Home :: South India Travel Destinations :: Hassan India

» Location : 194 kms from Bangalore, Karnataka
» Main Attractions : Sravanbelagola
» Languages : Considered as the entry point to Belur, Halebid and Sravanbelagola
» Best Season : An Archaeological Site

Hassan is located in the south Indian state of Karnataka around 187 km from Bangalore. Hassan extends from latitude 13°01' in the North to longitude 76°10' in the East. The place is an ideal base to explore the historical sites of Belur, Halebid, and Shravanbelgola.

Not much is known of the history of Hassan. It was under the control of great Hoysala Empire during 11th to 13th century AD. This was the period when the great temples of Belur and Halebid were constructed. The region of Hassan was also greatly influenced by Jainism and later it became a well-known center of Jain literature. The present-day Hassan is the headquarters of the district by the same name and a convenient base for the tourists visiting Belur and Halebid.

Excursions of Hassan
Halebid: It is 27 kms north-west of Hassan and 17 kms east of Belur. The temples of Halebid - like those of Belur - bear mute testimony to the rich, cultural heritage of Karnataka. The Hoysaleswara Temple, dating back to the 12th century, is astounding for its wealth of sculptural details. The walls of the temple are covered with an endless variety of gods and goddesses, animals, birds and dancing girls. Yet no two facets of the temple are the same. This magnificent temple - guarded by a Nandi Bull - was never completed, despite 86 years of labor. The Jain basadis nearby are equally rich in sculptural detail. Belur and Halebid are 222 and 216 kms from Bangalore, respectively. Channarayapatna, Ramanathpur, Gorur and Manjarabad are the other places of interest around Hassan

Sravanbelagola: 51 kms southeast of Hassan, this is one of the most important Jain pilgrim centers. Here is the 17 m high monolith of Lord Bahubali - the world's tallest monolithic statue. Thousands of devotees congregate here to perform the Mahamastakabhisheka -a spectacular ceremony held once in 12 years, when the 1000 -year- old statue is anointed with milk, curds, ghee, saffron and gold coins. The next Mahamastakabhisheka will be held in 2005 A.D. Shravanabelegola is 158 kms from

Belur: This quaint hamlet - 34 kms from Hassan - is located on the banks of the river Yagachi. It was once the capital of the Hoysala Empire, today made unforgettable for its exquisite temples. The Chennakeshava Temple is one of the finest examples of Hoysala architecture. It took 103 years to complete and you can see why. The facade of the temple is filled with intricate sculptures and friezes with no portion left blank. Elephants, episodes from the epics, sensuous dancers. they are all there - awe-inspiring in their intricate workmanship. Inside are hand-lathe-turned filigreed pillars. The Veeranarayana Temple and the smaller shrines are well worth a visit.

Places to stay in Hassan
» Cauvery International, Kulur Junction. Hotel Panchami, Near KSRTC Bus Station.
» Hassan Ashok, ITDC B.M. Road, Hassan.
» Hotel Apoorva, Park Road, Hassan.
» Hotel Amblee Palika, Race Course Road, Hassan.
» Hotel Sanman, Municipal Office Road, Hassan.
» Vaisanavi Lodge, Church Road, Hassan.
» Hotel Harsha Mahal, Church Road, Hassan.
» Hotel Mahaveer, B.M Road, Hassan.

How to Get There
By Air : Bangalore is the nearest airport.

By Rail : The nearest rail junction is at Hassan.

By Road : Mysore is 115kms and Bangalore is 185 kms from Hassan by road.