Explore the ruins of the 12th-century Hoysala capital, famed for the Hoysaleswara Temple with its incredibly detailed soapstone carvings and sculptures.
Discover what makes this destination truly special

Halebidu, which means 'ruined city', was once the glorious capital of the Hoysala Empire, known as Dwarasamudra. Today, it stands as a testament to the incredible skill of Hoysala artisans, primarily centered around the magnificent Hoysaleswara Temple. This twin-shrined temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is the main attraction and is covered in an astonishing array of intricate sculptures and friezes carved from soapstone. The temple sits on a star-shaped platform, a signature of Hoysala design.
Plan your trip around the ideal season for the best experience
October-January, especially on weekends and public holidays, due to pleasant weather and tourist season.
February-March and August-September, particularly on weekdays.
April-July, due to the extreme summer heat and subsequent monsoon season.
Plan ahead with accurate pricing and visiting hours
Indian Visitors
₹25
Per person
Foreign Visitors
₹300
Per person
Opening Hours
6:30 AM — 6:30 PM
Open all days of the week. The nearby Archaeological Museum is open from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM and is closed on Fridays. It is best to confirm timings on public holidays.
Entry fee for citizens of SAARC and BIMSTEC countries is ₹25. Children below 15 years have free entry. Tickets can be purchased at the counter near the entrance. The fee is for entry into the main Hoysaleswara Temple complex.
Find your way to this destination with ease
Address
Hoysaleswara Temple Road, Halebeedu, Hassan District
Coordinates
12.5924, 76.6913
Nearest City
Sakleshpur
Multiple ways to get to this destination conveniently
The nearest major airports are Mangalore International Airport (IXE), about 170 km away (4-5 hours by road), and Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru (BLR...
Hassan Junction (HAS) is the nearest railway station, located about 32 km from Halebidu. It is well-connected to major cities like Bengaluru, Mysuru, and Mangal...
Halebidu has good road connectivity. It is located about 32 km from Hassan, 150 km from Mysuru, and 210 km from Bengaluru. Regular KSRTC and private buses ply f...
Within Halebidu, auto-rickshaws are available for short distances. For visiting nearby sites like Belur, it is best to hire a taxi or an auto-rickshaw from Hass...
Learn about the story and cultural importance of this destination
Halebidu, originally called Dwarasamudra, was the capital of the Hoysala Empire from the 11th to the 14th century. The construction of its most famous monument, the Hoysaleswara Temple, began around 1121 CE under the rule of King Vishnuvardhana. For over a century, the city flourished as a center of...
Halebidu is globally significant for its exceptional Hoysala architecture and sculptural detail. The Hoysaleswara Temple is considered a masterpiece of South Indian art, showcasing a level of craftsmanship that is almost unparalleled. The use of soapstone allowed for intricate carvings with minute d...
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