Halebid, or Halebidu, was the capital of the Hoysala empire in the 12th and 13th centuries. This dynasty has left a monument of unparalleled splendor, the temple of Hoysaleswara. The richness and finesse sculptural details are undoubtedly the most exquisite example of Hoysala architecture.

The Somnathpur temple located on the left bank of the Cauvery river is a place not to be missed on the road to Mysore. This gray stone sanctuary, built on a surprising star-shaped platform, is certainly the best ambassador of Hoysala architecture with Beluru and Halebidu.