Heritage Karnataka Hampi Badami Pattadakal Aihole Lakkundi Kittur Chennamma Fort Chitradurga Fort Bijapur Gulbarga Fort Bidar Fort Mysore Palace Srirangapatna Somnathpur Belur Helebidu Bangalore Palace Tipu's Fort And Palace Bellary Fort Adi Chunchanagiri       District: Hassan   Belur - 17km Hassan - 27km Bangalore - 213km   Hassan - 27km   Mangalore - 168km Bangalore - 253km STD Code: 08177     Just 17km away from Belur is Halebid, the ancient capital of the Hoysalas. The temple, perched on a star-shaped base amidst lawns, is a sculptural extravaganza. Its walls are richly carved with an endless variety of Hindu deities, sages, stylised animals, birds, and friezes depicting the life of the Hoysala kings. The temple complex has a museum which houses the idols, statues, busts, and sculptures excavated by the Archaeological Department from the ruins. It is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Closed on Fridays.