Hassan which is located in the state of Karnataka, this city gets its name from the Hindu goddess Hasanamba. Several Jain temples with magnificent carvings and engravings on its pillars and walls are found in this city. For a lover of history, monuments and temples, this is the right place to be. Hoysala Empire ruled this city for a long time and their influence can be seen in the art and inscriptions on the different monuments.

1. Bahubali Statue 

Shravanabelgola in Hassan district of Karnataka is a popular pilgrim center. It hosts the monolithic statue of Lord Gommateshwara, which is the tallest monolithic statue in the world. The 58.8 feet high statue is like the holy-dome or Kalash of Shravanabelgola.

Here, one can also see the entrance of the fort, main door, Siddharagundu, Gullakayajji idol, etc. There are well-laid steps to climb the hillock. Mahamastakabhisheka from tip to toe, is performed to this 58.8-feet-high monolithic statue once in twelve years.

2. Bisile Ghat

Identified as a very distinguished forest region in Asia, this forest spreads across Hassan, Kodagu and Dakshina Kannada districts. Bisile Forest Reserve is a famous sanctuary in the Western Ghats housing a wide variety of flora and fauna. It is a viewpoint to get a panoramic view of the surrounding mountain ranges. At the other end, forest reserve acts as a natural corridor that links the Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary.

3. Shettyhalli Church

It was built on the banks of the River Hemavathi in the 18th century. The church is submerged in water for most parts of the year and is a site to watch. In summer, the water recedes and you can explore the church, once year prayers are held while candles light the church. Apart from this feature, the church boasts of ancient gothic architecture.

4. Gorur Dam

It is also known as the Hemavathi Dam, is a beautiful and striking picnic spot that attracts tourists from all across the country. The dam is built across the river Hemavathi, which is a tributary of the river Kaveri and is surrounded by lush greenery on its side, which adds to the beauty of the dam and further appeals to its visitors. Not only is this dam well known for its scenic beauty, but it also attracts bird watchers as it has a wide range of birds that it is home to.

5. Bhoga Narasimha Temple

The temple is located interior at Shanthi grama near Hassan. This temple was never attacked as told by the priest, being located in a remote area. The idols of main deities are simply amazing being carved out of block stone which has retained its shine even after several hundred years. Actually, the temple is abode to three different gods.

6. Kabbaligere Hill

It is a scenic location near Kabbaligere Village. Many prefer going on long drives or for photography, nature walks or trekking on the hill. It a perfect tranquil escape for the locals.

7. Parvatamma Betta

The uneven and rough terrain of the attraction is deemed apt by many adventure seekers. The attraction also has an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and his consort, Goddess Parvati. The top of the attraction is frequently visited to get a fabulous view of the surroundings.

8. Hulikere Pond

It is a stunning work of architecture built by the Hoysala Kings. The pond is surrounded by lush greenery and has descending steps made of the stone to reach the water. The beautiful structure is lined by several shrines which are believed to represent the constellations.

9. Lakshmi Narasimha Temple

This is a stunning 13th-century shrine temple built by Bommanna Dandanayaka who served as a commander in the Hoysala Dynasty. The bas-relief and sculpture work on the temple increase its architectural beauty and are a treat to the tourists. The temple is built with soapstone and is another good example of the rich culture of the dynasty.

10. Halebid

This place had attained the peak of glory and fame as the capital of Hoysalas, Halebid was earlier known as Dwarasamudra. It because the Yadavas of Dwaraka had come and settled here, according to Puranic sources. Later, Vishnuvardhana of the Hoysala dynasty made this place as his capital. Remnants of the castles and palaces of Hoysala period are still found in and around this place. After the two major attacks in 1314 and 1320, the place assumed the name of Halebid or an old locality as there were sparse and scattered remnants of glorious buildings of the past.

Nearby places: Rosary Church, Kaginari, Rudrapatna, Halmidi, Belur, The Manjirabad Fort, Kappe Chennigaraya Temple, Jain Math Monastery, Hemvathy Reservoir, Hasanamba Temple.

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