Halebidu was the glorified royal capital of the Hoysala kingdom in 12th Century. Halebidu, which was previously called Dorasamudra or Dwarasamudra, got the name ‘Halebidu’ literally meaning ‘The Old City’ because it was ruined two times during the invasion of Malik Kafur. The temple town comprises two Hindu temples, the Hoysaleswara, Kedareswara temples and two Jain basadis. There is an archeological museum in the temple complex. These temples are surrounded by a big lake. The town gets its name from the lake. Soap stone / Chloritic Schist was used for the construction of these temples.