A relaxed and laid-back town, Hassan is the headquarters of the same-named district and is one of the all-time favourite spots in the state of Karnataka. Named after the town's presiding Goddess "Hasanamba", Karnataka's fourth largest city is mainly a farmer and trader town. Hassan is a pleasant place to explore for a day or two on foot and forms a perfect base for exploring the world-famous site of Halebid (33km), Belur (38km) and Sravanabelagola (48km).

Hassan is best known for its Hasanamba Temple, but there's also Siddeshvara Temple, built by Venkatappa Nayaka, one of the Nayaka rulers.

Sights to See

Hasanamba Temple
Built in the 12th century under the Krishnappa Nayaka (Paleghar), the temple is elegantly sculpted and enshrines Goddess Hasanamba.

Siddeshwara Swamy temple
The beautiful Siddeshwara Swamy Temple is another famous shrine in Hassan.

Koravangala
The Bucesvara temple is the attraction of Koravangala, located 10 km from Hassan. A fine example of the Hoysala architecture, the temple was built in 12th Century A.D.

Manjarabad Fort
Situated about 6 km from Sakleshpur town, Manjarabad Fort is located at an altitude of about 3,240 feet. It was named Manjarabad by famous Mysore ruler Tippu Sultan. The beautiful landscape here attracts a large number of tourists.

Ramanathapura,
Situated on the left bank of the Cauvery, it is a noted centre of pilgrimage for its temples dedicated to Subramanya Swamy and Pattabi Ramachandra, built in the Dravidian style.

Other shrines dotting this place are Laxminarasimha, Prasanna Rameshwara Temple, Agasthyeshwara Swamy and Durga Rameshwari. Ramanathapura is about 50 km from Hassan.

Mosale
Located in Hassan Taluk on Mysore Road, Mosale is famous for two temples dedicated to Nageswara and Chennakeshava. These temples are fine specimens of the Hoysala architecture.

Gorur Dam
Located 25 km from Hassan on Hassan-Arakalgud Road, the place is famous for the temple of Yoganarasimha Swamy built in 1586 AD in Hoysala style. Besides, Vasudeva and Kailaseshwara temples are also situated here. The dam constructed across the Hemavathi River is a picnic spot.

Shettihalli Church
Located in the picturesque village of Shettihalli, Holy Rosary Church gets submerged in the waters of the Hemavathy River. Located on the Hassan-Shettihalli Road, the church is fast emerging a famous travel destination in the district.