Karnataka - Tourism & Wildlife - Hassan @ whatisindia.com

How to get there:
Road: The nearest Airports are at Bangalore (186 Kms) & Mangalore (168 Kms). Nearest Airport - Mangalore.
Rail: Railway Station is 2km east of centre. Hassan is connected by rail with Bangalore, Mysore, Mangalore, Shimoga & Arsikere. Nearest railhead - Hassan.
Road: KSTDC and many private tour operators run package tours. All types of tourist vehicles are easily available from Hassan.

Hasanamba Shrine
A temple shrine with an ant-hill representing Hasanamba, the presiding deity. The temple of Hasanamba will be opened only once in a year about a week, during the Ashwayuja month. (October). A big 'Jatra'( fair) will be held on this occasion.

Around Hassan
Belur
Situated 40kms from Hassan on the banks of the river Yagachi, Belur was the capital of Hoysalas 800 years ago. Situated 40kms from Hassan on the banks of the river Yagachi, Belur was the capital of Hoysalas 800 years ago. The temples and monuments here display the ancient Hoysala sculpture and architecture.

Veeranarayana Temple
Situated on the west of the Chennakesava Temple, this temple has some fine sculpted figures of various Hindu gods. This district is situated on the banks of river Yagachi.

The Chenakesava Temple
This temple stand at the courtyard of the Belur. Built by the Hoysala King Vishnuvardhana in 117AD is a monument of Supreme architectural beauty. One of the earliest of its type, started its building during the period of great cathedrals of Europe such as Lincoln and Rheims. It took a century to complete . The temple is dedicated to Krishna.

The temple build on a star-shape platform has three doorways and bracket figures or 'Madanikas' which are masterpieces of craftsmanship. The intricate carvings on the stone walls and the gravity pillar in the courtyard are the unique features of this temple. The interior of the temple considered even better than the outside, contains many exquisite panels and richly carved pillars. The exquisite sculptures of the temple give a vivid picture. The line of 650 different in figures elephants are surrounded on the base. The young musicians and dancers on either side of the main door are placed on a screen. The superb carving decorates the hand-lathe-turned pillars.

Jog Falls
It is 348Km away from Mysore. It is near to 50 Km long Hirebhasgar Reservoir which regulate the Sharavati River and generate hydro electricity. Late Nov to early Jan is the best season to visit the site. After rain during the monsoon season, the falls have gave a magnificent spectacular sight. There are four falls. Raja is the highest with a fall of 250meters and a pool below which is 40 meters deep. Next is Rorer and the other is Rocket. The Rani is normally called 'White Lady' run over the rocks.

Gorur
Situated 22km from Hassan, Gorur is a dam site across the river Hemavathy. This palace is a pleasant picnic spot.

Halebid
Situated 39km from Hassan and 148 Km away from Mysore, Halebid earlier known as Dwarasamudra was the ancient and wealthy capital city of the Hoysala Empire. The Hoysaleswara temple at Halebid is a remarkable monument of Hoysala architecture. Built in 1121 AD, the walls of the largest Hoysala temple are covered with detailed friezes and sculptures depicting scenes narrated in Hindu epics.

It was destroyed by the armies of Delhi sultanate in 1311 and 1327. It was deserted after its attack later it was renamed as Halebid (Old capital). Fortunately the great Hoysalesvara temple escaped from the attack.The sculptures found here, have been carved by skilled hands, giving importance to even the most minute details. The temple also contains two massive Monolithic bulls.

The Archaeological Museum located on the temple premises displays 12th-13th Century sculptures, wood carvings idols, coins and inscriptions. Open from 10am to 5pm. Closed on Fridays. About 1km South from Halebid is Bastihalli, with 12th century Jain Bastis in a garden enclosure. These bastis have gleaming Blackstone pillars and carved ceilings.

Hoysalesvara Temple
The temple is set in the lawns, has two shrines, one is dedicated to Santeleswara and Shiva. A Nandi bull placed in front of these shrines. The sculpture inside the temple shows the excellence of the artisans' craft. The Krishna lifting mount Govardhana, Rama defeating the demon God Ravana related to Ramayana and Mahabharata are the excellent craft. There are 84 female figures in original and 70 from these figures are stolen over the years and remaining 14 figures are placed at the temple.

Sravanabelagola
52km from Hassan, Sravanabelagola is a popular Jain pilgrim Centre, wedged between two rocky hills-Indragiri and Chandragiri. The monolithic statue of Lord Gomateswara, a Jain Saint, standing atop the Indragiri Hills is 17 meters high and is said to be one of the tallest and most graceful monolithic statues in the world. More

There is a spacious sanctuary in Bhandari Basti about 200 meters to the left from the path leading to the Gommateshvara Statue with 24 images of Tirthankaras.

Reference:
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