Wednesday 3 July 2013

Hassan tourist places

   

   
Hassan is a district in Karnataka state, India. The district headquarters are Hassan. Hassan district was the seat of the Hoysala Empire which at its peak ruled large parts of south India from Belur as its early capital and Halebidu as its later capital during the period 1000 - 1334 CE. Today Hassan is primarily known worldwide for its Hoysala architecture and is a veritable treasure trove of about fifty sculptural marvels tucked away in several villages and towns of the district. Hassan is also known as the location of the Master Control Facility of the Indian Space Research Organization's Indian National Satellite System.
As per the history the name Hassan was derived from Simhasanapura, later it became Hassan. There is a temple in the heart of the city of Goddess Hasanamba, the temple will be opened for public once in a year. Hassan is popularly called as “poor man’s Ooty”. Hassan will be your base for visiting the famous temples of Belur and Halebid. Hassan is a picturesque town in the heart of Malnad with a pleasant climate. Hassan is adequately organized in terms of hotels, shops and transport. It is also well connected by road and rail to Bangalore, Mangalore and Mysore.
The best time to visit Hassan is between the months of October and March when the weather is pleasant enough to enjoy sightseeing and explore outdoor. This is also the time when you can be a part of the popular Hassanamba Temple Fair. Hassanamba is the presiding deity of the town and is the goddess after whom the town has been named. It is the time when the temple doors are opened to pilgrims for about a week.

The summer months are breezy and pleasant, with the temperatures ranging from a minimum of 18ºC to a maximum of 33ºC. Winters are mild as well, and the temperature stays between 14ºC and 30ºC. Hassan is best avoided during the monsoon months. 

About The Hassan

 
 
 


History

The history of Hassan district is essentially the history of two of the well known dynasties that have ruled Karnataka, the Western Ganga Dynasty of Talkad (350 - 999 CE) and the Hoysala Empire (1000 - 1334 CE). In the 15th and 16th centuries, the Vijayanagar kings patronised Chennakesava of Belur as their family deity. It was also ruled by Adilshahis of Bijapur and Mughal Empire after decline of the Vijayanagar. In the 17th and 18th centuries, Hassan became a land of contention between the Keladi Nayakas of Shimoga and the Mysore Kingdom. It finally merged as an independent Mysore kingdom.

Ancient

Around 300 BCE Hassan was part of the Mauryan empire. Sage Bhadrabahu arrived from north India in the 3rd century BCE along with many ascetics marking the arrival of Jainism into Karnataka. Some historians believe king Chandragupta Maurya 322 – 298 BCE, grand father of emperor Ashoka the Great was his disciple and accompanied Bhadrabahu to Shravanabelagola and eventually died there. Other historians argued that the king was Ashoka's grandson and came later. A basadi or monument in his name called Chandragupta basadi still exists today. Whatever the truth about Chandragupta Maurya's lineage, it is believed that Shravanabelagola has been a place of Jain worship for twenty-three centuries.

Medieval

Later Hassan came under the rule of the Ganga Dynasty of Talkad. The Gangas initially ruled as a sovereign power from 350 - 550 CE and later continued to rule this area as feudatories of Chalukyas and Rashtrakutas. In the late 10th century, many Jaina monuments were built at Shravanabelagola. Some of them, including the fifty seven feet tall monolithic statue of Gomateshwara, was commissioned by Ganga general Chamundaraya.
 
During the rule of the Gangas, Shravanabelagola was an important religious centre. Today, it is also a place of great archaeological importance. The name of the town is derived from Shravana or Shramana, meaning a Jain ascetic, and Belagola or Biliya Kola in Kannada meaning white pond. Over eight hundred inscriptions which includes eighty from the Hoysala period have been discovered in and around Shravanabelagola covering a period 600 - 1830 CE and has been enormously helpful in understanding the history not only of Hassan but the history of all the Kingdoms that ruled over Karnataka. Inscriptions are in Kannada, Sanskrit, Tamil, Marathi, Marwari and Mahajani languages and are attributed to all the major Kingdoms that have ruled over Karnataka, indicating patronage to Jainism was active thorough out medieval history.
 
