Hassan

Hassan in Karnataka has won great popularity due to its historical significance. It was once the center of the Hoysala Empire, one of the most renowned dynasties of South India. The town was named after the Goddess Haasanamba and its history goes back to the 11th century. People here still keep Kannada culture and literature close to their heart which show in their everyday lifestyle.

Here are the top places to visit in Hassan:

Shravanabelagola
Shravanabelagola houses a 27-metre high statue Lord Bahubali, a Jain deity. This remains the tallest monolithic statue on the planet bringing many travelers here. The place hosts a special ceremony once in every 12 years which is attended by huge number of locals and travelers.

Belur
Belur sits on the banks of the Yagachi River and is renowned for housing exquisite temples. The most famous one here is the Shennakeshava Temple. It is said that the temple was completed in more than 100 years. It has been adorned with intricate stone works which show the skills and creativity of the artisans of those times.

Gorur
Around 20 kilometers away, Gorur is the place where one of the biggest reservoirs of Karnataka is located. The reservoir looks beautiful at a height of 146 feet. Visit here during monsoon months when the place looks even more stunning in its outlook.

Kedareswara Temple
Kedareshwara Temple was raised during Hoysala era in the Hassan district. It was raised by Hoysala King Veera Ballala II before 1219 A.D. The temple is dedicated to Ishwara, a form of Lord Shiva, and features three shrines.

Shettihalli Rosary Church
This church belonging to 1860s was raised by the French missionaries in India. It features a beautiful gothic architecture and looks charismatic despite its ruined state. The church gets half submerged during monsoon months when it attracts streams of travelers to spot this astonishing site.

Lakshmi Narasimha Temple
The Lakshmi Narasimha temple is a classic example of 13th-century Hoysala architecture. The temple features three towers housing fine sculptures embellishing the walls. The central shrine is the most famous one with a huge tower. However, if you see this temple from outside, it looks like an ekakuta.