Hassan tourist places – Rich cultural heritage, beautiful landscapes, and historical significance

Planning to visit Hassan and looking for some famous Hassan tourist places ?

Friends today I will take you to Hassan, a beautiful city in Karnataka. It is the headquarters of the Hassan district and is known for its rich cultural heritage, beautiful landscapes, and historical significance.

Hassan was once the capital of the Hoysala empire, a powerful dynasty that ruled over the region from the 10th to the 14th century.

The city is home to several ancient temples that serve as a testament to the Hoysala’s architectural prowess.

The most famous of these is the Chennakesava Temple, located in the nearby town of Belur.

This temple, along with the Hoysaleswara Temple in Halebidu, are considered to be some of the finest examples of Hoysala architecture and are now recognized as World Heritage Sites by UNESCO.

The city is surrounded by rolling hills, lush forests, and pristine lakes, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers.

The nearby Shravanabelagola, a hilltop Jain pilgrimage center, is one of the largest monolithic statues in the world and a major tourist attraction.

The city has a rich cultural heritage, and several festivals and traditions are celebrated with great zeal and enthusiasm.

The famous car festival, held annually in the city’s temples, is one of the most important events in the local calendar and attracts thousands of visitors from across the region.

The city also has a vibrant music and dance scene, with several classical and folk performances held regularly.

Hassan is a city that is proud of its heritage and history. Despite the rapid development and modernization that has taken place in recent years, the city has managed to preserve its traditional charm and character.

Whether you are interested in history, culture, or nature, Hassan is a city that has something to offer everyone. So today let us look at some popular Hassan tourist places which you must visit if you are in town.

Hassan tourist places

Hassan has everything – from rich culture to historical sites to natural beauty, it has some thing to offer. Whether you are on a pilgrimage or on a adventure trip with family and friends, you will never get disappointed.

Hassanaba temple

The temple is dedicated to the goddess Hasanamba. Ma Hassanaba is the presiding diety of the city of Hassan. You can read more about this temple here.

You can also watch the video here.

It is considered to be one of the oldest temples in the region and is revered by locals as a place of spiritual significance.

The temple is known for its unique architectural style, which is a fusion of the Hoysala and Vijayanagara styles.

The temple complex is surrounded by a beautiful garden, and the temple’s annual festival, held during the Hindu month of Kartik, attracts large crowds of devotees from across the region.

The temple is a must-visit for anyone interested in the rich cultural heritage of Hassan and the surrounding area.

Shravanabelagola

Shravanabelagola is a Jain pilgrimage center known for the towering statue of Gommateshwara Bahubali.

It is a holy place for Jains and very important Jain pilgrimage center in the country.

Hassan tourist places - Shravanbalegola

It is considered to be one of the oldest temples in the region and is revered by locals as a place of spiritual significance.

Please read more about the temple here – click here.

Chennakesava Temple

A historic temple in Belur that is considered to be one of the finest examples of Hoysala architecture.

Sri Chennakesava temple is considered to be one of the finest examples of Hoysala architecture and is a masterpiece of South Indian temple art and architecture.

The temple is dedicated to Lord Chennakesava, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, and is known for its intricate carvings, sculptures, and intricate architectural details.

The temple complex is surrounded by a beautiful garden, and the temple’s annual festival, held during the Hindu month of Vaishakha, attracts large crowds of devotees from across the region.

The Chennakesava Temple is a must-visit for anyone interested in the rich cultural heritage of Belur and the surrounding area, and is considered to be one of the most important landmarks of Hoysala architecture.

Hoysaleswara Temple and Kedareshwara temple

A temple dedicated to Lord Shiva in Halebidu, known for its intricate carvings and sculptures.

The temple is located in the town of Halebidu, near Hassan. It was built during the Hoysala Empire in the 12th century and is considered to be one of the finest examples of Hoysala architecture.

The temple is known for its intricate carvings and sculptures, including intricate depictions of Hindu deities and scenes from Hindu mythology.

The temple is surrounded by a large courtyard, and the interior walls of the temple are adorned with elaborate carvings and sculptures.

The Hoysaleswara Temple is a must-visit for anyone interested in the rich cultural heritage of the Hoysala era and the history of South Indian temple architecture.

