About 17 km east of Belur stands Halebid, the ancient capital of the Hoysalas, formerly known as Dwarasamudram (Gateway to the seas). The temples of Halebid, like those at Belur, represent one of the most artistically exuberant periods of Hindu cultural development. One of the marvellous temples is the Shiva Temple. The core of this temple was nearly complete in 1142, but sculptural embellishments continued for another three generations, and the shrine remained incomplete, when the Khiljis in 1310 and the Tughlaqs in 1327, invaded and plundered the town. On the southern entrances of the temple, are two small Nandi shrines. These Nandis (bulls) are elaborately carved, sporting jewellery and garlands. There is something very natural and lifelike about these images.

The fantastic friezes deeply carved on the schist, cover the entire exterior, giving the most prolific exhibition of scenes and motifs. The epics come alive on the drama, petrified in time. The lowest motif depicts some 2000 elephants with riders, each in a different stance, horses, mythical beasts and floral motifs. The 280, larger images of deities, mostly female, are heavily bedecked with ornate jewellery and fabulous garments. The dwarapalas (doorkeepers) at the southern and western entrances, are carved rather elaborately.

Besides the Shiva Temple, Halebid has a few other temples, boasting of superb craftsmanship. The Jain Basti temples are contemporaries of the Shiva temple. The western-most Parsvanath Temple is magnificent, with its 32 pillared pavilion. The 14 feet high image of Parsvanath, has a seven hooded cobra over its head. The two other shrines of Adinatha and Shantinatha, are small but elegant structures. Further down the unfrequented road, is the dilapidated shrine of Kedareshwar. After much restoration, this temple has regained some of its lost splendour. This temple is a classic example of Indian temple architecture. 

To the northeast of the Shiva temple, lies a vast stretch of sand covered debris, of a number of temples which have been excavated recently. At the southwest corner stands the Huccheshwar temple, in absolute ruins.