and 31°C. Temperatures during summer range up to 40°C starting from March and ending by June. Even though rains make temples appear spotless post-monsoon, the showers can interfere with the smooth progression of routes.
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Now that you have a list of things to keep in mind for your next vacation to enjoy at Halebidu, make sure you plan your trip to Karnataka to these fabulous spots accompanied by your loved ones, this experience will be more rewarding as you experience all the fun with them. Don’t miss out on these opportunities and book your tickets now!
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Frequently Asked Questions About Halebidu
How do I get to Halebidu?
You can access Halebidu by road from other cities in Karnataka. Mangalore International Airport, which is located approximately 180 kilometers away, is the closest airport to Halebidu. The train station that is closest to Halebidu is located approximately 30 kilometers away, in Banavara.
What is the required duration for a Halebidu visit?
One can visit the major attractions of Halebidu in 2-3 hours. However, for a comprehensive tour of the town and its environs, it is advisable to set aside 1-2 days, including nearby destinations such as Belur.
What is the best time to visit Halebidu?
Winter is the most suitable time for a visit to Halebidu which falls between October and March because of good weather conditions. Every year in March, Hoysala Mahotsava, a dancing festival in the temples at Belur and Halebidu, is celebrated.
Is there anything else near Halebidu that I could visit?
Mostly, people who visit Halebidu also visit the nearby Chennakeshava temple in Belur, which is about 17 km away. It is an artistic masterpiece of the Hoysala dynasty.
What other attractions are there in Halebidu?
Apart from the Hoysaleswara Temple, Halebidu also boasts of the Kedareshwara Temple and many Jain temples. A museum in the temple complex is taken care of by the Archaeological Survey of India.
Are the Halebidu temples recognized as World Heritage Sites by UNESCO?
The Hoysaleswara and chennakesava temples have been proposed for placement on the UNESCO World Heritage List but they have yet to appear on it officially.
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