Around 1000 CE, with their complete defeat at the hands of the Cholas, the Ganga lineage vanished forever from Gangavadi (southern districts of Karnataka). From that time onwards, till 1334 CE, Hoysalas ruled this region and after their decline, the Vijayanagar empire took control. After the decline of the Vijayanagar empire, the area came under the rule of the Mysore Kingdom.
It was under the rule of the Hoysalas, a clan of hill people whose origins are traced to Angadi in Chikmagalur District who built a powerful empire from the malnad region of Karnataka that Hassan reached its zenith of fame, much of which is seen today in the fifty or more Hoysala temples scattered around the country side in the district. Inscriptions in many of these temples speak volumes of the glory of a bygone era, the administration of the Hoysalas, their land reforms, taxation, culture and so on.
The Hoysalas, who claim to be of the Kuruba/Yadava race stepped into the shoes of their predecessors, the Gangas after being feudatories of the Chalukyas of Kalyani from about 1000 - 1150 CE. After the decline of the Kalyani Chalukyas power and constant efforts by Hoysala Vishnuvardhana to break free of subordination to the Chalukyas, the Hoysalas emerged as an independent power in the middle of the 12th century. Vishnuvardhana who went by the name Bittideva was a Jaina but later changed his name having accepted Vishnavism, a sect of Hinduism.
 
Many historians feel that Vishnuvardhana was the true maker of the Hoysala empire. Their emergence as a sovereign power was made possible by two decisive victories, one against the Cholas at Talakad in 1114 CE after which Vishnuvardhana assumed the titles of Veera Ganga and Talakadu Gonda, struck coins in memory of the victory, built the Keerthi Narayana temple at Talakad and the famous Chennakeshava temple at Belur and took control of Gangavadi. The other was a sensational victory over the mighty Chalukya forces of Vikramaditya VI at Kannegal in 1118 CE. However it was only after the death of Vikramaditya VI that Vishnuvardhana was able to gain control over central regions of present day Karnataka in Hangal, Uchchangi, Banavasi and Barkapura.
During the rule of his grandson, Veera Ballala II 1173 – 1220 CE who earned the title Cholarajyapratishtacharya or preserver of the Chola Empire, the Hoysalas were able to become a true force to reckon with in South India. During this time, Hassan became the epicenter of Kannada literary and cultural activities.

Hoysala architecture

 
The Hoysalas claim to immortality arises from their contribution to Kannada culture, Kannada literature and their own unique style of vesara architecture. Historians such as Henry Cousens and James Furgusson observed that the Hoysala style of architecture is essentially an extension and culmination of the vesara style initiated by the Badami Chalukyas and further enhanced by the Kalyani Chalukyas. In fact, the carved doorways, lathe turned pillars and pierced window screens used frequently by the Hoysalas is also commonly seen in earlier Kalyani Chalukya temples of north and central Karnataka. The Star shaped platform on which many Hoysala temples were constructed, the Jagati, the Zig- Zag character of the walls and the density of sculpture on gray soap stone (chloritic schist) is however a unique features of Hoysala architecture.

Contribution to Kannada

Hassan district has a special place in Kannada history in that Halmidi, a tiny village in Belur taluk is the home of the oldest known Kannada language inscription in Kannada script dated 450 CE. The inscription whose date is sometimes debated as 425 CE is attributed to King Kakusthavarma, great-great-grandson of King Mayurasharma, founder of the Kadamba dynasty.
 

