5 lesser-known places to visit in Halebidu, Karnataka
Located in Karnataka, Halebidu is an unexplored tourist spot that is surrounded by ancient and beautiful temples and museums. Formerly known as Dwarasamudra, the spot has also been included in the UNESCO World Heritage site list. Halebidu is well-known as the Gem of Indian Architecture as the temple complexes and sites feature stunning Hoysala architecture. Here are five must-visit places in Halebidu.
Hoysaleshwara Temple
One of the oldest and most popular temples in Halebidu, the Hoysaleshwara Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is situated west of Dwarasamudra Lake. The temple was named after Hoysala King Vishnuvardhana Hoysaleshwara and is built in eye-catching Hoysala-styled architecture. A UNESCO World Heritage site, the temple was built in 1121 AD and stands on a star-shaped platform.
Belur
The tiny temple town of Belur is often called the crown jewel of the Indian cultural heritage. Featuring stunning architecture and gorgeous sculptures, this antique holy place is nestled on the banks of River Yagachi. You can visit the Chennakeshava Temple here which is dedicated to Lord Chennakeshava. Completed in 1117 AD, this shrine is intricately carved using soft soapstone and stone sculptures.
Belavadi
Located at a distance of 12 kilometers from Halebidu, Belavadi is a quaint village that will mesmerize you with its Hoysala-style architecture. The place houses the Sri Veera Narayana Temple which is recognized as the Ekachakranagara of Mahabharata. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, this temple was built in the 13th century. According to legend, the Pandava prince Bheema killed the demon Bakasura in this temple.
Yagachi Dam
A perfect weekend escape for tourists, Yagachi Dam is built across River Yagachi, a tributary of the River Kaveri. Surrounded by a lush green landscape, this earthen gravity dam was constructed in 2001 and is situated at an altitude of over 290 meters above sea level. When here, you can enjoy various adventure activities like speed boating, bumper ride, kayaking, and banana boat ride.
Archaeological Museum
Housing ancient sculptures, inscriptions, and exhibits, the Archaeological Museum is an open-air museum in Halebidu that is a must-visit for history and art enthusiasts. The most significant sculptures here include Nataraja, dancing Ganesha, a bronze statue of a Tirthankara, and Veena Saraswati. The museum is open all days except Friday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.
