194
km. From Bangalore, this calm and peaceful town is a convenient
base to visit Shravanabelagola, Belur and Halebid. Hassan offers
you a wide variety of accommodation. Hassan is the district headquarters,
194 km from Bangalore. It is a centre of trade for coffee.
Traditions say that the place name originated from Simhasanapura.
The town was ascribed to a Chola Officer called Bukkanayaka of the
11th Century.
Tourist
Destinations:
» Hasanamba
Shrine
The
shrine with an anthill that represents Hasanamba, the presiding
deity, is opened only once a year for a week, during the month of
October and big fair or 'Jatra' is held during this time.
» Belur
40
km from Hassan, Belur was the erstwhile capital of Hoysala rulers
800 years ago and has beautiful temples and monuments built in ancient
Hoysala architectural and sculptural style. Chennakesava temple
of the 2nd century is an architectural wonder built on a star-shaped
platform featuring bracket figures, intricate carvings on the stonewalls,
the gravity pillar in the courtyard, exquisite panels and richly
carved pillars, which are the masterpieces of craftsmanship. Another
temple that is worth seeing here is Veeranarayana Temple with fine
sculpted figures of various Hindu gods.
» Sravanabelagola
52
km from Hassan, Sravanabelagola is a famous pilgrimage centre for
Jains. The 1,800 years old 17m high statue of Lord Gomateswara,
a Jain Saint, atop the Indragiri Hills is said to be one of the
tallest and loveliest monolithic statues of the world. It symbolizes
renunciation of worldly possessions. Once in every twelve years,
'Mahamastakabisheka' or sacred anointment ceremony is held when
thousands of devotees flock to the place. Chandragiri Hill boasts
of 14 shrines and tomb of Chandragupta Maurya. The 10th century
Chamundaraya basti is the most remarkable temple while Bhandari
Basti has the Gommateshvara Statue featuring 24 images of Tirthankaras.
» Halebid
39
km from Hassan, Halebid was formerly known as Dwarasamudra, the
ancient capital of the Hoysala Empire. The highlights of the city
are the 12th century Hoysaleswara temple with friezes and sculptures
depicting scenes from Hindu mythology and the Archaeological Museum
displaying 12th-13th century sculptures, woodcarvings, idols, coins
and inscriptions.
» How
to reach Hassan
By
Air : Nearest airport is Bangalore, 185 km from the city of Hassan.
By Rail : Well connected by trains to all the major cities of India
and to and from Bangalore.
By Road: Well linked by smooth roads to Mysore (115 km) and Bangalore.
