Halebid is one of Karnataka's open secrets. Although supposedly on the well-worn tourist path, I have seldom met people who have actually been to Halebid. And the ones who have seen the place well, they've been there, done that, and said little about it.
Capital of the Hoysala Empire which flourished in the 12th and 13th centuries, Hale Bidu (Old City) is the most apt of several names that are tagged on to this little town in Karnataka. Another ancient name was Dwarasamudra gateway to the sea indicating the numerous water bodies that must have been in the vicinity at the time. A town one can walk about in should one choose to do so, Halebid is still one of those deserted places that unexpectedly comes upon you round a bend in the road, and surprises you with its charm. It is surrounded by fields which now cover the area of what used to be a large tank providing irrigation to the surrounding areas.
On clear days, from the road one can see the Gomateswara statue at Srava?nabelgola looming in the distance. Owing to its proximity to Bangalore, most people do Halebid as a day-trip, so ironically it's a great place to spend a couple of days since few people stay the night.