Hassan District

About Hassan District

Hassan is a district in Karnataka state, India. The district capital is Hassan, India city. 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 well known nationally for modern technology.

Hassan is a picturesque town in the heart of malnad with a pleasant climate. It is about 180 KM from Bangalore, the capital city of Karnataka. The Hoysalas brought world wide acclaim to the district through their unique style of Temple Architecture. It is surrounded by 6 districts namely Chikmagalur, Mangalore, Madikeri, Mysore, Mandya & Tumkur

Hassan District occupying a total area of 6826.15 Sq. km encompasses the latitudinal parallels stretching between 12° 13’ and 13° 33’ North on one hand and the longitudinal meridians extending from75° 33’ and 76°38’ East on the other.East longitude, 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. The district is strategically sited 180 km from the Bangalore metropolis.The population of Hassan District is estimated to be17, 21,669 in accordance with the 2001 Census Report. Agriculture forms the district’s economic backbone where coffee, black pepper, potato, paddy and sugarcane are the major crops.

Hassan District with its lush terrains and bracing, salubrious climate reverberates with legendary tourist spots which include some of the most exquisitely carved sculptures like that of the Belur-Halebeed, Sravanabelagola and Halebeed .

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.,southern malnad,semi-malnad and 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.

Hassan is a convenient place for visiting the famous temples of Belur, Halebid, and Sravanabelagola. Chennakesava Temple at Belur was built by the Emperor Vishnuvardhana in 1117. The tallest and most graceful monolithic statue in the world, Lord Gomateshwara, is located here. An elaborate ritual festival ‘Mahamastakabhisheka’ is held once in every 12 years. It attracts devotees from all over the world. The twin temples of Hoysaleswara and Kedareswara built by Vishnuvardhana and Ballala-II are located at Halebid, 30 km from the district headquarters 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. 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.

Around the 300 BCE. Hassan was part of the Mayuran empire. Sage Bhadrabahu arrived from north India in 3rd century BCE. along with many ascetics marking the arrival of Jainism into Karnataka.later kingdoms of Kadambas, Chalukyas, Gangas, Hoysalas and Vijayanagar empire. The Hoysalas brought world wide acclaim to the district through their unique style of temple architecture.

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, commissioned by Ganga general Chamundaraya, including the fifty seven feet tall statue monolithic statue of Gomateshwara. During the rule of the Gangas, Shravanabelagola was an important religious capital.

Educational Institutions

Health Science Colleges in Hassan

• CSI Red Fern Memorial Hospital, Hassan

Other Institutions

• Sdm College Of Ayurveda & Hospital
• Damodar Suvarna Institute Of
• Malnad College Of Enginnering
• Bahubali College of Engineering
• DSE Trust S College Of Hotel
• Bharat Universal TTI
• Dattatreya TTI
• Dist Instit Of Edn & Training Govt Tti,
• Jss TTI Doddakadanur
• BRDM College Of Education
• Mahaveer BEd Shikshana Snatak College
• Hasanamba College Of Education
• Sri Adichunchanagiri College Of Edn
• Vivekananda College Of Education
• Gopi Law Evening College
• Smt Lv (govt) Polytechnic
• (govt) Womens Polytechnic
• Shree Bahubali Polytechnic
• Manjunatheshwara Iti
• Sahyadri National Iti
• Govt Bm Shetty College
• Govt Pu College, Belur
• Avk College For Women,
• Navodaya Pu College
• Govt Pu College For Boys, Holenarasipur
• Govt Pu College, Arsikere
• Prathiba Pu College,
• Govt Pu College, Arkalgudu
• Rural Pu College,
• Govt Pu College, Sakleshpur
• Adichunchanagiri Pu College
• Sri Venkateshwara Pu College
• Jagadguru Kodimutt Pu College
• Sri Adichuchanagiri College Of Pharmacy
• Rajiv Institute Of Paramedical Science
• Malnad College Of Engg ,hassan
• Sri Hasanamba Dental College,
• Smt. Narayani DR Karigowda College

Culture

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.

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.

During this time Vishnuvardhana was influenced by Ramanujacharya and accepted Hinduism, though his wife Shantaladevi continued to follow Jainism, setting an example of religious tolarance. 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.

