Hassan

Famed for its temples and ancient monuments, this tucked-away Karnataka district is rich in history, heritage and architecture, all set within beautiful countryside. Hassan is not usually included in run-of-the-mill South India itineraries, but offering the perfect blend of history, art and spirituality, to exclude it would be remiss, particularly for those looking to explore Karnataka’s architectural treasures.

Named after the Hindu goddess Hassanamba, Hassan was ruled by the Hoysala Empire (circa 1050-1355), and their architectural influence reaches far and wide. Well known for their intricate carvings, many of the district’s temples were built between the 10th and 14th centuries. The two UNESCO World Heritage Sites at Belur and Halebidu showcase the stunning artistry of Hoysala architecture. Discover the world-famous soapstone Chennakeshava Temple at Belur, a masterpiece of intricate carvings dedicated to Vishnu, and marvel at the Hoysaleswara Temple in Halebidu, known for its exquisite sculptures and rich history. Other timeless beauties include the temples of Lakshmi Devi, Veeranarayana, Sadashiva, Bucheshwara and Someshwara where history and mythology come alive through stone carvings and ancient structures.

Another must-see in the region is Bisle Ghat, a great day trip from your base at Hoysala Village. Approximately a 2-hour drive from Hassan, Bisle Ghat is a reserved forest set over 40 hectares and home to precious flora and fauna. The Ghat is protected by the surrounding villages to prevent theft of its elephants, king cobras and sambar deer, and many types of high value trees including Teak, Rosewood and Tulip. 

Aside from ideal touring temperatures of between 20-25 degrees Celsius, Hassan is also boasts a great location; roughly a 3-hour drive from Bangalore and 2.5-hours from Mysore.

The first condition of understanding a foreign country is to smell it.
Rudyard Kipling