The 900 years old Hoysala temple Trail!!

If you ever get the opportunity to travel between Bangalore/ Mysore to Chikmangalur do not miss this architectural marvel and Gem of temples in Hassan district Karnataka. The Chennakesava temple in Belur and the Hoysaleswara temple in Halebeedu. During our journey there back in 2022 we unfortunately missed out on Belur as roads were blocked due to some local celebrations. We still went to Halebeedu and our mind was blown!! I honestly did not do any research or google these temples as much as I had looked into the places in Chikmangalur but that worked in our favor as I can not really explain in words what I felt the first time I saw this temple.

All my life I have been a great fan of the Dravidian temple architecture and still am, I always felt the intricate carvings and designs are unmatched but when I visited this temple I was forced to think again!!

These temples are majorly known for all the stunningly intricate carvings and designs on the sculptures on the outer walls of the temple. As complex as the outer walls of the temple look, the insides are as simple. Though dedicated to lord Shiva and Parvati, The outer walls of this temple are adorned by all major gods of Hinduism (Sanatana Dharma). Depicting epic scenes from the Ramayana, Mahabharata and Bhagavad Gita, The walls also adorn some amazingly beautiful structures of lord Ganesha. Halebeedu previously known as Dwarasamudra used to be the capital of the then Hoysala empire. Several temples like this was built but generating funds from a lot of devotees who would donate whatever they were capable of.

Later on almost like every ancient temple town in India Dawarsamudra and Belur too came under the vicious attack of the Delhi Sultanes and Mughals and several idols, temples and structures were destroyed leaving behind only the Hoysaleswara and the chennakesava temple behind, Thereby giving Dwarasamudra the name Halebeedu which means a wrecked or ruined old city.

If these temples could look like this in a state of ruins then Imagine what this would have looked like back in its full glory!! If only I had a time machine to go back in time and see the lost glory of these temples!! Slide on and see these these marvels for yourself.

This some more pictures below!! us in this gem of a temple!!

How to get there:

Halebeedu is around 200 kms from Bangalore and 142 kms from Mysore and can easily be covered as a pitstop enroute between these two cities to the hill station of Chikmangalur by road.

Best time to visit:

Considering the heat the best time to visit these temples would be between October to April and it would be better to skip May to September and avoid both summer and monsoon. Having said that this is a year round destination and if you can brave the heat and rains you can also make it during these times.

Places to stay:

quite a few budget options have now come up in both Belur and Halebeedu itself but if you would like options in all budget ranging from hostels and lodges to luxury hotels you can look at places to stay in Hassan.