Culture

 
Much of culture of Hassan district in the past is linked with the Hoysala and Ganga dynasty rulers who ruled over this area. Initially the Gangas were Hindus but by the time of King Shivamara II 785 CE, took to Jainism. The Hoysalas were Jains too and the mythical founder of the empire sala was said to be blessed by the Jain sage Sudatta Muni. Some of the successive rulers were also Jains until Ramanujacharya came to Hassan to escape persecution from the Cholas in the early 12th century. During this time Vishnuvardhana was influenced by Ramanujacharya and accepted Hinduism, though his wife Shantaladevi continued to follow Jainism, setting an example of religious tolerance. In fact the Channigraya temple in Belur was commissioned by her during the time the nearby famous Chennakeshava temple was being built. This tolerance is alive even today and can be seen in the importance given by the district administration and people in general to Jain religious events like Mahamastakabhisheka, long after Jainism has ceased to be the main religious practice of this region. While Most of the Hoysala monuments in Hassan are Hindu, and date between the 11th and 13th centuries, the monuments of Shravanabelagola are a colossal effort of the Jain Ganga dynasty who ruled from about 350 - 999 CE and is one of the most important Jain pilgrimage sites for in India.
 
Today, Hassan is a largely agrarian community with a charm that is essentially similar to that of Mysore District, except the palaces and colonial buildings of Mysore are replaced with exquisite vesara monuments built by the Hoysalas. One does not have to travel more than a few kilometers to visit the next monument on the list.
Its cuisine is a mix of Mysore, Kodagu and Dakshina Kannada districts resulting in tasty specialities like midigayi pickle (small raw mango), sandige, avalakki (beaten rice), Kadabu (different types of Kadabu's are prepared from rice and cereals) and talipittu (akki rotti made of rice flour). About 5% of the total population are Muslims. A community of Hebbar Iyengars an ancient Brahmin community who settled in this area for more than a thousand years. An inscription in Shantigrama indicates that the founder was a Brahmin from Kashi. Hassan Iyengars, a different Brahmin community are well known all over south Karnataka for their tasty condiment preparations like cakes, puffs, biscuits and breads etc. Iyengar bakeries are a common feature in most towns and cities of Karnataka. Hassan is also called as Poor man's Ooty. Its Bisle ghat area has the same scenic beauty of the Nilgiri district of Tamil Nadu without the rapid and extensive commercialization. Hassan is a place where Kannada literature finds famous personalities like Gorur Ramaswamy Iyengar.

 

Geography

 Hassan district has a total area of 6826.15 km². It is divided into 8 taluks, 38 hoblies & 2369 villages. The geography is mixed with the malnad or mountainous region to the west and south west called Bisle Ghat and the maidan or planis regions in the north, south and east. There are some areas of degraded forest ranges in central portion of the district. As Hassan district lies partly in the "malnad" tract and partly in the southern "maidan"(plains) tract. By considering the physical aspects, climate, rainfall, etc. the district may be divided into three regions, viz., (1) southern malnad, (2) semi-malnad and (3) southern maidan. western and north-eastern portions of the Belur taluk, western and central parts of Alur taluk and the whole of Sakaleshapura taluk constitute the "southern malnad" region, the central parts of the Arkalgud taluk, the western portion of the Hassan taluk, the eastern portion of the Alur taluk, the central and eastern parts of the Belur taluk and the western parts of the Arasikere taluk form the "semi-malnad" region. The southern maidan region includes the whole of the Holenarasipura and Channarayapatna taluks, eastern parts of the Arasikere and Hassan taluks and the south-eastern portions of the Arkalgud taluk. The southern malnad is a forest-clad hilly region with a heavy rainfall.
The general level of Hassan district is it slopes with the course of Hemavathi river from the western ghat ranges towards the bed of the Kaveri river near Hampapura in the south east. Its chief tributary is the Yagachi River, from Belur taluka, which joins it near Gorur. Hemavathi passes through Holenarsipur taluq in a southerly direction and joins with the Kaveri near Hampapura close to the border of Hassan district. Hassan and Belur stands around 3,084 and 3,150 feet (960 m) above the sea level respectively.
The district is surrounded by Chikmagalur District to the north west, Chitradurga District to the north, Tumkur District to the east, Mandya District to the south east, Mysore to the south, Kodagu District to the south west and Dakshina Kannada district to the west.

