Halebidu

About Halebidu: Halebidu was the capital of Hoysalas during 12th century. This is one of the best Hoyasala architecture of that period.  The stone carving of various purna stories and god/goddess stands out with amazing workmanship. Everyone will definitely utter a word "WOW", what an amazing manual hand crafted work by those century people.

There are twin Shiva temple with two huge Nandhi is something that you would not have seen anywhere. 

How did we reach Halebidu: We started from Bangalore by car on Saturday morning around 6.30 AM and took NICE road to reach Tumkur road. (NH4). Then we took the left turn near Tumkur (NH 206). We stopped over in "Kamat" hotel for our breakfast around 9 AM. We reached Halebidu by 10.30 AM. Total journey is about 220KM and the roads are fine. We spent about 115/- for the couple of toll roads.

What did we do in Halebidu: We spent about 2 hours to see the architecture of Halebidu and museum. There is a beautiful lake adjacent to the temple. We took the row boat for 30 minutes and got to enjoy the lake along with bank of temple.



What we didn't like: The sellers of coconut water and craft items torturing foreigners to buy. They were just chasing them until they got inside the Asian tourism bus. We also didn't like the road outside the temple. The roads are pathetic with rough stones.


What we liked: Many schools got their children here for the vacation and attempts made by teachers to explain the significance of Hoysala history. The inside premises are kept clean. Lot of tourist guide available to explain about the architecture in various languages including European languages.

Request to the readers:

1. When you see a foreigner being tortured by the sellers, Please step up and speak for them. The language and the culture is biggest barriers for them. Let them leave the country with the good feeling of ancient architecture and current generation hospitality. (Athithi Devo Bhava).

2. If you are a local resident of Hasan district, demand for good roads from your politician. It is one of Karnataka's best tourist spot and that need to be maintained both inside as well as outside.
Halebidu - outer stone carving

Halebidu - Ganesha

Halebidu - Shiva linga

Halebidu - Outer stone carving

Halebidu - back view
Halebidu - front view from entrance

Halebidu - Museum view from temple

Halebidu - Round carved pillars

Halebidu - Different shape pillars

Halebidu - 1st Nadhi view
Halebidu - Side view

Halabidu - Greenery around

Halebidu - Rear view

Haleidu - carved elephants

Halebidu - Back to front

Halebidu - Connecting two shiva temples
Halebidu - 2nd Nadhi
Halebidu - 2nd Nadhi side view
Halebidu - Stone carved bells in Nadhi
Halebidu - Garland stone carving in Nadhi

Halebidu -  Restored Jain statues in the museum

Halebidu - Lake view from temple

Halebidu - Lake view
Halebidu - view of the temples from lake
Halebidu - Shiva linga

Halebidu - 11th century scripts

Halebidu - outer carving
Halebidu - god statue inside

Singapore River


Don't miss to go to Merlion park (aka Malion) where it's a nice scenic view of the Singapore river during night. The colorful tall building reflection on water is very nice. You really need to admire and learn from Singaporeans to maintain the river for it be that clean. I thought about "Koovam river" in Chennai for a while and took a deep breath. Do your bit to keep it clean.

Singapore Jurong Bird Park

Jurong bird park in Singapore is one place that you should not miss out. They provide the tickets for all three in one shot. (Singapore zoo, Night Safari and Jurong bird park). We visited the Jurong park the next day after night safari. It's wonderful to see the colorful birds. We have not seen that many varieties of parrots so far. It's also nice to see the penguin and white pelican. Crown pigeon is something that you will not miss to observe. Red and White flamingo is awesome to watch as well.


Cauvery River

Temples - Kanchi

Kanchi is one of the oldest and greatest historic city. During Pallava period, (400 AD) many temples were built and they are rich in architecture. Kanchi Kamakshi  is one of the very famous temple here. This city is also famous for presence of  holy Sankara-achariyar. The current Achariyar are Jayendara Saraswathi Swamigal and Vijayendra Saraswati Swamigal.. The legend and still lives in many heart is "CHANDRASEKARA SWAMIGAL". He is known for simplicity and guidance for many. Kanchi is about 80 KM from Chennai on the Bangalore high way. You may need to take left exit after 40+ KM from Sri perumbudur. Other than temples and Achariyar, the town is very famous silk sarees. One of the main occupation is weaving silk cloths here. You may get some authentic right silver jari cloths if you know the right contacts.