Hassan: Discover The “Poor Man’s Ooty” In Karnataka!

Karnataka is one of the most charming south-Indian states which is famous for its wildlife national parks and heritage places. In this huge state of Karnataka, Hassan is one of the most fascinating places to visit in India because of its lovely tourist attractions and exquisite Hoysala-era architecture. 

The name of this Hassan City was derived from the deity Goddess Hassanamba. The Goddess’s name “Hassanamba” in the Kannada language stands for ‘Smiling Mother.’

Temple-architecture capital of Karnataka, Hassan City is located in the Hassan district and south-western region of the Indian state i.e., of Karnataka. Travelers have a wide range of options when visiting Hassan’s tourist attractions, including taking in the spirituality of the city’s religious sites, discovering the city’s exquisitely crafted medieval architecture, taking in the area’s breathtaking natural beauty, and more.

Plan your next trip with friends or family to our southern beauty i.e., Hassan City of Karnataka, India!!! 

Best places to visit in Hassan

Below are the most popular and must-visit places in Hassan city are mentioned. Without visiting these places your trip to Hassan is incomplete.

Gorur Dam

Gorur Dam, popularly known as Hemavathi Dam was built across a crucial tributary of the Kaveri i.e., Hemavati River in the year 1979. The Gorur Dam was named after Gorur Ramaswamy Iyengar who was a popular Kanada literary personality. The purpose of building this reservoir is to provide water for drinking and agricultural facilities to the individuals of Hassan city.

The Gorur Dam is 58.5 m high and 4692  long with a gross storage capacity of around 1050.63 mcm. This dam has six large spillway gates. The timings for visiting this place in the leisure time of tourists are from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Bucesvara Temple

Bucesvara Temple, popularly known by its name Koravangala Temple. This alluring temple was built by Buchiraja who was a rich officer during the 12^th century in the Hoysala Dynasty reign. Buchiraja made this temple to celebrate the coronation of the emperor Veera Ballala II.

One can visit this other Lord Shiva-dedicated temple from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tourists must admire the charming sculptures and paintings of this huge complex temple. 

Kedareshwar Temple

Around 1220 CE, this beautiful gem of Hassan was constructed by a king of Hoysala named Veera Ballala II. By the name of the temple, one can guess that it is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple was constructed in the old Hoysala style architecture from soaprock on the river Narmada banks.

The sculptures present in the temple depict the life of Lord Shiva and Vishnu. No entry fee is to be paid for the Kedareshwar temple. This place is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. except for Fridays.

Shettihalli Church

The Shettihali Church, officially known as Shettihali Rosemary Church is a perfect representation of Gothic-style architecture built during the 1860s by French missionaries. Due to the fact that the church submerges in water during the monsoon season, it is also known as ‘The Floating Church’ or ‘The Submerged Church.’

You can visit this church from 6 in the morning to 6 in the evening. Gorur reservoir is built to redirect the water away from this place so that the church doesn’t submerge in the water. Every traveler should go here at least once in their lives.

Maharaja Park

Maharaja Park is one of the most beautiful parks in Hassan city which is famous as a picnic spot and for other outdoor activities. The park is well-maintained till now with lush green grasses and beautiful floors that enhance the beauty of this place. You can explore the whole park in 2-3 hours.

The Maharaja Park remains open from 5 a.m. to 8 p.m. seven days a week. This is one of the best tourist places for a family having young children as there is a special area where these youngsters can have fun. 

Hasanamba Temple

Hasnamba Temple, formerly known as Sihmasanapuri was built to dedicate to Goddess Shakti. This temple was created from Hasana Mukhi (Cheerful face) during the Hoysala dynasty in the 12^th century A.D. This temple has a unique feature in that it opens for only 2 weeks for the devotees during the Diwali festival in the presence of the Deputy Commissioner.

