A small, quaint town in Karnataka, Halebeedu is famed for its temples, built during the Hoysala dynasty. Together with Belur and Shravanabelagola, it forms the golden triangle of the state. The Hoysaleshwara and Kedareshwara Temple are ancient holy shrines that are now mostly in ruins. Beautifully located near the Dwarasamudra, these stone-carved temples with intricate designs of classical tales are often compared to the temples of Khajuraho. The temples are constructed out of chloritic schist, a soft stone that is used for complex detailing. The sculptures are carved out of sandalwood and ivory. The temple complex also has an archaeological museum stacked with wooden sculptures, figurines, maps and photos from the past. A state tourism hotel and a handful of lodges are what are available in this town if you want to spend a night. Rather than Halebeedu, you can opt to stay in Hassan, a town close by that offers decent stays. The restaurants majorly serve vegetarian food but if you need your chicken or fish, look for the eatery opposite Canara Bank