Introduction:

Hassan city is the headquarters of the Hassan district in Karnataka. Named after the local deity Hassanamba, this district is the architectural capital of Karnataka. The district had an eventful and rich history. The district, noted for its enchanting natural scenic beauty is also a veritable treasure-house of Hoysala architecture and sculpture, the best specimens of which are at Belur and Halebeed.

Photo Credit: Dineshkannambadi

Destination Facts:

Location: Karnataka, District Hassan
Altitude: 972 Meters
Area: 6,814 Sq. Km.
Temperature: (summer 19 to 33°C) & (winter 11 to 20°C)
Languages spoken: Kannada

Getting there:

Nearest Airports: Hassan does not have an airport and the nearest airport is Bangalore from where one can take flights to other major destinations in India and abroad.
Main Railway Station: Hassan is connected by rail to Bangalore, Mysore, Hubli, Shimoga and Mangalore.
Main Bus Station or Road: Hassan is well connected to Bangalore, Mysore, Mangalore, Madikeri, Chickmagalore. It is around 187 km from Bangalore and 115 km from Mysore. One can get frequent Govt. buses to Hassan from these cities/towns.

Distance of a few Major Towns from Hassan:
Bangalore 185kms , Mysore: 130kms

Places of Tourist interest:

Ramanathpur Temples:
This is a holy town on the banks of River Cauvery. This temple town is also known as "Dakshin Kashi" for its many temples that are at the banks of the river. There are over 5 temples within walking distance of one another. The river has a rich variety of fishes, some of which are revered. Right behind the Rameshwara temple, there are steps leading to the river where one can feed the fish after buying fish feed from vendors. You can also spot many birds. It is said that there is a cave in the waterbed that one can enter during the summer months.

Gorur Dam:
This dam was built across the Hemavathy river in early 1900s and forms the Hemavathi Reservoir. 46 villages were submerged by the dam waters. One needs permission from relevant authorities to go to the top of the dam to view the Hemavathi Reservoir. This town is also the birthplace of Gorur Ramaswamy Iyengar who is a stalwart in Kannada literature.

                                                Gorur Dam-Hassan

Shettyhalli Church:
This church is said to have been built about 450 years and is in Gothic architecture. The church gets submerged by the Hemavathy River backwaters. However, the water recedes during the summer months and one can go into the crumbling church. During this time, once a year, prayers are held and lamp is light in the church. When the church is submerged, you may find a coracle that would take you closer to the church. The new church is built in Portuguese style in the town.

                                         Shettyhalli Church-Hassan

Mosale Hoysala Temples:
There are 2 temples – Chennakeshava and Someshwara temples – built in Hoysala architecture with intricate details.

Sri Ranganatha Hill:
This temple is recently constructed and is situated on top of a hill. The Hanuman statue .The temple itself is of recent architecture. The drive to the hill is very picturesque and the road is very good. The temple is open from 6.30 am to 5 pm.

Getting around the destination:
The best way of transportation is by taxis, auto rickshaws, and buses.

Best time to Visit:
Hassan can be visited throughout the year except for the heavy rainfall period during the monsoons.