| Location | Hassan district, 194 km from Bangalore |
| Main Attractions | Temples of Belur, Halebid and Sravanbelagola |
| Best Time To Visit | October to March |
Enjoying pleasant weather, Hassan is a fascinating archaeological site with many attractions in its sleeves. It is a city located in the Hassan district of Karnatak. Its architectural masterpieces make one pause and think over the height of human creativity. The city is truly a delightful site for tourists. The city was named after its presiding deity goddess Hasanamba. Hassan is the gateway to Belur, Halebid and Sravanabelagola, each of which is famous for its temple architecture. The primary language of the city is Kannad. Hindi and English languages are also spoken here.
The history of Hassan dates back to the 11th century to the rein of Channa Krishnappa Naik. The rulers of Hoysala dynasty ruled over this city for ages and left their impressions in the form of amazing architectural marvels. There are around forty five monuments in the city, which attract tourists from far and wide. This city also houses the Master Control Facility of Indian Space Research Organization.
Chennakesava Temple
The pride of Belur, Chennakesava Temple is known for its amazing carvings and sculptures. Its history goes back to the 12th century. The construction of this temple took around 103 years. It is located at a distance of 34 km from Hassan.
Hoysaleswara Temple
Testimony to the rich architectural heritage of Karnataka, Hoysaleswara Temple in Halebid is best known for its beautifully festooned walls. They showcase sculptures depicting scenes from the great Hindu Epics.
Jain Pilgrimage Center
The Jain Pilgrimage Center at Shravanabelagola is an important pilgrimage site of Jains. Located between two hills, Indragiri and Chandragiri, the center houses a grand statue of Lord Gomateshwara(a jain saint). It is one of the tallest monolithic statues in the world.
Hassan comes alive with its most celebrated festival, Mahamastakabhisheka which is dedicated to Lord Gomateshwara, a Jain saint. It is celebrated after every 12 years and last time it was held in the year 2005. Interesting rituals are performed during the festival.
Hassan is famous for coconut, cardamom, coffee and rice.
Accommodation is not a problem in Hassan as it is one of the famous tourist places in Karnataka. However, luxurious hotels are not available here. Decent hotels with good facilities and services are available in the city. Accommodation options are also available at Belur and Halebid.
By Air: Bangalore is the nearest airport.
By Rail:
The railway station at Hassan connects it the cities like Bangalore, Mysore and Mangalore.
By Road:
Hassan is easily accessible from the cities of Karnataka.