Administrative divisions

Hassan District is administratively divided into eight talukas (Panchayat blocks): Alur, Arkalgud, Arsikere, Belur, Channarayapatna, Hassan, Holenarasipura (H.N. Pura) and Sakleshpur, and 258 panchayat villages.

 

Economy

Tourism and coffee are the two main sources of income of Hassan district. Coffee is grown in the malnad areas of Sakleshpura. Other than this, farmers grow black pepper, potato, ragi, paddy and sugarcane. Hassan district has forty five monuments that receive protection from authorities. Twenty four of these are protected by Karnataka state archaeological department while the remaining twenty one are protected by the Archaeological Survey of India and are hence of national importance.

Concerns

 
According to estimates , huge number of tourists visited the temples of Hassan district. However concerns remain that the true and full tourism potential may not have been exploited in the district. Some of the sculptures and monuments in Channakeshava  temple at Belur and the Hoysaleshwara temple at Halebidu have been damaged by vandals. The ASI has blamed lack of manpower to fully guard the premises effectively. A blame game between the Department of Tourism and ASI has been ongoing.
Concerned people have complained that some of the protected temples are not in good condition including Keshava and Someshwara temples at Harnahalli, Nageshwara and Channakeshava temples at Mosale, Channakeshava (Allanatha) Temple at Kondajji. Some temples which are really worth visiting should be on the tourist circuit too they said. These are the Lakshminarasimha temple at Nuggehalli, Lakshmidevi temple at Doddagaddavalli and Lakshminarayana temple at Adagur.
 

Education

Hassan has been a center for learning with its various Engineering, Medical, Arts, Commerce and Science Colleges and students from surrounding taluks and villages come here for education. Some of the famous high schools and colleges include:
  • Malnad College of Engineering
  • Arakalagudu Varadarajulu Kanthamma(AVK) College for Women
  • Government Science College
  • Government Engineering College(GECH)
  • Smt L.V Government Polytechnic College
  • Government ToolRoom & Training Center (GT&TC)
  • Sri Venkateshwara PU College
  • C K S English High School
  • NDRK College
  • Krishna Law College
  • Hassan Institute of Medical Sciences(HIMS)
  • Hasanamba Dental College 

 

 
 
 
 
  

 


PLACES TO VISIT IN HASSAN DISTRICT

Temples


 


Hasanamba Temple
A temple shrine is with an anthill representing Goddess Hasanamba. The place is called Hassan after the Goddess "Hasanamba", presiding deity of the town. The temple of Hasanamba will be remains closed all through the year and opened only about a week, during the month of Ashvija (October). A big fair will be held on this occasion. This beautiful temple is one of the oldest temple in hassan with an anthill that represents Hasanamba Devi, the presiding deity, and it is opened " only once a year for a week, during the month of October " and big fair or 'Jatra' is held during this time.As per the history says the name Hassan was derived from Simhasanapura, later it became Hassan.

 
 
Belur :
   This place is suituated about 39 kms from Hassan.place is famous for its exquisite temples. Belur is known as the " Dakshina Varanasi or Southern Banaras ". The serenity of Belur is attributed to the celebrated temple of Channakeshava, this beautiful place was built by the Hoysala King Vishnuvardhana in 1117 A.D. to commemorate his conversion from Jainism to Vaishnavism.
This quaint hamlet – 38 kms from Hassan – is located on the banks of the river Yagachi. It was once capital of the Hoysala empire, today made unforgettable for its exquisite temples.
The Chennakeshava temple is one of the finest examples of Hoysala architecture. It took 103 years to complete this architectural marvel. The facade of the temple is filled with intricate sculptures and frescos, with no portion left blank.Elephants, episodes from the epics, sensuous dancers.. they are all there – awe-inspiring in their intricate workmanship.Hand-lathe-turned filigreed pillars support the temple.
The Veeranarayana Temple and the smaller shrines are worth a visit.
 
