The picturesque town of Hassan is located in the heart of Malnad. Having a very pleasant climate throughout the year, Hassan, 194 kms from Bangalore is the entry point for Belur, Halebid and Sravanabelagola. Sravanabelagola is a famous Jain pilgrimage with a 17 m high monolith of lord Bahubali standing tall. Belur was once the capital of the Hoysala kings.
The Chennakeshava temple took 103 years to complete and is filled with intricate carvings and sculptures. No space is left blank in this finest example of Hoysala architecture. In Belur Veeranarayana temple is also worth visiting. Halebid, like Belur is also a mute testimony to the rich cultural heritage of Karnataka.
Belur
34 kms from Hassan, 149 kms from Mysore and 222 kms from Bangalore is Belur, which is famous for its exquisite temple. Belur is also known as `Dakshina Varanasi` or `Southern Banaras`.
Halebid
17 kms from Belur. This place is known as `Dwara Samudra`, the wealthy capital of Hoysalas.
Sravanbelagola
This legendary pilgrimage and shrine of the Jains since early times is 52 kms from Hassan, 80 kms from Mysore and 150 kms from Bangalore. The `Mahamastakabhisheka`, held once in 12 years, is one of the main attractions of the place, which attracts a large number of devotees.
How to get there ?
Air- Bangalore is the nearest airport.
Rail-The nearest rail junction is at Hassan.
Road- Mysore is 115kms and Bangalore is 185 kms from Hassan by road.