The devotees offer raw rice along with lighting the lamp for the goddess, but the rice never gets rotten and the lighted lamp burns till the next time temple opens. Even the flowers retain their freshness till next time. Recently, a new tower was made in Sri Hasanamba Temple in Dravidian style. This is a beautiful temple to be must-visited by tourists and it opens from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Bhagwan Bahubali Statue

The World’s Highest Monolithic Statue is named Bhagwan Bahubali Statue, which is also called Gomateshwara Statue. This statue has been awarded in 2005 as the Seven Wonders of India. The statue was built in 983 CE by the emperor of Rajamalla of the Ganga Dynasty named Chamundaraya. The total height of this statue stands at around 17 meters.

During the festival of Mahamastakabhisheka, the statue is bathed in saffron, milk, ghee, and curd once every 12 years. The statue is around the Vindhyagiri Hills offering spectacular views for tourists. One has to pay an entry fee of INR 200 per person for exploring this place between 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.  

Lakshmi Devi Temple

Lakshmi Devi Temple was built using the soaprock architecture of the old Hoysala dynasty during the 12^th century dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi. From Tuesday to Friday and Sunday, the Lakshmi Devi Temple is available to be explored from 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. On Saturday and Monday, the famous temple opens from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

It is advised to consider the temple timings day-wise before visiting the place. This is one of the best places to visit in Hassan if you enjoy history, so make sure to put it on your itinerary.

Ishvara Temple

Ishvara Temple was built by the Hoysala kings during the Hoysala dynasty in the 11^th century. Ishvara Temple of Arasikere was made to dedicate to Lord Shiva with stunning architecture and is rich in India’s cultural beauty.

This temple is also referred to as Chandramouleshwara Temple, Arasikere. The temple’s unique features, including its single shrine, intricate craftsmanship, and intricate carvings, which cannot be found in other Hoysala structures, make it a well-known destination in the area.

Bisle Ghat and Forest Reserve: The famous sanctuary of Hassan in the western ghats is called Bisle Ghat and Forest Reserve. This place is located in Sakleshpur of the Hassan district across 40 hectares of reserved forest area. The popular and alluring viewpoint of this place is called Bisle Betta which offers spectacular views of the place covered with mountain ranges all around.

The Bisle Forest Reserve has a wide variety of flora and fauna which will enhance your experience in the beautiful city of Hassan in Karnataka. Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary is connected by a natural corridor by Bisle Ghat, which is at the opposite end of the forest reserve.

Best time to visit Hassan

The Winter Season of Hassan city is considered to be the best time to visit. So, this city along with its neighboring towns must be visited between the months of October, November, December, January, February, and March as the weather is pleasant during these months. If you visit in the month of October or November, you would also be able to visit the Hasanamba temple which opens only during the Diwali festival. During these months, as there is a cold ambiance all around so, one can enjoy all the activities and places.

How to reach Hassan?

Hassan is a beautiful city situated in the state of Karnataka, India. This alluring place can be reached via various modes of transportation such as roadways, railways, or airways.

• By Airways: Hassan city doesn’t have its own airport as of now but soon it will start as it’s under construction. So, for reaching Hassan, the nearest airport is Kempegowda International Airport of Bangalore. This airport is around 200 km from Hassan city for which you can take a bus or cab. Other airports that can be opted for are Mangalore Airport and Mysore Airport, but they are not well-linked with every Indian state.
• By Railways: Hassan has its own railway station named Hassan Railway Station. The railway station is only 2 km far away from the main city center and well-connected with major states of India. This is the most feasible, economical, and comfortable mode of transportation. 
• By Roadways: Karnataka State Road Transportation Corporation (KSRTC) takes care of road connectivity and regular bus services to reach Hassan city. Some private operators like Kukkeshree Travels and Subramanya Tours & Travels also offer bus service to reach this city.

Conclusion

Hassan is a must-visit place for religious people as this city represents its heritage and culture very well in each of its temples, tourist places, and anything. When you visit this place for the trip, must try the local cuisine of Hassan which is made with so much love and affection that will make you fall in love deeply with this place.

So, don’t waste your time scrolling your phones !!! Go and book your tickets for exploring this small alluring place in our country.

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