 
Halebid :    Halebid is about 39 km from Hassan,27 kms north-west of Hassan and 17 kms east of Belur. ,, Halebid was formerly known as " Dwarasamudra," the ancient capital of the Hoysala Empire. The highlights of the city are the 12th century Hoysaleswara temple with friezes and sculptures depicting scenes from Hindu mythology and the Archaeological Museum displaying 12th-13th century sculptures, woodcarvings, idols, coins and inscriptions.
Halebid is The temples of Halebid – like those of Belur – bear mute testimony to the rich, cultural heritage of Karnataka. The Hoysaleswara Temple, dating back to the 21th century, is astounding for its wealth of sculpture details. The walls of the temple are covered with an endless variety of Gods and Goddesses, animals, birds and dancing girls. Yet no two facets of the temple are the same. This magnificent temple – guarded by a Nandi Bull – was never completed despite 86 years of labour.
The Jain basdis nearby are equally rich in sculpture detail.
 
 
 
 
 
Sravanabelagola :
    Sravanabelagola Gomateshwara Wedged between two stark rocky hills, this legendary pilgrim center and shrine of the Jains since early times is 150 kms from Bangalore, 52 kms from Hassan. The monolithic statute of Lord Gomateshwara, a Jain saint and an object of worship for centuries, standing atop one of the hills called "Indragiri hill ", is 17 meters high and it is said to be one of the " Tallest and most graceful monolithic statues in the world ".Chamundaraya, a general and minister of the Ganga, King Rachamatta, created the symmetry in stone around 983 A.D. The Mahamastakabhisheka festival, an elaborate ritual, held here once in " Every 12 years, the last one in 1993", attracts devotees from all over the world.when the 1000-year -old statue is anointed with milk, curds ,ghee, saffron, and gold coins. The next Mahamastakabhisheka will be held in 2005 A.D.
 
 
 
Mosale Hoysala Temples.
This Beautiful tourist spot is situated about 12 kms from Hassan in Hassan-Mysore road. Tourists can have the darshan of the Lord Nageshwara and Channakeshava. These twin temple are famous in this District.There are 2 temples – Chennakeshava and Someshwara temples – built in Hoysala architecture with intricate details.
 The Chennakeshava Temple has Vishnu as the main deity which is 6 feet tall. There is also a Shiva temple with a linga on a star shaped platform which is 850 years old dedicated to Nageshwara, with a Nandi idol in front.
 
Mosale :Sri Ranganatha Hill. This temple is recently constructed and is situated on top of a hill. The Hanuman statue .The temple itself is of recent architecture. The drive to the hill is very picturesque and the road is very good. The temple is open from 6.30 am to 5 pm.  
 
 
Koravangala Shiva Temple:
    This is a store house of Hoysala architecture. This scenic village, earlier called Kora Mangala, is home to three Hoysala style temples of the 12th century. All the temples are dedicated to Lord Shiva. Two are in a dilapidated condition and only Bucheswara temple is intact.. It is located in Dudda Hobli of Hassan. Frequent buses are available from District headquater Hassan.
Koravangala is around 10 km north-east of Hassan through a road cutting off from the Hassan-Arsikere road. This place is famous for 3 Shiva temples built in Hoysala style during the 12th century. The temples mukha mantap has 18 exclusively carved pillars. There is a Surya shrine with a 6 feet high Sun god idol, in front of the sanctum there is a nandi (bull). There is a lot of ornamentation on its outer walls.
There is also a Bhairava shrine and 2 dilapidated temples of Govindeshwara and Nageshwara.
 

Gorur :
        This place is located in Gorur of Hassan District.And it is famous for Lakshmidevi Temple.and it is popularly known as Gorur lakshmidevi.
 
Yoganarasimha Swamy Temple
 

 is another popular tourist spot built during Hoysala time. At the entrance there is another temple called Para-Vasudeva temple. The famous Kannada literate Ramawamay Iyengar belongs to this place. You need special permission to enter this place.
 

