| FACTS
& FIGURES
Population : 121,000
Languages : Kannada and English
Best time to visit : October to March
STD Code : 08394
LOCATION
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.
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