Karnataka Cities

Hassan :

The picturesque town of Hassan is located in the heart of Malnad. Having a very pleasant climate throughout the year, Hassan 194 kms from Bangalore is the entry point for Belur, Halebid and Sravanabelagola. Sravanabelagola is a famous Jain pilgrimage with a 17 m high monolith of lord Bahubali standing tall. Belur was once the capital of the Hoysala kings.

The Chennakeshava temple took 103 years to complete and is filled with intricate carvings and sculptures. No space is left blank in this finest example of Hoysala architecture. In Belur Veeranarayana temple is also worth visiting. Halebid, like Belur is also a mute testimony to the rich cultural heritage of Karnataka.

Excursions :

Belur - 34 kms from Hassan, 149 kms from Mysore and 222 kms from Bangalore is Belur, which is famous for its exquisite temple. Belur is also known as 'Dakshina Varanasi' or 'Southern Banaras'.

Halebid - 17 kms from Belur. This place is known as 'Dwara Samudra', the wealthy capital of Hoysalas.

Sravanbelagola - This legendary pilgrimage and shrine of the Jains since early times is 52 kms from Hassan, 80 kms from Mysore and 150 kms from Bangalore. The 'Mahamastakabhisheka', held once in 12 years, is one of the main attractions of the place, which attracts a large number of devotees.

How to get there ?

Air - Bangalore is the nearest airport.

Rail - The nearest rail junction is at Hassan.

Road - Mysore is 115kms and Bangalore is 185 kms from Hassan by road.


Belur :

Travel to Southern Banaras Belur, the temple town is located 34 kms from Hassan. Famous for its exquisite temple, Belur is known as the Dakshina Varanasi or Southern Banaras. The serenity of Belur is attributed to the celebrated Chennakesava Temple built by the Hoysala King Vishnuvardhana in 1117 A.D to commemorate his conversion from Jainism to Vaishnavism.

The main structure of the temple, which is star-shaped, is a homogenous architectural unit on a raised platform. Inside, even in the darkness, you can see the hand-lathe turned shining pillars, each unique in its own splendour.

Prime Attractions :

Chennakesava Temple - The ornamental gopuram of the Chennakesava Temple appears unexpectedly surround a bend. Hawkers sell antique jewellery. In a corner of the vast courtyard are tossed a golden horse and a temple chariot. The winged figure of Garuda, Lord Vishnu's carrier, stands at the entrance, facing the temple palms touching in homage. Everything is carved in a gleaming, polished black stone, which looks like metal. The breathtaking temple reigns on a star-shaped pedestal. Every possible surface is covered with the most perfectly proportioned figures.

Pillars - Inside, in the startling darkness gleam the beautiful handlathe-turned rounded pillars, each unique in its filigreed splendour. The Narasimha Pillar once revolved on its ball bearings. A small space has been left on it to be sculpted by anyone who has the talent. It remains untouched.

Madanikas (Bracket Figures) - The four famous bracket figures on the ornate ceiling have been inspired by Shantala Devi's voluptuous beauty. One sculptured beauty communicates with a pet parrot whose tail is peacock-like while another wrings water from her long hair and one can see the drops collected on hair-ends. The 650 elephants charging on the frieze around the walls outside are all different from each other. The 38 Bracket figures on the walls are beautiful, pensive, playful and amorous women, lifting the temple to unprecedented heights of excellence.

Shantala Devi - On the smooth circular platform in front of the shrine, stands the sculpture of the beautiful Shantala Devi, queen of King Vishnuvardhana. The jewellery is hollow and movable. The delicacy and attention to the tiniest details here are incredible. Each feature, bangle, strand of hair is carved with care.

How to get there ?

Air - Bangalore is the nearest airport.

Rail - Hassan is the nearest rail head.

Road - The place is connected with Hassan (34 kms), Mysore (149 kms), Bangalore (222 kms).