Church

 

Shettyhalli located 13 kms from Hassan is home to the famous Drowning church built by French missionaries in 1860 for the wealthy British estate owners.It was built on the backwaters of Hemavathy Reservoir. The ruins of the church disappear under water during monsoon and resurface with the changing season.
Shettyhalli Church. This church is said to have been built about 450 years and is in Gothic architecture. The church gets submerged by the Hemavathy River backwaters. However, the water recedes during the summer months and one can go into the crumbling church. During this time, once a year, prayers are held and lamp is light in the church. When the church is submerged, you may find a coracle that would take you closer to the church. The new church is built in Portuguese style in the town. 
The back waters also provide spectacular sunset view and is also good for angling. 

Historical Place

 
 
 
 

Manjarabad Fort is 46 Kms from Hassan on Mangalore road to Sakleshpur. It was built by Tipu Sultan in 1792 to ward of enemies from Madikeri and Mangalore. The fort is at a height of 3,240 feet and is star shaped. It is built out of mud and granite.
The name Manjarabad (Manju in kannada means fog) was given because Tipu saw a lot of fog around this place and named the fort Manjarabad.
The enemy movement can be watched by the 6 watch towers built across the fort. If you climb up the fort the view is spectacular. There seem to be a secret tunnel which connected Mysore and Chennaryapatna. This was built to protect the royal family to escape because they were under a constant threat from the Britishers.
The structure has 8 limbs in all directions with a plus shaped well in the center. There are number of arched gateways which seems to be resting place for the horses. To protect from enemy invasion the fort had water channels all aroundHassan .
 
Nature and  Estates
 
 


Sakleshpura Kadumane Estates:            This place is one of the beautiful hill station in Karnataka with beautiful climatic condition everytime.The town is in Western Ghats also called as Malnad. It has a temperate climate. Coffee, Cardmom, pepper grown in surrounding villages are brought to Sakleshpura for sale. The town lies on National Highway 48 (NH-48) which connects port city of Mangalore with capital city Bangalore of Karnataka state.

 
Bisle Ghat:            Bisle Ghat is situated about 65 kms from Sakaleshpur on the to Sakaleshpur-Subramanya.This spot is filled with green wild Beauty at every stp throughout the Ghat.This is one of the collest sppot in this district.

Sakleshpura Tea Factory:
   One of the Oldest Tea factory in Karnataka and this place is souronded by green tea estaes around the factory.Its worth to Visit this place for every tourists.

 
Kumara Parvatha:
   This place is famous for tourists those who love to do adventure.Kumara parvatha is a beautiful hill station sourounded by wild nature and amazing climatic conditions.Hence this place is Haven for Treckers and climbers.
 

Ombattu Gudda


Ombattu Gudda located in Hassan in the state of Karnataka. Ombattu Gudda trek Have jotted down few points which can be helpful for trekkers. Ombattu Gudde is a peak at about 971 meters above sea level, and at a distance of about 20 kms from Gundiya Checkpost, inside the Kabbinale Reserved Forest. The peak is so named because there are 9 prominent humps on top, almost in a straight line (Ombattu in Kannada means nine, while Gudda means hill). The forest is extremely virgin with huge bamboos and dense foliage playing host to a range of wildlife from the tiger, leopard, jungle cat, barking deer to gaur, sloth bear and, of course, the wild elephant. There will be tons of fresh elephant dung along the way.

 

 

 

 
 
 

Water Reserviour

Gorur Dam 
located 20 Kms from Hassan on Hassan-Arkalgud road here you find one of the largest reservoirs of Karnataka. The hemavathi river has been dammed at Gorur village. The dam is 146 feet high and streches for 4,362 mts. The hemavathi reservoir is really beautiful and spectacular. It is a must see. The best time to visit the dam is during monsoon, where you get to see the full swing of water.

