Located 17 km from
Belur, Halebid was known as Dwara Samudra (gateway to the seas). The city flourished as the capital of the
Hoysala Empire during the 12th and 13th centuries.
The temples in Halebid, which epitomize Indian architecture, form the prime attraction. The Shiva temple at Halebid is unique for its two shrines in the linga form. The gigantic figure of
Nandi (sacred bull), is another added attraction in the Shiva temple. The other important temples in Halebid are Jain Basti temple, Parshwanath temple, Kedareshwar temple and Huccheshwar temple. An added attraction here is the museum maintained by the Archeological Survey of India. The nearby places of interests: Belur, Belavadi, Chatchatnahalli and
Sravanabelagola.
Halebid is linked by road to Belur and
Hassan. The nearest railhead is at Hassan. The nearby airports are at
Bangalore and
Mangalore.
