Hassan is the district headquarters of the district known by same name in the state of Karnataka. It is located about 90 km form Bangalore. Hassan houses the Indian Space Research Organisation’s master control facility. Hassan name was derived from the original name Simhasanapura which later became Hassan. There is a Devi temple in the heart of Hassan town by the name Hasanamba. The temple is opened for public once in a year about a week during second Ashwayuja (October). Hassan District was under the reign of Mouryas in the 3rd BC and later was subsequently ruled by kingdoms of Kadambas, Chalukyas, Gangas, Hoysalas and Vijayanagar Empire. Hassan was discovered in the 11th century, by Channa Krishnappa Naik. Hassan was the seat of power for the Hoysala Empire in the 11th to the 13th century. Hoyslas built several fine temples in Hassan known for their unique architectural style.
This picturesque town blessed which has a salubrious climate has several tourists’ attraction places in and around it. Hassan which is a quiet and peaceful town is a convenient base to visit popular tourist’s destinations like Sharavanabelagola, Belur and Halebid. Belur-Halebeed is home to architectural marvels that bear the classic trademark of Hoysala architecture.
Belur
Belur is situated about 38 km from Hassan which on the banks of river Yagachi. Belur referred to as Velapur, Velur and Belahur at different points in history was the erstwhile capital of the Hoysalas and today its stands testimony to the splendid sculpting skills of the genius artisans during the hoysala era. Belur is also called as Dakshina Varnasi. The most famous temple and the main attraction in Belur is Chennakeshava temple which is one of the finest examples of Hoysala architecture. Dedicated to Lord Chennakeshava this magnificent temple was built by King Vishnuvardhana in 1114 AD to celebrate his victory over the Cholas. Temple complex comprises of the Chennakesava Temple along with other temples of Kappe Chennigaraya, Soumyanayaki, Andal and other Vaishnava manifestations. The Chennakesava temple was built using soapstone and the facade of the temple is filled with intricate sculptures. Stories from the Puranas, Upanishads and other mythological stories have been carved in the most authentic way in this temple. Madanikas or celestial nymphs are also highlight of the temple’s magnificent architecture. There are about 48 pillars which are filled with intricately carved sculpture. The most popular being, the Narasimha pillar. It is said to have revolved on its ball bearings once. Another attraction here is the beautiful sculpture of Shantala Devi, Queen of King Vishnuvardhana which is placed on the circular platform in front of the shrine.
Apart from this Veeranarayana Temple and Hoysaleswara Temple in Belur are also worth visiting.
Halebidu
Halebid is about 15 kms away from Belur. Halebidu was the regal capital of the Hoysala Empire in the 12th century and was known as Dwara Samudra. The Hoysaleshwara temple built by Ketamala and attributed to Hoysala King Vishnuvardhana is an architectural marvel. Hoysaleswara was also referred to as Dwarasamudra or Dorasamudra.The temple standing on platform like a casket is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is noted for its finely detailed scrollwork in stone. There are exclusive carvings all along the walls of the temple. The temple built in soapstone enshrines Hoysaleswara and Shantaleswara- named after the king Vishnuvardhana Hoysala and his wife, Queen Santala. Nandi (Bull) is also a highlight here. The Hoysaleswara temple has been listed by UNESCO as a heritage site. It has a Museum that showcases the 12th century sculptures and gold coins in use at the time. The Jain basadis nearby form another major attraction in Halebid.
Another famous temple is the Keddareshwara temple which is also a supreme example of Hoysala temple architecture.
Shravanabelagola
Shravanbelagola which is one of the most important Jain pilgrim centre is located about 52 kms from Hassan between the Indragiri and Chandragiri hills. The name ‘belagola’ means ’white pond’ is derived from the pond present in the centre of the town and ‘shriven’ is a reference to a Jain ascetic. The world’ s tallest monolithic statue of Gomateshwara, 57ft. in height installed by the Ganga General Chavundaray is located here in Indragiri hills. The Mahamastakabhisheka festival held here once every 12 years attracts devotees from all over the world. During this ceremony, the statue of Lord Gomateshwara is bathed with water kept in 1008 kalashas and is anointed with milk, curds, honey, turmeric paste, ghee, saffron, and gold coins. Chandragiri hill has several monuments like Kuge Brahmadevara Kambha, Mahanavami Mantapa, Parshwanatha Basadi, Chavundaraya Basadi and Chandragupta basadi.
