Temple :

The Hoysaleswara temple was built by Ketamalla, a minister of KingVishnuvardhana in the 12th Century. Halebidu was ransacked and vandalized by the armies of Malik Kafur, after which it fell into the present state of disrepair and neglect.

The Hoysaleswara temple has the Idols of Hoysaleswara and Santaleswara. Hoysaleswara is named after King Vishnuvardhana Hoysala and Santaleswara after his wife, Queen Santala. The sanctum is built on a stellar plan, with a Sukhanasi, Navaranga and Nandi Mandtaps. Each of these mantap resembles the Belur Chennakesava temple in design.

The Kedareswara temple built by King Ballala II, at Halebidu also in ruins is considered to be another master piece of architectural grandeur. As with the Hoysaleswara temple, this temple has classic figures and scenes from the epics. There are over a hundred images set on the upper parts of the walls. Also nearby, are Jain temples dedicated to Parsvanatha, Santhanatha and Adinatha.