Other Places To Visit in and around Hassan

RamnathaPura Temple 
Ramanathpur Temples. This is a holy town on the banks of River Cauvery. This temple town is also known as “Dakshin Kashi” for its many temples that are at the banks of the river. There are over 5 temples within walking distance of one another. The river has a rich variety of fishes, some of which are revered. Right behind the Rameshwara temple, there are steps leading to the river where one can feed the fish after buying fish feed from vendors. You can also spot many birds. It is said that there is a cave in the waterbed that one can enter during the summer months.  
 
Venkataramanaswamy Temple
This placeis located in K.R.Pet Taluk, about six miles from K.R.Pet Town, is on the bank of the river " Hemavati ". The left bank of the river has a continuous strip of grand and fascinating foliage. Many people frequent this place for rest and recuperation. An anicut is constructed at the foot of the hill across the Hemavati river here and is known as Hemagiri anicut, from where channels are drawn for irrigation purposes. A big cattle fair is held here at the time of the car festival of the Venkataramanaswamy Temple.
 
KONDAJJI :
It is noted for temple of Chennakeshava (Allalanatha).  It has a gigantic image of the deity which is about 14 feet high from the Panivatta.  It is originally constructed during the 14th Century.  During the middle of Vijayanagar period it fell into ruins and later restored.  There is a hillock called Shigada-Gudda near the village from where one can have a five view of the beautiful scenery.  It is about 17 Kms. from Hassan.
 
NUGGEHALLI
Nuggehalli is a village 18 Kms. North-East of Channarayapatna.  It was once a flourishing town as seen from the inscription. Ch.238. The record states that in the reign of Someshwara Hoysala Bommanna Dannayaka made Nuggehalli into an Agrahara under the name Somanathapura and got installed in Saka 1168 Parabhava and Vijayaor 1246 A.D. the Gods Keshava, Narasimha and Gopala and in 1249 A.D. Kilaka got installed Sadashiva.  It will thus be seen that the original temple was a Hoysala structure built about 20 years before that of Somanathapur in T.Narasipura Taluk.  At a later date very probably during the Vijayanagar period, the present Navaranga with its square granite pillars was constructed in front of the ;original porch which has lathe turned soap-stoned pillars.   The Hajara in front and the Patalankana with 18 sided high fleeted pillars are possibly still later constructions belonging to somewhere about 1700 A.D.   The South and North towers are also about the same date and are of brick and mortar.  The temple is generally known as the Laxminarayana Temple though the main God is Keshava.
 
 
DODDAGADDAVALLI: 
Doddagaddavalli is a village about 3 Kms directly West from the spot of the main road of Hassan-Belur Road.  This temple with its many towers attracts the eye from a distance.  It is a temple of Laxmi where the Goddess is the Chief deity.  A small Virabhadra shrine of the Hoysala days is built to the North-east of this temple.   In the absence of inscriptional evidence the Archaeologists would probably ascribe the temple to the late Chalukyan or very early Hoysala period owing to the comparative plainness of its walls and towers and the occurrence of the stepped Pyramids.  But the inscriptional evidence shows that the temple was constructed in the year 1113 A.D. in the reign of Vishnuvardhana.
 
HARANAHALLY : 
Haranahally is a small town in Arsikere Taluk, about 10 Kms from Arsikere town.   There remains of an old Fort which is said to have been erected in 1070 A.D. by a Chief named Someswaraya.  Among the more important temples at this place are Chennakeshava and Someshwara, which are good specimens of Hoysala Architecture.  They were built in 13th Century A.D.
 

Other Activities In Hassan

 
 
Other than visiting the Hasanamba Temple that is open to pilgrims once a year during October, and viewing few other ancient structures, there is nothing much on Hassan’s list of things to do. Most visitors make Hassan the base to visit the different nearby towns and villages that have a number of ancient temples and other structures with Hoysala Architecture. These places are of great interest for a history buff and have fascinating views.

Shop for silk, sandalwood, ivory and various decorative items from Hassan. Try local raagi ball meal or simply enjoy the regular South Indian food in local dhabas and restaurants.
There are not many activities in Hassan, however if you step out of the town then some of the activities you may enjoy here include trekking, rafting, kayaking and swimming.

