Hassan is located in the south Indian state of Karnataka around 187 km from Bangalore. Hassan extends from latitude 13�01' in the North to longitude 76�10' in the East. The place is an ideal base to explore the historical sites of Belur, Halebid, and Shravanbelgola.

CLIMATE

The weather in Hassan is pleasant throughout the year. The summers are warm while winters are cool. April is the hottest month with the mean daily maximum temperature at around 35�C and a mean daily minimum of 20�C. The average annual rainfall in the district is around 700 mm. One can visit the place any time of the year but it is advisable to avoid the rainy seasons.

PAST

Not much is known of the history of Hassan. It was under the control of great Hoysala Empire during 11th to 13th century AD. This was the period when the great temples of Belur and Halebid were constructed. The region of Hassan was also greatly influenced by Jainism and later it became a well-known center of Jain literature.

The present-day Hassan is the headquarters of the district by the same name and a convenient base for the tourists visiting Belur and Halebid.

VISITING AROUND

Belur

Belur is situated around 38 km from Hassan. The Channekeshava Temple at Belur is the only one of the three major Hoysala sites still in use. The construction of this temple started in AD 1116 to commemorate the victory of the Hoysalas over the Cholas at Talakad. It took around hundred years to complete the work. It is said that every Hindu deity has been represented at this temple. Guides can be hired to explain the detailed sculptural work.

Other Hoysala temples at Belur are the Chennigaraya and the Viranarayana.

Halebid

Situated around 33 km from Hassan is Halebid, famous for its Hoyasaleswara temple. The construction of the Hoyasaleswara Temple was started in AD 1121 and continued for around 90 years, but never completed. Nevertheless, even in its incomplete form, this temple is the most outstanding example of Hoysala art and architecture. Every part of the walls of this temple is covered by an endless variety of Hindu deities, sages, stylized animals, birds, and many other art forms. The temple is enclosed by a garden and there is a museum also nearby.

There are also smaller temples like Kedareswara and three Jain temples at Halebid.

Shravanbelgola

Shravanbelgola is located around 48 km off Hassan and is famous for the statue of Lord Bahubali (Gomateshwar). The place is an important Jain pilgrimage center with an ancient history. The 17-m-high statue of Bahubali is said to be the tallest monolithic structure in the world. It overlooks the small town of Shravanbelgola from top of the rocky hill known as Indragiri. One can reach this hill after covering 614 rock-cut steps.

FAIRS AND FESTIVALS

Hassan does not have any major fairs and festivals. However, the Mahamastakabhisheka of the statue of Bahubali after every 12 years is an occasion to remember. The statue is anointed with thousands of pots of coconut oil, yoghurt, ghee, bananas, jaggery, dates, almonds, poppy seeds, milk, saffron and sandalwood during this ceremony. The next Mahamastakabhisheka will be held in the year 2005.

WHERE TO STAY

There are very few quality accommodation options available in Hassan. Star-category hotels are very few, but simple and decent accommodation is available in plenty. Most of the hotels are conveniently located in the area near the bus stand. There are accommodation options available in Belur and Halebid also.

HOW TO REACH

Hassan does not have an airport. The nearest airport is Bangalore, from where one can take flights to major destinations in India like Delhi, Calcutta, and Mumbai. One can also take connecting flights to destinations abroad from Bangalore.

Hassan is connected to Bangalore, Mysore, and Mangalore by regular trains. The railway station is around 2 km east of town.

There are regular buses plying between Hassan, Belur, Halebid, and Shravanbelgola. One can also avail buses for Bangalore and Mysore from Hassan. Taxis are available for visiting Belur and Halebid from Hassan.