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.

Tourist Attraction

Aregal Basadi:Built in the 12th century, Aregal Basadi is a Jain Basadi situated in Jinanathapura, in Hassan District of Karnataka. This basadi has been built in the lines of Hoysala temple architecture. This highly decorated basadi enshrines a white marble idol of Lord Parshwanath.

**Chavundaraya Basadi:**The Chavundaraya Basadi, built around 982, is one of the oldest basadis on the Chandragiri hill. This basadi is believed to have been constructed by Chavundaraya, the eminent general of the Ganga King Rachamalla Sathyavakya. It is dedicated to Lord Neminath, the 22nd Tirthankar.

**Hongere Jain Temple:**Built during the Hoysala’s period in the 12th century, Hongere Jain Temple is a famous pilgrim center in Hassan District. Bhagvan Mahavir, the main deity which is 30 inches tall and black in color is found in kayotsarga posture.

**Bhandari Basti:**Bhandari Basti is one of the main Jain temples on Chandragiri Hill in Karnataka and is south-east of Sravanabelagola.This Jain temple is the largest of its kind in area and the temple architecture resembles Hoysala style.

Hole Narsipur Neminatha Temple:Neminatha Temple is an ancient Jain temple located at Hole Narsipur in Hassan District of Karnataka. Built in 915 by Sri Chavundaraya, the shrine is dedicated to Bhagvan Neminatha.

Belur: Belur is famous for the Chennakeshava temple built by Hoysala king Vishnuvardhana. It located around 38 km from Hassan town and other spots like Veeranarayana temple may be visited. Here you can stay at the Karnataka state government run Hotel Mayura Velapuri.

Halebidu: Halebidu is famous for the Hoysaleshwara temple. It is located 27 km from Hassan town. At Halebidu you can stay at Tourist Cottages of Tourism Department.

Indragiri Hills:Indragiri, also known as Vindhyagiri, is a famous hill situated at Shravanabelegola in Hassan District. It lies adjacent to the Chandragiri Hills, 50 km from Hassan and 10 km from Chananrayanpatna. This picturesque hillock is 143 m high and there are about five hundred steps which lead to the top of the hill.

Yagachi River: Yagachi, a river flowing through Hassan District, is one of the two main tributaries of Hemavati River. It originates from the Western Ghats and finally dips into Hemavati, which in turn merges with river Cauvery near Krishnarajasagar.

Shravanabelagola: Shravanabelagola is important religious center of jains. One has to climb around 600 steps to reach the hill top where a huge monolithic statue of Gomteshwara or Lord Bahubali is located. This is the largest monolithic statue in the world. Also, you can find various stautes of jain thirthankaras. Mahamastakabhisheka is a grand festival here, which takes place every 12 years.

Bisle reserve forest or Bisle ghat: This area is famous for trekking.

Sakleshpur: Sakleshapur is a small town and is a mini hill station. It can be a weekend escape from the cities like Bangalore, Mangalore or Mysore. It is also know for coffee and spice cultivation.

Gorur Dam: Gorur dam is made by embanking river Hemavathi. It located around 12 km from Hassan town on the way Arakalagud. The back water of Gorur dam is also known Hemavathi Reservoir. Here can also visit the temple of Yoganarasimha.

Manjrabad Kote or fort: Manjrabad fort is locared on the top of Adanigudda, 6kms from Sakleshpura on the road to Mangalore. Its purpose is not to enclose any town but is to serve as a point of political strategy in the form of a protection and control point on the enemies to the rulers. In order to subdue or attack the enemies who would infiltrate from Madikeri and Mangalore sides. Tippu sultan developed this fort around 1782 AD as a watch tower rather then a full fledged defense point.

Aregal Basadi:Built in the 12th century, Aregal Basadi is a Jain Basadi situated in Jinanathapura, in Hassan District of Karnataka. This basadi has been built in the lines of Hoysala temple architecture. This highly decorated basadi enshrines a white marble idol of Lord Parshwanath.