It is considered to be one of the most important landmarks of Hoysala architecture and is a popular tourist destination in the region.

Jain Basadi Moodubidiri

A Jain temple complex in the town of Moodbidri, known for its rich history and cultural significance.

One of the most important of the 18 Jain temples at Moodubidiri, Karnataka, is Saavira Kambada Basadi (Thousand Pillars Temple).

Jain temple at Moodbidri - Hassan tourist places

The best of these is the Chandranatha Basadi, commonly known as the Thousand Pillars Basadi, which dates from the 15th century.

The distinguishing feature of this basadi is that no two pillars are similar. Tribhuvana Thilaka Chudamani temple is the official name. The principal deity at the Thousand Pillars Temple is Jain tirthankara Chandraprabha.

Moodabidri is referred to as the “Jain Varanasi” of South India.

The basadis, or Jain temples, may be found throughout the Dakshina Kannada area, but the basadis here are more significant and considered to be the most ornate.

Moodabidri, along with Venur and Dharmastala, is a major Jain pilgrimage site in Dakshina Kannada.

Lakshmi Narasimha Temple

The Lakshmi Narasimha Temple is a spectacular 13th-century shrine temple built by Bommanna Dandanayaka, a Hoysala Dynasty commander.

The bas-relief and sculptural work on the temple add to its architectural splendour and are a tourist attraction. The temple is made of soapstone and is another testament of the dynasty’s rich culture.

Shettihalli Church

A 19th-century church located in the town of Shettihalli, now in ruins but still a popular tourist destination.

The Shettihalli Church is a 19th-century Gothic-style church. The church was built by the French missionaries in 1860 and was once a bustling center of religious activity.

However, it was abandoned in the 1960s due to the construction of a dam that submerged the surrounding area.

Shettihalli Church - Hassan tourist places

Today, only the ruins of the church remain, but it has become a popular tourist destination for its picturesque setting and fascinating history.

The church is a popular spot for photography, and its partially submerged ruins provide a unique and eerie contrast against the surrounding landscape.

The Shettihalli Church is a must-visit for anyone interested in the history of the region and the impact of modernization on its cultural heritage.

Hulikere Pond

Hulikere Pond is a magnificent piece of Hoysala architecture.

The pond is surrounded by beautiful flora and has stone steps descending to the water.

The gorgeous edifice is surrounded by shrines that are thought to reflect the constellations.

Kabbaligere Betta

A hilltop that offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape and is a popular spot for trekking and picnics.

The hill is known for its scenic views of the surrounding landscape, and is a popular spot for trekking and picnics.

The area is surrounded by lush forests and is home to a variety of flora and fauna, making it a popular destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

The hill is also known for its serene and peaceful atmosphere, making it an ideal place for meditation and reflection.

Kabbaligere Betta is a must-visit for anyone looking for a unique and memorable outdoor experience in the Hassan area.

Gorur Dam ( Hemavati Dam )

A large dam located on the river Hemavati, offering recreational opportunities such as boating and fishing.

Gorur Dam is also known as the Hemavathi Dam and is one of the most popular tourist sites in Karnataka.

The dam was erected in 1979 on the river Hemavathi (a tributary of the Kaveri). It has a length of 4,692 metres and a height of 58.5 metres. This, combined with its six gigantic spillway gates, makes it an impressive sight.

The dam features beautiful scenery and is surrounded by thick foliage. This makes it an excellent location for birdwatchers, as many different species of birds live in the surrounding area.

The Hemavati dam is a sight to behold for visitors, especially during the rainy season, when the spillway gates are opened to release the overflowing waters, which gush out like froth. A garden with a beautiful lawn right next to the dam adds to the charm of the mood and setting.

A visit to the dam in the early morning hours is extremely gracious, pleasant, and uplifting. Various aquatic birds continue to soar and dive into the water.

The shrines of Sri Paravasudeva and Sri Yoganarasimha are prominent tourist destinations near to the dam.

The months of October through March are ideal for visiting Hemavati reservoir.


If you are living in Bangalore and are looking for a 2 day itinerary from Bnagalore to Hassan, this article will help. Click Here

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