Bangalore – Hassan – Bangalore
The little town of Hassan is located at a distance of 180 kilometers from Bangalore. Bangalore, the capital of Karnataka is the IT hub of India and one of the fastest growing city in the world. The city is also known as the Garden City and was once a place for relaxing, now it has become the home of every possible IT firm you can think of. The city of Hassan is also called ‘A poor man’s Ooty’.
The city gets its name from the Hindu goddess Hassanamba. Centuries-old monuments and temples cover the place, which attracts tourists and visitors from all over the world. Take a moment to immerse yourself in the Jain temples, stunned by exquisite carvings on the walls and pillars, while the Lakshmidevi temple of the Hoysala Empire is one of the most visited places by tourists. The 11th-century Bucheshwara temple and the Sadashiva temple, both showcasing Nagara-style architecture, are major attractions to visitors. Make time to explore the Shettihalli Church, known as the floating church of India. The place is famous for swapping outlooks in the summer and monsoon. Another marvel of the district headquarters is the Hassanamba temple, which follows a unique practice where the shrine unfurls once a year during Diwali. It is a 12th-century temple dedicated to Goddess Shakthi’' where the idol of Ravana, from the epic Hindu literary Ramayana, is displayed as playing Veena with nine heads instead of ten, but the reason is still unknown.
Visit the ancient temples at Halebid and Belur near Hassan, which can be reached in less than four hours from Bangalore. The architecturally brilliant temples stand as a testimony to the engineering skills of ancient artisans. Visit the prominent temples and the locations nearby. Later on, drive back to Bangalore.
Bangalore
The district is named as Hassan after ‘Hassanamba’ who is the goddess and deity of the town. Hassan is a perfect example of the Hoysala architecture as most of the temples in the town are built by the Hoysala kings. One of the famous temples is the Ishvara Temple built during the 11th century is dedicated to Lord Shiva.
This temple is a fine example of the intricate designs and architectural works of the Hoysala rulers.Another ancient temple at Hassan is the Chennakesava Temple which is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. This temple took a total of 103 years for construction.
Bangalore – Hassan
The statues and structures carved in the temple are different from that you get to see in other temples. The largest monument in Hassan is the Hoysaleswara Temple which was built in the 12th century.
This temple is a twin temple and is dedicated to two deities, Hoysaleswara and Santaleswara lingas. The artwork in this temple is damaged yet it is still intact. Apart from temples, Hassan houses the Gorur Dam which is a tribute of the River Cauvery and makes for a popular tourist place. The Dam is situated at a lush green area and parks which make perfect spot to relax for visitors.
After the day well spent in Hassan, you can return back to Bangalore and continue shopping or relax your day off.