**Chennakesava Temple:**The Chennakesava Temple is located at Belur in Hassan District of Karnataka. It was built by a local ruler, who belonged to the Hoysala dynasty during the 11th century to commemorate the victory of the Hoysala’s over the Cholas at Talakad. The temple is exceptionally large and many of the decorations were added later in the 12th and 14th centuries. The temple is enclosed in a paved compound and includes a well and a water tank. The Chennakesava Temple consists of a shrine, an open hall and a platform and is built in the Hoysala architectural style. Chennakesava literally means “handsome Kesava” and is a form of Hindu God Vishnu. Belur is well-known for its marvelous temples, built during the rule of Hoysala dynasty, making it and nearby Halebidu, a favored tourist destination in Karnataka.

**Hoyasaleswara Temple:**Hoyasaleswara Temple is located in Belur city of Karnatka. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The construction of the monument was started in 1121 by Ketamalla, a general of King Vishnu Vardhana of the Hoysala Dynasty, the ruler of the erstwhile kingdom of Mysore, in Karnataka. Hoyasaleswara temple is decorated with sculptures depicting scenes from the Hindu epic Ramayana.

Lakshmi Janardana Swamy Temple(Also known as ‘Dakshina Gaya’):Built by the Chalukyas around the 14th century, Lakshmi Janardana Swamy Temple is situated in Palya village of Alur taluk, about 20 km from Hassan. The temple enshrines Lakshmi Janardana Swamy’s idol which is made out of single black stone carving, four and a half ft high. The idol resembles Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. Main temple comprises Anjaneya swamy temple, Lakshmi Devi temple, and Venugopal swamy temple.

**Shantigrama Jain Temple:**Located near Hassan, at Shantigrama, Shantigrama Jain Temple was built during the Hoysala period in the 12th century. The temple is dedicated to Bhagvan Shantinatha, whose black idol is enshrined here.

**Javagal Lakshminarasimha Temple:**Lakshminarasimha Temple is situated at Javagal, about 5 km from Arasikere in Hassan District of Karnataka. It is a fine specimen of Hoysala architecture with three shrines dedicated to Keshava, Gopala and Lakshminarasimha.Brahmotsava is the main festival celebrated here.

Lakshmi Venkataramana Swamy Temple:Lakshmi Venkataramana Swamy Temple is situated at Amaragiri Malekal Tirupati Hill near Arsikere in Hassan District of Karnataka. The presiding deity is Lord Vishnu, along with His consort Goddess Lakshmi. Here Lord Vishnu is widely known as Venkataramana Swamy.

Bisle Ghat:Bisle Ghat is an ideal place for trekkers, located in Hassan District of Karnataka. It is about 65 km from Sakleshpur, on Sakaleshpur-Subramanya road. The place is a panoramic scenery.

Archaeological Museum:Archaeological Museum is located at Halebid, about 17 km from Belur, in Karnataka. The museum exhibits a rich collection of 12th-13th sculptures, idols, coins, inscriptions and wood carvings. Informational lectures are conducted regularly. The museum has a well-stocked library.

**Amaragiri Malekal Tirupati Hill:**Amaragiri Malekal Tirupati Hill is situated near Arsikere in Hassan District of Karnataka. There is a famous temple called Shri Lakshmi Venkataramana Swamy temple. One can also see a stone mantapa atop this hill.

**Hemavati Reservoir:**Hemavati Reservoir was constructed in 1981 across the river Hemavati at Gorur. The reservoir is situated at 12°4’N and 76°3’E at an elevation of 840 m above mean sea level. Hemavati originates from the Western Ghats at Bellalarayanadurga in Chikmagalur District. This place is a lovely picnic spot.

Chandragiri Hills: Chandragiri Hills in Sravanabelagola is famous for 14 shrines and the tomb of Chandra Gupta Maurya, the famous patron of Jainism. Of the temples, the Chamundaraya basti of 982 is the most outstanding.

**Ramanathapura, A Sacred Places:**Known as Dakshina Kashi, this village is a noted pilgrimage center on the left banks of the river Cauvery. It is nearly 50 km away from the district. The old Hoysala structure, Prasanna Rameshwara Temple, is the most important temple here.

Keshaveshwara Temple: Keshaveshwara Temple, popularly known as Betteshwara, is situated at Agraharabelguli in Hassan District, about 25 km from Channarayapatna. It is an outstanding Hoysala structure with intricate artworks and carvings, consecrated by Kesiraja, a commander under the Hoysala Emperor Ballala II, in 1209.

