Tourist places in and around Halebid
Hoysaleshvara Temple
The tempe, perched on a star shaped base amidst lawns, is a sculptural extravaganza. Its walls are richly carved with an endless variety of Hindu deities, sages, stylized animals, birds and driezes depicting the life of the Hoysala kings. The building of the temple was started in 1121 AD by Ketamalla, a general of king vishnuvardhana of the Hoysala Dynasty. There are two shrines dedicated to Lord shiva as Hoysaleshavara and shantaleshavara. These Gods are in the shape of Linga.This magnificent shrine dedicated to Lord shiva is the largest and the best among Hoysala temples. Its construction was started in 1121, by "Ketumalla", one of the officials of Vishnucardhana and could be completed only by 1207. The shrine is very similar to the chenna Keshava temple at Belur, but is figures are more profusely carved. Even after working diligently for about a centry, there are still some unfinished portions in this amazing edifice. The sculptural extravaganza has been lavishly praised by the experts, criticsw and common visitors.
The complex consists of two identical temples, each with its own array of navaranga and sukhansi and Nandi mandapas. Both thesanctums have a characterstic star shaped ground plan and are set on a stone platform as seen in other Hoysala shrines. The temple on the northern side is named shantaleshwara, after shantala Devi, the beloved queen of Vishnuvardhana, while the southern side shrine is the Hoysalswara temple. The two temple halls are joined by a common verandah creating a spacious columned interior. Thousands of intricately carved sculptures depicting scenes from the mythological epics Ramayana, Mahabharta, puranic legends, beats and beauties etc. adorn the temple walls. There are about thirty five thousand sculpted pieces in the shrine, noted for their breathtaking beauty, but the south doorway unrivalled for its filigree work is considered to be a masterpiece of delicate carving. The central figure portrays Lord shiva with demon Andhakasur under his feet, while on the either side of the lintel are Hoysala motif depicting a man single-handedly fighting a tiger.
Both the santums enshrine a east facing lingam, preceded by a Nandi mandapa with a huge statue of Nandi bull, the celestial vehicle of Lord shiva. There is an Archarological Museum in front of the Hoysaleswara teemple. Other attractions of Halebid are - Kedareswara Temple, Basadi Halli (Jain shrines), and Sri Ranganatha Temple.
Museum
There is a museum on the lawns of the temple with 12-13th century sculptures and the gold coins in use at that time.Nandi
Outside the temple, there is a sculpture of Nandi, the mount of Lord shiva, and the hillock where the palace stood connected to the temple by a passage.Kedareshvara Temple
This samll temples was built by veeraballala and his consort Abinavaketala Deviin 1219 A.D. It has three super structures over the shrines. The temple has a large number of sculpted friezes showing the marching elephants, charging horse, lion, mythical animals, etc. There are stories from Ramayana, Mahabharata and Bhagwad Gita in a large sculptured band. The temple has been praised as ‘Gem of Indian Architecture' some 200 centuries ago.Jain Bastis, Basthihalli (1 km)
The Jain Basti temples are contemporaries of the shiva temple. The western-most parsvanath temple is magnificent, with its 32 pillared pavilion. The 14 feet high image of parsvanath, has a seven hooded cobra over its head. The two other shrines of Adinatha and shantinata are small but elegant structures.To the northeast of the shiva temple, lies a vast stretch of sand covered debris, of a number of temples which have been excavated recently. At the southwest corner stands the Huccheshvara temple, in absoluter ruins.
Sri. Ranganatha Temple
The figure of Sri Ranganatha temple is 5-6ft height and sleeps on a serpant.Belavadi (13 km)
Belavadi is home to the famouse Trikoota temple, where the idols of veeranarayana, Venugopala & Yoga Narasimha are located in a single complex. It is an excellent example of Hoysala architecture.Chatachattajalli (3 km)
Theres a temple here built in 1200 AD known as chatteshvara temple.Koramangala
6 km from Hassan, it has a Bucheshvara temple built in 12th century.Gorur
10 km from Hassan, it has a Yoga narasimha temple built in 1586 AD.Kondajji
18 km from hassan, it boasts of the channakeshava statue built in 14th century.Hassan
It is 30 km from Halebid and a useful transit point if you are visiting Belur and Halebid. Hassan is the gateway to some of the most historic and awe inspiring temple trails linked to Hoysala architecture.The place is called Hassan after the Goddess ‘Hassanamba', the smiling goddess, presiding deity of the town. A modest temple is dedicated to the goddess. The temple is open only a year for about a week sometime in October. A big fair is also held on this occasion.
The district also has a scenic skyline with grasslands, wide stretches of woods and coffee plantations.