Halebid

It was Halebid that served to be the imperial capital of the glorious Hoysala Province in the midst of the 12th century. Being located in Karnataka Hasan district and approximately 149 kilometers away from Mysore, Halebid is conveniently approachable from ant distant nook of state.

Halebid is also well associated with Mangalore, Mysore and Bangalore. The main driving force that compels chunks of eager devotees and holiday-makers to select Halebid as their vacation spot is the magnanimous presence of duple temples- Hoysaleswara Temple and Kedareswara Temple.

The Hoysaleswara Temple at Halebid is flanked by a pristine lake that gifts a heavenly feel to it. Incidentally the ocean is reckoned as 'Dhwara Samudra' that is the translation of 'gateway to ocean' in the regional dialect.

The entranceway to these temples is aptly warded by two 'Nandi bulls' that have been chiseled out of a single stone. The principle ingredient that was lavishly utilized in the construction of the Hoysaleswara temple at Halebid was soapstone or you may be familiar with the name Chloritic Schist.

Despite being ravaged on numerous occasions by a wide range of invaders, the Hoysaleswara temple at Halebid still manages to dazzle the visitants with its mind-boggling grandeur. The temple is intricately ornamented by an array of stone embodiments of Hindu deities, animals, avian creatures and alluring maidens regarded as 'Shilabalikas'

Halebid in Karnataka is also home to a pair Basadi, belonging to the Jain religion. The Parswanatha Basadi is bequeathed with highly brushed up pillars that present it with a pleasant and placid look.

The Kedarweshwara temple is another architectural specimen that was built by the King Balla II's spouse, Ketaladevi and is located at Halebid of Karnataka.