Hassan is at a distance of 187 kms from Karnataka's capital city of Bangalore. Hassan may be regarded as the showpiece of the great Hoysala heritage. The Hoysala empire had flourished here from 11th to 13th centuries AD. Hassan is the entry point for Belur, Halebid and Sravanabelagola. Present day Hassan is the headquarters of the district by the same name. The temperature is moderate and tourists can enjoy a good time throughout the year.

Accommodation and Connectivity

The nearest airport to Hassan is Bangalore airport at a distance of some 187 kms. From Bangalore, flights are available to all major destinations of India. The Hassan railway station is 2 kms away from the city. There are regular trains from Bangalore, Mysore and Mangalore to Hassan. By road, Hassan is well connected to Bangalore, Mysore, Belur and Halebid.

Good accommodation facilities are available in Hassan. Infact, the place is slowly emerging as a popular tourist destination and tourist inflow is steadily rising. .



Tourist Attractions

It is worth mentionable that most of the tourist attractions are actually located in different parts of Hassan district and outskirts. The tourist attractions are not confined to the city alone.

Belur

The distance of Belur from Hassan is 38 kms. The Channekeshava Temple constructed in the year 1116 A.D is the major attraction of Belur. It is the only remaining Hoysala temple where prayers are still held. The period taken to complete the temple was 100 years. It is said that every Hindu deity is represented in the temple in some form or the other. Chennigaraya and Viranarayana are the other Hoysala temples in Belur.

Halebid

Halebid is another place famous for Hoyasaleswara temple. This exquisitely built temple consumed almost 90 years for construction but could never be completed. The temple is another remarkable example of unique Hoysala art and architecture. Every wall of the temple has carved out images of innumerable Hindu deities, sages and saints, bird and animal forms. Halebid also has three beautiful Jain temples..

Shravanbelgola

Shravanbelgola is at a distance of 48 kms from Hassan. Shravanbelgola's claim to fame is the statue of Lord Bahubali also known as Gomateshwar. It is worth mentionable that the 17 metre high statue of Bahubali is the tallest monolithic structure in the world. One is required to climb as many as 614 rock-cut steps to reach the statue situated on top of a hillock. Shravanbelgola is also an important Jain pilgrimage centre.


Excursion Delights

The historical town of Chikmagloor is a popular excursion destination from Hassan. The place has several important monuments like Kodandarama Temple, the Jamia Masjid and St. Joseph’s Cathedral. Chikmagloor is also regarded as a paradise for trekkers.

Hassan is slowly developing as a major tourist destination of Karnataka. One festival worth a mention in Hassan is Mahamastakabhisheka of the statue of Bahubali which is held every 12 years. This festival is celebrated in a big way in Hassan. One Mahamastakabhisheka is slated for 2005 while the next shall be held in the year 2017.