Top 10 Best Places To Visit In Hassan – Travel Guide
You might think, from where did the place get its name, Hassan, them let me enlighten you. The place is named Hassan as a short form for Hasanamba, the goddess that presides over the district.
From 1000 – 1334 CE, the Hassan district was famous for being the seat of the Hoysala Empire. The district is located 187 km away from Bangalore. Hassa is known for its amazing architectural prowess of temples.
Due to its old-world environment and the history of the Hoysala Empire make, the district is a major tourist attraction. If you are looking forward to visiting here, the best time would be from June to February.
But if you don’t know the most excellent places to visit in Hassan, then keep on scrolling to find out!
Best Places To Visit In Hassan
Here, in Hassan, there is a lot to see, but among them, the best places to visit are the following.
1. Gorur Dam
Gorur Dam or popularly known as Hemavathi Dam, is one of the most popular places to visit in Hassan district. The dam was built in the year 1979 for irrigation and drinking purpose and household work.
The surrounding area of the dam is known to be a popular picnic spot for tourists and even locals. If you are an avid bird watcher, then you might wanna bring your binoculars here with you.
Timing: 9 am to 5 pm
Entry Fee: Free
How To Reach: There are KSRTC travels between Hassan and Gorur on a daily basis.
Where To Stay: The Karle, The Rappa, and The Hemavathi Resorts.
2. Shettihalli Church
This beautiful Gothic-era church was built in the 1860s and is one of the most popular places to visit in Hassan city. In the 1960s, almost a hundred years later, it was submerged underwater. This is why it is called the “The Submerged Church or The Floating Church.”
When the Gorur Dam was built, many of the villages around the church went underwater, which is why the church was abandoned.
Timing: 6 am to 6 pm
Entry Fee: Free
How To Reach: There are both buses and trains available to reach the church from Bangalore, Mysore, and Mangalore. The bus drops you off about 10 mins from church. The nearest train station is about 40kms away.
Where To Stay: The Rappa, Kudidake Homestay, Asirvad Estate, and the Hemavathi Resorts.
3. Hasanamba Temple
This is a unique temple that only opens for two weeks each year, during Diwali. The temple is devoted to the goddess Shakti. As an offering to the goddess, each year, devotees give raw rice and a lite lamp.
It is believed that the lamp keeps on burning, and the rice never rots till the next year when the temple opens again. One of the best features of the temple is the jaw-dropping architecture focusing on Jainism, which was the faith of the Hoysala dynasty.
Time: 7 am to 10 pm
Entry Fee: Free. For direct darshans, it is INR 1,000, and for special entry, it is INR 300.
How To Reach: The temple is about 1km from the main city, so take a local bus.
Where To Stay: The Ashok, Hotel Southern Star, and Hotel Sarayu.
4. Lakshmi Devi Temple
This yet another temple was constructed in the 12th century during the rule of the Hoysala Dynasty. This majestic temple is full of inscriptions and sculptures that are intricate and beautiful.
For history lovers, this is perfect for them as the architecture dates back to the ancient era. The best feature of the temple is considered to be the Chatuskuta houses of four shrines.
Timing: 9:30 am to 6 pm
Entry Fee: Free
How To Reach: The best transportation service is to hire a private car since there are no direct local buses to the temple.
Where To Stay: Hotel Five Elements, Hotel Raama, and the Hoysala Village Resort.
5. Maharaja Park
The maharaja park is a well-organized theme park with lots of activities there to enjoy for the whole family. The beauty of the park is also something to look upon. With well-manicured trees, bushes, and dollops along with broad walkways.
Timing: 6 am to 8 pm
Entry Fee: Free
How To Reach: It is just 2.2 km from the Hassan bus stop. From there you can get on a local bus as well.
Where To Stay: Pavanputra Clarks Inn Resort, Palguni Residency, and Suvarna Residency.
6. Ishvara Temple
By now, you know, Hassan has a whole lot of ancient temples. This beautiful Ishvara temple is located in the Arasikere region of Hassan. This beautiful architectural splendor was constructed in the 11th century with a single idol of lord Shiva.
The temple is widely popular for its historical significance, intricate architecture, and rich heritage. The unique craftsmanship of the temple can be witnessed up close.
Timing: 9 am to 6 pm
Entry Fee: Free
How To Reach: It is 44.4 km away from the city. The best way to reach is to hire a car.
Where To Stay: Hoysala Village Resort, Gateway Chikmagalur, SNS Lodge, Amber Castle Hotel, and Suites.
7. Bhagwan Bahubali Statue
This gigantic statue was created somewhere in 983 CE by Chamundaraya, General of the King Rajamalla from the Ganga Dynasty. The statue is also known as the Gomateshwara statue; the bahubali is a Jain deity who was popular for its panoramic views.
Once every 12 years, the Mahamastakabhisheka festival happens where the statue is bathed with saffron, milk, ghee, and curd.
Timing: 8 am to 7 pm
Entry Fee: INR 200 per person
How To Reach: The nearest train station is the Shravanabelagola and the nearest bus stand is also 1 km away.
Where To Stay: Silent Valley Resort, Sunset Valley Homestay, and Sirimane Homestay.
8. Kedareshwar Temple
Built-in the 1220 CE by the Hoysala King, Veer Ballala. It is a gem that is dedicated to lord Shiva. Standing on the banks of the Narmada, the temple is built with soap rock. Intricate detailed sculptures and carvings of Shiva and Vishnu are done.
Timing: 10 am to 5 pm (Closed on Fridays)
Entry Fee: Free
How To Reach: Local transport is available.
Where To Stay: Hotel Sachin International, Hotel Narayan Palace, and Hotel Panchavati.
9. Bucesvara Temple
Popularly known as the Koravangala Temple, built by Buchiraja, a wealthy officer. It dates back to the 12th Century during the Hoysala Dynasty. This temple is yet another temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Timing: 6 am to 9 pm
Entry Fee: Free
How To Reach: The temple is about 10km away from the city, so you need to hire a cab.
Where To Stay: Hirvate Estate, Mallige Residency, and Prakriti Siri.
10. Bisle Ghat And Forest Reserve
If you are looking for the best places to visit in Hassan and Sakaleshpura, Bisle Ghat, and Forest Reserve of the Western Ghats. The natural flora and fauna of the area is the best compared to anywhere in the Western ghats.
The reserve is also connected to Pushpagiri wildlife sanctuary toward the south and in the west is the Kukke Subrahmanya.
Timing: 9 am to 5:30 pm
Entry Fee: Free
How To Reach: It is 55km from Sakaleshpura, and from Kukke Subrahmanya, it is 20km. You can avail local bus or hire a cab.
Frequently Asked Question (FAQs):
Though most of the places to visit in Hassan are discussed, still here are a few questions people often ask.
Though there are a lot of things famous and popular to see in Hassan. A few of them are the age-old temples, Kedareshwar Temple, Hoysala Temples, and the Lakshmi Narsimha Temple.
The village has three famous beaches, namely, Hawah beach, Samudra Beach and Lighthouse Beach.
The history of Hassan is quite rich, as it was ruled by two distinct dynasties, namely the Western Ganga Dynasty and the Hoysala Empire.
Visit Now!
A quick trip through the historic district of Hassan would help you gain knowledge about the Hoysala Dynasty. The temples built in the ancient era are something to gaze upon and marvel upon the intricate carvings and the architectural prowess. Though there are lots of places to visit in Hassan from which, we have discussed only the top 10 places for you to visit.
Hopefully, this article helped you feel intrigued to visit Hassan sooner than enough for your next holiday.
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