Tourist Destinations in Hassan
Though a small district of Karnataka, Hassan has a wide range of sightseeing options, and has gained popularity among the tourists. Few of the must see places are namely, Belur, Halebeed, Sravanabelagola, Hasanamba Temple and Gorur Dam.Belur
Also known as Velapur, this place is famous for its exquisite temples. Belur was an early Hoysala capital and is situated 38kms from Hassan, 149kms from Mysore on the banks of the Yagachi River. The beauty of this place is attributed to the famous Chennakesava Temple, showing the finest workmanship of the Hoysala dynasty. This temple was built by the famous Hoysala king, Vishnuvardhana to celebrate his victory against the Cholas.How to reach: Direct State transport bus from Bangalore to Belur, takes around 6 hours to reach. One can also take railway from Bangalore to Tumkur and from there a bus ride to Belur. The shortest time will be taken by a rental cab which is around 4hours 30 min from Bangalore.
Halebeed
Halebeed or Halebidu was the erstwhile capital of Hoysalas, also known as Dwara Samudra. It is located around 16 km from Belur, 31 km from Hassan and 149 km from Mysore. One can enjoy the twin temple architecture of Hoysaleshwara and Kedareshwara, built by Vishnuvardhana and Ballala-II of the Hoysala Empire. Outer walls of the Hoysaleshwara temples are scripted with Ramayana, Mahabharatha & Bhagavatha sequences. The Kedareshwara temple, with its intricate ancient carvings, is also a treat for the eye.How to reach: Taxis are available from Belur to Halebeed which can cost around Rs700/- for a day’s trip. Daily government buses are also available from Hassan city to Halebeed.
Sravanabelagola
Squeezed between two rocky hills, this town is the epitome of Jain art, culture, architecture and religion for two millennia. It is situated about 49kms from Hassan and 150kms northwest of Bangalore. The 18m high monolithic statue of Lord Gomateshwara which stands atop the Indragiri hill amazes one’s mind.How to reach: Sravanabelagola is well connected by road from all major cities like Bangalore, Mysore and Hassan. Daily buses leave from Hassan. It is advisable to visit Shravanabelagola through Channarayapatna only, because there are no direct buses to Shravanabelagola from Hassan city.
Hasanamba Shrine
This shrine is the home of Hasanamba, the presiding deity of Hassan. Every year only during Diwali, this 12th Century temple opens for its devotees for a week.How to reach: This temple is at the heart of the Hassan city and can be easily reached in an auto rickshaw. It is around two hour drive from Bangalore, thus making it a weekend gateway.
Gorur Dam
This is also known as Hemavathy Dam as it is built across river Hemavathy, a tributary of river Kaveri. Built in 1979, this place is a beautiful picnic spot and is an attraction for the bird watchers. Monsoon is the best time to visit the place. This dam is around 22kms from Hassan and 192kms from Bangalore.How to reach: Regular KSTRC buses are available between Gorur and Hassan. One can avail train service till Hassan Railway Station and get a rented car to reach this place. One can also do a day trip from Gorur Dam to the following destinations:
1. Shettihalli Church
2. Bisle Ghat
3. Veeranarayana Temple
4. District Museum
5. Ramanathpura Temple
6. Mosale
Shopping in Hassan
One can have a delightful shopping experience in Hassan, with a wide range of options. There are lots of shops in and around the city selling varieties of sandalwood sculptures, ivory items, pure silk sarees and handloom. Tourists can buy small gift items and souvenirs like Ivory storage boxes, small but intricate sculptures of gods and goddesses. Beautiful sandalwood statues, incense sticks, decorative boxes are also available in local shops.Major shopping areas of the city are:
1. M G Road
2. K R Puram
3. Gandhi Bazaar
Outdoor Activities One Can Enjoy in Hassan
Adventure lovers can enjoy trekking along the majestic Pushpagiri Range and reach Bisle Ghat Reserve Forest to soak in the natural beauty. One can also enjoy water sports like rafting and kayaking in the Tungabhadra River.Festivals To Enjoy
The main festival in this district is the Hassanamba Temple Festival, which occurs every year in the month of October to honour “Hassan Amma”, the presiding deity who is believed to be the protector of the city of Hassan.Accommodation in Hassan
Recommended Places to Stay
1. Hoysala Village ResortsBelur Road, Hassan- 573201
Phone- 08172-256793/94/95/64
Fax No- 08172-256065
Email- [email protected]
2. Mallinge Residency
266, Govt. High School Field Road,
K.R Puram , Hassan-573201
Phone- 08172-260331/2/3
3. Candy Southern Star Hassan
B.M. Road, Hassan-573201
Phone- 08172-251816/17
Fax No- 08172-268916
Email- [email protected]
4. The Hills- Sakleshpur
Nelagalli Village, Hanbal Hobli,
Sakleshpur Taluk , Hassan , Karnataka
5. Hotel The Ashhok Hassan
B.M. Road, Hassan- 573201.
Phone- 08172-268731/32/33/34/35/36
Fax No- 08172-267154
Email- [email protected]
Approved Homestay in Hassan
1. B.S.Chirag“Swarga”, Kumbara Hally & Estate,
Sakaleshapur- Taluk
Contact: 08173-278242, 09448054505
2. B.P.Yagneshwar
Coffee Planter, Agani Grama,
Anubalu-Hobali
Sakaleshapur- Taluk
3. H.M.Devraj
Coffee Planter, Lakshmipuram,
Sakaleshapur- Taluk
Getting there
Tourism in Hassan Hassan although a small district of Karnataka, is very well connected by roads and rails from Bangalore and Mysore.From Bangalore:
By Train - There are two direct trains from Bangalore to Hassan namely, Kannur Express (16517) and Ypr Kawr Express (16515). Time taken by these trains will be around 4hrs 10min. Ticket price for a single person is around Rs 152/-.
By Bus - Direct State Transport buses are available between Bangalore and Hassan, which runs between the two cities 7 days a week. Ticket price for a single person is around Rs 335/-.
By Cab - One can always book a cab and travel between the two cities, with a cost of around Rs 2300/- per day including driver charges.
From Mysore:
By Train - Few direct trains are also available from Mysore namely, Talguppa Express (16206), Kannur Express (16517), Talguppa Express (07301), Mysore Dharwad Express (17301), Sharavati Express (11036). Time taken by these trains will be around 1hrs 48mins. Ticket price for a single person is around Rs 60/-.
By Bus - Direct State Transport buses are available between Bangalore and Hassan, which runs between the two cities 7 days a week. Ticket price for a single person is around Rs 215/-.
By Cab - Cab booking is also an option.