Bisle Ghat
Bisle Ghat is situated about 65 kms from Sakaleshpur. Bisle is part of Western Ghats and is situated in the border of Hassan district and Dakshina Kannada district. This mountainous region is known for its splendid natural beauty and is a perfect destination for the trekking enthusiast.
Mosale
Mosale is 14 Kms from Hassan. The twin temple at this place is dedicated to Nageswara and Chennakeshava are the main attraction here. These temples are finest examples of Hoysala architecture.
Koravangala
Koravangala is 10 km far from Hassan. This village contains temples in Hoysala style of architecture built in 12th Century A.D. The Bucheswara temple built by Buchiraja here is an excellent specimen of Hoysala style.
District Museum
The District Museum of Hassan was established in 1977. This museum has great collection of many paintings, sculptures, inscriptions, weapons and coins and also antiquities that are of great archaeological importance.
Gorur
Gorur is situated about 20 kms from Hassan in Hassan-Arkalgud road. This place has one of the largest reservoirs of Karnataka built across the Hemavathi River. Also this place is famous for 3 Shiva temples built in Hoysala style during the 12th.
Manzarabad Fort
This fort is situated about is 46 Kms from Hassan on Mangalore road to Sakleshpur. The fort was built by Tipu Sultan in 1792. The fort is at a height of 3240 fts from sea level and view from top of the fort is spectacular.
Shettyhalli
Shettyhalli is located 13 kms from Hassan. This place is famous for the Drowning church built by French missionaries in 1860. This 450 year old church is built on the backwaters of Hemavathy Reservoir. The reservoir water submerges the church but the water recedes in summer season and during this time tourists can visit the church.
Ramanathapura
Ramanathapura is about 50 Kms from Hassan. This is an important pilgrimage centre located on the bank of the Cauvery. The main attraction here is the temple known for their architectural splendour. Sri Rameshwara, Pattabhirama and Agasthyeshwara temples at Ramanathapura were established during the Chola period and rejuvenated during the reign of the Hoysalas.
Kondajji
Kondajji is about 17 Kms.from Hassan. This place is noted for temple of Chennakeshava (Allalanatha). The image of the deity is about 14ft tall and is made out of black stone.
Nuggehalli
Nuggehalli is a village which is located 18 Kms. north-East of Channarayapatna. The famous Lakshminarasimha swamy temple of Nuggehally which is a major attraction here was built by Hoysalas in typical Hoysala architectural style on star shaped platform.
Doddagaddavalli
Doddagaddavalli is located 16 km from Hassan. The main attraction here is 12th century Lakshmi Devi temple. It is one of the oldest temples in Karnataka and is built on the side of a large pond. The temple has Lakshmi, Siva, Vishnu shrines which share a common Mantapa while the shrine of Kali is connected to the Mantapa via an oblong hall consisting of two bays.
There are many other places worth visiting like Nuggehalli, Hasanamba Temple, Doddagaddavalli, Kondajji etc.
How to reach Hassan
The nearest airport is Bangalore which is at a distance of 187 Km from Hassan. Hassan has its own railhead which is around 2 km from the city centre. The railway station is well connected from major cities like Bangalore, Hubli, Mumbai and Delhi. A good network of roads connects Hassan to nearby places like Bangalore, Mangalore, Madikeri, Chickmagalore, Belur, Halebid, and Shravanabelagola and also to all other major cities of Karnataka. Regular KSRTC buses are available from nearby cities to Hassan.
Accommodation
There are good numbers of hotels inside the city which offer comfortable stay to the tourists.