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Archeological Museum Halebid

Archeological Museum Halebid is unique in the sense that it is an open air museum that preserves ancient sculptures dating back to the 12th and 13th century in addition to numerous coins, carvings and inscriptions. It is one of the most popular museums of South India and attracts tourists in large numbers right through the year. Halebid means a ruined city in local parlance.

Location and History

The Archeological Museum of Halebid is located in Hassan district in the state of Karnataka in South India. Halebid is 32 km from Hassan and 211 km from Bengaluru, the state capital. The museum was established in the early 70s and has many invaluable and ancient exhibits. Halebid, also known as Dwarasamudra was declared the capital of the Hoysala Empire in the 12th century. It is called the ruined as it was raided and wrecked twice by Bahmani Sultanate.

Sculptures and items of architectural importance from various locations of the ruins were accumulated painstakingly during the British Rule. They were kept in elephant stables earlier. The antiques and other artifacts were shifted the present museum building in 1972. The museum has four galleries modeled on the Hampi valley. There is a corridor running along the museum.

Sculptures and Exhibits at the Museum

There are numerous ancient exhibits in the museum, almost all of them absolutely stunning in creation and awe-inspiring.  Standing out among them all is the graceful and elegant replica of Krishnadevaraya, the illustrious ruler of the Vijayanagara dynasty. The towering replica of the King and his queens greet the visitors to the museum at the entrance.

The Various Galleries

The first gallery displays sculptures of the Saiva faith. There are ancient sculptures of Shakti, Ganesha, Kartikeya and consorts, Goddess Durga, Virabhadra, Mahishasura-mardani and Bhairava. The central hall resembles a temple and reveals the Shivalinga and Nandi with a Dwaram Tapa where a royal couple invites you inside.

The second gallery has on display a number of antiquities in assorted form. These include items like arms and armory, metal objects and brass plates of religious importance and copper plate grants. Another gallery holds rare ancient coins made of copper and gold belonging to the Vijayanagara dynasty.

Other Important Items of the Museum

Another part of the museum is reserved for antiquities related to pre-historic and proto-historic period. Visitors are also shown sati stones and medieval hero stones. Important items retrieved from excavations such as iron objects, shards of porcelain and stucco figurines. This gallery also has archaeological excavations conducted from 1976 to 1998 in the forts.

An informative kiosk ensures that visitors to the gallery get all the answers they want from the World Heritage. The best pieces of art and sculptures from the Halebid museum have been put up on display at various international exhibitions.

In all, there are more than 1,500 articles of historic importance from various ages and eras on display in this museum.

Visitor Information

The Archeological Museum of Halebid is open to visitors from 10 AM to 5 PM on all days except Fridays, which is a weekly holiday. Children up to 15 years of age can enter the museum for free. Others are charged INR 5 per head.

The best time to visit the Archaeological Museum at Halebid is from November through April. During these months the climate is pleasant.

How to Reach

By Bus

Halebidu is well-connected by road. It is 17 km from Belur, 32 km from Hassan and 211 km from Bengaluru. While the bus services are fairly frequent, you can also choose to hire private cars and taxis.

By Road

The railway station nearest to the museum is Hassan Railway Station which is 38 km away.

By Air

Bengaluru is the nearest airport at 222 km from Halebid.

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