Honeymoon in Halebid

During the 12th and 13th centuries AD, Halebid was the regal capital of the Hoysala Dynasty. Literally meaning 'the ruined city', Hoysala was also known by other aliases such as Dwarasamudra, which is derived from the vast tank known as Dwarasamudra.

This magnificent temple town has to bear the brunt of raids by marauding invaders, who robbed it of its treasures, leaving behind the ruins of the once-magnificent Shiva temple. In the face of persistent attacks, the Hoysalas then relocated their capital to Belur and this royal capital gradually reduced to a state of dilapidation and ruins.

The Hoysaleshwara and Kedareshwara temples in Halebidu are supreme examples of Hoysala temple architecture. Hoysaleshwara temple was built by Ketamala and attributed to Vishnuvardhana, the Hoysala ruler. It enshrines the deities of Hoysaleswara and Santaleswara, named after the king Vishnuvardhana Hoysala and his wife, Queen Santala.

The Hoysala temples are manifestations of the Vesara style of temple architecture characterized by star-shaped structures set upon raised platforms. The Vesara style was initiated by the Badami Chalukyas and further refined by the Kalyani Chalukyas. Nowadays, a vibrant tourism industry has emerged in Halebid around these fabulous temples

Well connected by rail and road to Mysore, Mangalore and Bengaluru, Halebid is easily accessible yet is a fairly quiet and secluded honeymoon destination in Karnataka, South India. Located at a distance of 15 kilometers from Belur, Halebid is a storehouse of lavishly sculpted Hoysala temples and Jain shrines that are a must visit.

Check in at the local guesthouses and hotels that offer special honeymoon packages for newly married couples who tour exotic Halebid in Karnataka.