Adventure enthusiasts may go for trekking at the islands near Hassan or if you like water sports then you go for rafting and kayaking in the Tungabhadra River.

If rafting and kayaking are too adventurous for you then you may indulge in swimming cool waters of the river or just sit around bonfires and enjoy some eventful nights here.
 
 

Shopping

 
Shopping in Hassan can be a delightful experience, with a range of options to choose from. Be it the sandalwood sculptures, ivory items or Silk Saris and handlooms, be prepared to be amazed at the variety on offer.

Ivory items include storage boxes, sculptures of gods and goddesses, souvenirs, knick knacks and key chains.

The fragrant sandalwood from the forests around Hassan is fashioned into statues, incense sticks, decorative boxes and sticks for applying tikas on the forehead.
 
 

What To Eat


 The prominent hotel in the city is the Hotel Ashok Hassan that serves both North Indian and South Indian dishes. The other good option for expensive dining is the Hotel Suvarna Regency.

In case you want to savour vegetarian delights then your best bet would be to visit Vaishnavi Lodging or Hotel Mahaveer for some sumptuous vegetarian food.

Hotel Samman is known for its thalis while Hotel Abiruchi serves delectable Chinese cuisines.
 

How To Reach

Air

Hassan airport is expected to be operational by 2015 and is expected cater to a passenger capacity of 3 million and cargo capacity of 100,000 ton yearly.The airport will be an aircraft maintenance and modification (AMM) hub.

Road

The Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation operates connecting Hassan with other parts of Karnataka as well as other states. Hassan is connected by road via national highway No. 48 to rest of the country. Hassan having the big KSRTC Bus stand, that bus stand was 2nd bus stand in the INDIA proud to be come from hassan

Rail

Hassan comes under the South Western Railway zone of the Indian Railways. Hassan City Railway station connect it to the rest of the country through the Indian Railways. Hassan is connected by rail to most cities in Karnataka, as well as Mumbai and other major cities in India.

Getting Around Hassan

There are taxis and buses available in town to get around. If taking a taxi, ensure you fix a price before stating your journey

 
 
Where To Stay
 
Hassan, often called the poor man’s Ooty, has more economy hotels than luxury ones. Star-category hotels are very few, but simple and decent accommodation is available in plenty. The majority of the hotels are conveniently situated in the vicinity of the bus stand.

This ensures that commuting is not a major worry for the tourists.

Thought not in plenty, Hassan has several pleasant luxury hotels where a room cost about Rs 2,000 to Rs 4,000 per night. Luxury hotels provide good value for money as far as amenities and services are concerned. Tariffs for economy and budget hotels range from Rs 150 to Rs 1,000.

Almost all the budget hotels provide basic facilities such as Cable TV, safe and laundry. The climate in Hassan is pleasing all through the year. You may visit Hassan any day of the year although it maybe prudent to pass up the rainy seasons.

Summers are warm, with April being the hottest, and AC rooms are recommended if a visit is planned during the summer season. AC rooms are not mandatory during the rest of the months.
 

Name
Area

The Hoysala Village Resort 0 Belur Road                
Hotel Hassan Ashhok
     

     

     

     

     
3
B M Road
               
Hotel Southern Star
     

     

     

     

     
3
B M Road
                       
Hotel Suvarna Regency 0 B M Road
               
Hotel Gurudev International 0 B M Road
               
Hotel Amblee Palika 0 Race Course Road
               
Abhiruchi Lodge 0 B M Road
               
Hotel Mahaveer 0 Thannirhalla
               
Palaka Resort
     

     

     

     

     
3
Holenarasipura
               
The Rappa
     

     

     

     

     
3
Sidapura
                      
Hotel Sri Krishna 0 B M Road

 

1 comment:

  1. Thanks for sharing post about Mysore tourist places. If You are planning to visit Mysore then book hotel in Mysore before start your tour.

    ReplyDelete