**Lakshminarayana Temple:**Lakshminarayana Temple is located at Nuggehalli in Hassan District.Built around 1246, the temple shows influence of Hoysala architecture and the main deity is Lord Keshava (Lord Krishna). The frontage presents Hajara and Navaranga. The Navaranga with its square granite pillars were built during Vijayanagar Empire.

Nuggehalli is 18 km north-east of Channarayapatna.

Hassan district is full of Hoysala architecture scattered all over the country side. This may never come to the notice of the typical tourist. Some of the are as follows:

• Hulikere (ornate stepped tank or Kalyani)
• Pushpagiri (Mallikarjuna, Bhairava temples)
• Doddagaddavalli (Lakshmidevi temple)
• Koravangala (Govindeshwara, Nakeshwara and Bucheshwara temples)
• Kondajji (Vishnu temple)
• Adagur (Lakshminarayana temple)
• Chatachatahalli (Chatteshwara temple)
• Javagal (Narasimha temple)
• Haranahalli (Keshava and Someshwara temples)
• Arasikere (Ishwara temple)
• Hullekere (Channakeshava temple)
• Shantigrama (YogaNarasimha and Channakeshavaswamy temple)
• Sakleshpura (Sakaleswara temple)
• Manjarabad (fort and dungeons)
• Ramnathapura (Rameshwara temple)and Pattabi Rama ,Subramanyeshwara
• Gorur (Yoganarasimha temple, Paravasudeva temple and Dam over river)
• Basadihalli (Adinatha Basadi, Parshwanath Basadi and Saantinatha Basadi)
• Malekal Tirupathi (Venkata Ramanna and Govidaraja temple)
• Shantigrama (Yoganarsimha, Dharmeshwara and Keshava temples)
• Anekere (Chennakaesava temple)
• Mallarajapatna (Lakshmaneshwara temple)
• Mavathanahalli (Mahalingeshwara temple)
• Anathi (Lakshminarayana temple)
• Hebbalalu (Singeshwara temple)
• Jinanathapura (Shantinatha basadi)
• Ambuga (Prasanna Chennakeshava temple)
• Heragu (Kirthinarayana temple)
• Mosale (Nageshwara and Channakeshava temples)
• Mavinakere (Ranganathaswamy temple)
• Holenarasipura (Narasimha temple)
• Honnavara (Keshava temple)
• Ruined Keshava Temple Honnavara,HassanHirekadalur (keshava temple)
• Ruined Keshava Temple Hirekadalur,HassanHalmidi (Inscription)

Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation

• Hotel Amblee Palika,
• Hotel Suvarna Arcade
• Hotel Hassan Ashok,Phone:+91-8172-268731
• Hotel Mayura Velapuri
• Hotel Southern Star,B M Highway,Hassan, B M Highway Hassan (Phone: +91-8171-2251816)
• Hotel Mayura Shantala, Halebid
• Hotel Palika, Race Course Road
• Hotel Sri Krishna - B. M. Road, Hassan-573201.
• Vishnu Regency - K. G. Road, Belur, Hassan-573115.
• Sumukha Residency - Temple Road, Near Bus Stand, Belur, Hassan Dist-573115.
• Hotel Harsha Mahal - Hassan. Phone: 08172 -268583 and 267863.
• Hotel Vaishnavi - Harsha Mahal Road, Hassan-573201. Phone: 08172- 267413,263885,263887,263889 and 263890.
• Hotel Moti - opp. Bus stand, BM Road, Hassan.
• Hotel Harsha - Devgire Market, Hassan.
• Hotel HarshaMahal - Hassan.
• Hotel Vaishnavi - Hassan.
• Hotel Gurudev - BM Road, Hassan.
• Hotel Hassan Ashoka - BM Road, Hassan.
• Hotel Southern Star - BM Road, Hassan.
• Hotel D. R. Karigowda Residency - BM Road, Hassan.
• Suvarna Regency - BM Road, Hassan.
• Hoysala Village Resort - Belur Road, Hassan.

