Halebid
is 15 km from Belur. This place was known as Dwara Samudra, the wealthy
capital of Hoysalas. Halebid has several strikingly beautiful Hoysala
temples and Jain shrines. The Hoysaleshwara temple, standing on platform
like a casket, is a sculptural extravaganza, richly endowed with most
finely detailed scroll work in stone.The figure of mortals and immortals are larger here as compared to Belur and are beautifully chiseled, in shining black stone. The walls of the temples are covered with variety of gods and goddesses, animals, birds and dancing girls. There is a museum on the lawn with 12-13th century sculpture and the gold coins in use at the time.












