Photo spot in Halebidu
Kedareshwara Temple
Halebidu, Karnataka
A graceful smaller Hoysala temple near Hoysaleswara, star-shaped and finely carved, dedicated to Shiva as Kedareshwara.
Best time
Early morning or late afternoon, when side light shows the carving on the star-shaped walls and there is almost no one around.
Best angle
Stand at a corner of the platform and take a diagonal photo so the zig-zag star-shaped walls lead the eye along the carved friezes.
Entry fee
Free
Opening hours
6:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Crowd level
Low
Best outfit colors
Overview
Best time to visit Kedareshwara Temple
Early morning or late afternoon, when side light shows the carving on the star-shaped walls and there is almost no one around. Crowds here are typically low. Arrive a little early to claim your angle and catch the softest light before the day tips over.
Poses & angles
Photo tips for Kedareshwara Temple
Stand at a corner of the platform and take a diagonal photo so the zig-zag star-shaped walls lead the eye along the carved friezes. Work a few of the pose ideas below, shoot wide for context and tight for detail, and give yourself a couple of extra minutes to get the frame right.
Before the temple
Along the carved plinth
Outfit guide
What to wear at Kedareshwara Temple
For photos at Kedareshwara Temple, cream, maroon and mustard work beautifully — they stand out against the setting without fighting it. Pick one hero colour and keep the rest of the look calm so you stay the subject of the frame.
Best outfit colors for photos
Trending wear for this spot
Popular modern looks travellers are wearing across Halebidu.
Traditional wear for this spot
Timeless, cultural looks that suit Kedareshwara Temple.
Eat nearby
Food near Kedareshwara Temple
Round out the visit with something to eat. Look for holige nearby, or settle in at one of the 1 restaurants close by.
Special dishes to try
Restaurants & food places nearby
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Good to know
Local tips
Walk here from the Hoysaleswara Temple, as it is only about half a kilometre away.
Visit the Jain basadis next door on the same walk.
Walk around the whole platform to see the star shape and carved friezes.
Come in the morning or late afternoon, when the light on the carvings is softer.
Remove your shoes if you enter the shrine.
Do not touch or climb on the carvings.
Carry water, as there is little shade and few stalls nearby.
About the Kedareshwara Temple
The Kedareshwara Temple is a smaller Hoysala temple dedicated to Shiva, built in 1219 CE by King Veera Ballala II and his queen Abhinava Ketaladevi. It is about half a kilometre from the Hoysaleswara Temple and stands next to the Jain basadis.
Like the main temple, it sits on a star-shaped platform with carved walls, but its size makes the shape easy to take in at a glance. Parts of the temple have been damaged over the centuries, yet the carved friezes and figures that remain are finely detailed. It sees very few visitors, so it is a good place to look at Hoysala carving without crowds.
Questions
Kedareshwara Temple — FAQ
What is the best time to visit Kedareshwara Temple?
Early morning or late afternoon, when side light shows the carving on the star-shaped walls and there is almost no one around. Stand at a corner of the platform and take a diagonal photo so the zig-zag star-shaped walls lead the eye along the carved friezes.
Is there an entry fee at Kedareshwara Temple?
Entry to Kedareshwara Temple is free.
What are the opening hours of Kedareshwara Temple?
Kedareshwara Temple is open 6:30 AM – 6:00 PM.
What should I wear at Kedareshwara Temple?
Cream, maroon and mustard photograph especially well here. Explore the trending and traditional outfit ideas on this page for full looks.
How crowded does Kedareshwara Temple get?
Crowd levels are typically low. To miss the busiest window: early morning or late afternoon, when side light shows the carving on the star-shaped walls and there is almost no one around.
What food should I try near Kedareshwara Temple?
Try holige, available at nearby restaurants.
What is the Kedareshwara Temple famous for?
It is known for its star-shaped Hoysala design and fine wall carvings. It was built in 1219 CE by King Veera Ballala II and Queen Abhinava Ketaladevi and is much quieter than the Hoysaleswara Temple.
How do I reach the Kedareshwara Temple?
It is about half a kilometre from the Hoysaleswara Temple, next to the Jain basadis. You can walk there in a few minutes or take an auto-rickshaw.
How much time do I need at the Kedareshwara Temple?
Around 20–30 minutes is enough to walk around the platform and look at the carvings.
Is the Kedareshwara Temple worth visiting after the Hoysaleswara Temple?
Yes. It is small, quiet and close by, and its size makes the Hoysala star-shaped plan easier to see than at the main temple.