Location info

Hassan district lies partly in the “malnad” tract and partly in the southern “maidan”(plains) tract.Hassan is 38 km from Belur

Mobile network coverage

Airtel, Jio, BSNL, and Vi all provide coverage across Karnataka. 4G is reliable in Bangalore, Mysore, Mangalore, Hubli, and along highways. Coverage may be weaker in deep forest areas of Bandipur, Nagarhole, and certain Western Ghats sections. Most hotels, resorts, and cafes in tourist areas offer free Wi-Fi.

Food & restaurants nearby

Food options are available in the nearest town. Karnataka cuisine ranges from coastal seafood to Udupi vegetarian to Coorg’s pandi curry. Dosa, idli, bisi bele bath, and filter coffee are iconic.

Climate & weather

Karnataka has a varied climate from the humid coast to the dry Deccan plateau and cool Western Ghats. The best time to visit is October to March, with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 30°C depending on region. April–May is hot across most of the state (up to 38°C). The southwest monsoon (June–September) brings heavy rain to the coast and ghats but transforms the landscape — this is the best time for Jog Falls and Coorg’s lush greenery. Hill stations (Coorg, Chikmagalur) remain pleasant year-round. Bangalore has a moderate climate throughout.

Helpline & emergency contacts

Tourist Helpline: 1364 (toll-free, 24×7). Police: 112 (all-India emergency). Ambulance: 108. Women’s Helpline: 1091. Karnataka Police Tourist Helpline: 112.

Nearest petrol pump

Petrol pumps are available in the nearest town or on the approach road — check locally for the closest option.

Best time to visit Hassan District

October to March is the best time to explore cities in Karnataka — pleasant weather for sightseeing. November to February offers comfortable temperatures perfect for outdoor exploration. Summer (April-June) can be hot — plan outdoor activities for early morning or evening.

Timings & opening hours

City attractions have varying hours. Most shops and markets operate from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM. Temples and heritage sites typically open 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Malls and restaurants stay open until late.

Entry fee & tickets

Entry fees vary by attraction within the city. Most parks and public spaces are free. Museums: ₹20-₹100 for Indian nationals, ₹100-₹500 for foreign nationals. Heritage sites: nominal entry fee.

Duration needed

2-3 days is ideal to explore the main attractions of the city. A day trip can cover the highlights. Week-long stays allow for in-depth exploration including day trips to nearby attractions.

Safety tips

Karnataka’s cities are generally safe for tourists. Take standard precautions: keep valuables secure, avoid isolated areas after dark, use registered taxis or app-based cabs at night, and be aware of your surroundings in crowded areas.

Things to carry

Comfortable walking shoes, camera, water bottle, sunscreen, hat, city map or smartphone with navigation, power bank, light jacket for air-conditioned venues, and identification documents.

Nearby visiting places

Nearby attractions include other cities in the region, historical sites, temples, nature spots, and recreational areas within a day-trip distance.

Nearest airport, railway & bus

The city has its own railway station and bus stand. The nearest domestic/international airport connects to major cities. City buses, auto-rickshaws, app-based taxis, and rental cars are available for local transport.

Things to do at Hassan District

Explore the city’s heritage sites, museums, and markets. Visit temples, churches, or mosques. Enjoy local cuisine at restaurants and street food stalls. Shop for local handicrafts and specialities. Experience the city’s nightlife and cultural events. Take day trips to nearby attractions.

Things to visit & highlights

Historical landmarks and heritage buildings, museums and art galleries, shopping areas and markets, parks and gardens, religious sites, and cultural centres showcasing local art and performances.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best way to get around the city? Auto-rickshaws, app-based cabs (Uber/Ola), and city buses are available in most Karnataka cities. Walking is ideal for exploring compact city centres.

What local dishes should I try? Karnataka cities offer diverse cuisine — try dosa, idli, bisi bele bath, ragi mudde, and local seafood (in coastal cities). Don’t miss the famous filter coffee.

Is the city safe for solo travellers? Karnataka’s cities are generally safe. Take standard precautions: avoid isolated areas at night, use registered transport, and keep valuables secure.

Quick facts

• Type: Destination
• State: Karnataka
• Category: District Of

Photo gallery of Hassan District

Photos coming soon. In the meantime, you can find images of Hassan District on popular travel photography sites and social media.