Halebid

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Hassan from  39 km , Halebid was formerly known as Dwarasamudra, the ancient capital of the Hoysala Empire. The highlights of the city are the 12th century Hoysaleswara temple with friezes and sculptures depicting scenes from Hindu mythology and the Archaeological Museum displaying 12th-13th century sculptures, woodcarvings, idols, coins and inscriptions.

Hassan and 16 km from Belur. This place was also called as Dwara Samudra, the rich capital of the Hoysala Kingdom. Halebid was also the capital of Hoysala after Belur. Halebidu is the home of Hoysaleshwara temple, which is more impressive than the one at Belur. The Hoysaleshwara temple was built in 1121 AD. The walls of the temple are covered with detailed friezes and sculptures depicting scenes narrated in Hindu epics. Yet no two facets of the temple are the same. The Jain temples nearby are equally rich in sculptural detail.

The temple is well known for the exquisite sculptures present there. The walls of the temple are complete with paintings of gods and goddesses, animals and dancing girls. One cannot find two facets of the temple similar in design. A figure of Nandi, the bull in incomplete form stands guard at the temple entrance.

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