halebidu temple

ravsriram

Mindblowing level of detailing in each of the walls of the temple. The pillars are objects of marvel. The temple walls are embellished with stories of Ramayana, Mahabharatha and Hindu gods in their various avatars - all carved on stone. Heard one of the guides say there are nearly 20000 sculptures in the temple. The temple has been built using soapstone which lends itself for the finest level of detailing. ASI has done a superb job of preserving and reconstructing its beauty. You can cover this temple in 2 hours or 6 hours depending on how curious/interested you are on the stories in the temple walls.This has to be on the UNESCO Heritage list !

sahoosunilkumar

Another excellent (Hoysaleswar)temple by Hoysala dynasty, built around 1100 AD. Excellent stone work and awesome architecture . Situated at Halebidu which is 16kms from Belur.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hoysaleswara_TempleWhat to see---------------1) The lower half of the outer wall has stone carved horizontal stips with carvings of Elephants at bottom, 2) Lions in Second layer3) Scenes of Story of Mahabharata and Ramayana in third level4) Floral Design in fourth level5) The upper Part of Outer walls depict statues of Hindu Deities such as Shiva Parvati, Krishna, Vishnu, Varaha Rup, Narsimha etc.Cons------Poor transportation

KASIRAO5646

After visiting Belur, we proceeded to Halebidu, which is about 16 Kms. Halebidu was earlier called as "Dwarasamudra". Halebidu literally means old city.We visited two Hindu temples viz the Hoysaleswara and Kedareswara. It is said that Hoysaleswara temple was built by Ketamala during 1121 AD and attributed to King Vishnuvardhana, the Hoysala ruler. It is also said that it was completed during 1160 AD . That is to say, it took 40 years to complete it.The walls of the temple are covered with an endless variety of depictions from Hindu mythology. The architecture of the temple is fine. One should not miss these two places, Belur and Halebidu in Karnataka.

caitlinmrw

Like Belur, these temples are pretty but not as impressive as other in India. If you are in Hassan it makes a nice day trip to combine the two sites but I would not plan my trip around coming here.

brandbull

The architecture of the temple is very nice and interesting. We had read about the history a bit and thus were able to connect some aspects. The guides there seemed to just give the obvious tales in a standard recital, no specific insights about parts of the etchings/carvings/sculptures people wished to know. Readup and take a guide only if you have no time or do not recognize anything about this place.

tridib_626

This temple is truly spellbinding. The ornate carvings and beautiful sculptures leave you wondering how they could have been made so many years ago. A must visit if in the area.

Gokul_Chakrapani

I had been to this place 3 times but still if I get a chance I will visit here to see the beauty of temple architecture and carvings !!This temple complex is the true example of Hoysala Architecture and every building and pillar is pretty. There are 2 marvellous temples called Hoysaleshwara temple and Kedareshwara temple. Both the temples has it's own beauty and carvings on it which tells the story. You must hire the professional guide to understand the real history about this place otherwise you will be lost. I still gave 4 stars only because the temple surrounding is not kept clean and full of garbage by the nasty tourists. Temple authority should also keep on eye on surrounding as well. Visit this place without doosra question, You will never be unsatisfied.

NPatro

We went to Halebidu while on the way to bangalore from Chikmagaluru.The temple is built in 12th century and incomplete. The work on temple wall is just awesome.so worth visiting to see how rich hindu culture is and how it destroyed by Mughals and British.It's advisable to hire a guide to understand the heritage and deepness of all arts.

WildRavi

This place is about 30kms from Hassan and about 15kms from BelurVisited this place couple of times before...its a wonderful place to see the ancient architecture..the stone carvings, amazing.Visit this place before 6pm after which they close.

Firoz_gm

I along with my wife and daughter booked KSTDC one day package from Bangalore. Tour package was resonably pried at 800 rupees/person. Started sharp 6.30 AM from Badami house. Bus was a semi luxary with decent push back seats. The journey was good and pleasant till Sravanabelagola. After visiting sravanabelagola, Bus got brokedown and we were left waiting for the bus to get repaired in Hassan for 4 hours. I thought the trip is going to get cancelled, but the driver could able to manage to reach Halebidu and Belur just before sunset and we could able to enjoy the marvelous architecture. Hats off to the driver. Reached Bangalore at exactly 12AM during midnight.

PrashantT907

If you are a lover of art, it is a paradise for you and even if you are not an artistic kind, the carvings on the temple will leave you awestruck.Each section of the temple has a story to tell in form of carvings. The sense of sculptures and their imagination will leave no doubt in your mind that the ancient India was as modern and open as it is today, maybe more.It's a must watch at least once.

Zenmaster777

The 12th centuary temple is one of the most amazing temples in South India. The sculptures are simply out of the world. Difficult to believe that human hands could have carved such details in stone. But the shoe-mafia has overtaken all the temples in south. The person in charge of the shoes tries to charge you Rs 5 per pair, even though it clearly says Rs 2 and then will agree for Rs 3. Maybe its because everyone who comes leaves his footwear in his vehicle.As in other temples/tourist spots all over India, there are touts trying aggressively sell postcards (who uses these nowadays?) Best way is not to react and simply ignore them.

jbanerji

brilliant architecture, artistic carving. great designs. you will not be able to decipher if you don't have a guide though. Recommended you engage a guide, they are govt approved and charges are reasonable (I think we paid Rs 200 or 250). but it was surely worth it, they are fluent in English in case you don't spk kannada

KomillaS

A great place to visit. The Hoysaleshwara temple which is looked after by the Archaeological Survey of India- great job they do in preserving this for us. The carving so intricate, the mythological and Puranas stories that are carved in the walls are very special. Grand and detailed. My suggestion is to take time to explore and get a guide so that they can explain everything and show the fine work of the Hoysala.

rajrama2014

The Halebidu temple sculpture is no less grand than Belur. The panels have a lot of stories to tell. So take your time and don't rush through them. Be wary of the touts at the entrance who will try to sell you various stuff.