Day trip to Hassan
Hassan is 196 km away from Bangalore and takes 4 hours to reach, so one has to leave early to cover all the major attractions in and around Hassan. Though, it is not possible to cover up all of them in one day from Bangalore but can be tried. Hassan was under the rule of Hoysala dynasty from 11th to 14th century and named Hassan after the presiding deity of the town called Haasanamba.
BANGALORE – HASSAN
Leave early from Bangalore towards Hassan by road.
ARRIVES HASSAN
Reach Hassan and drive straight towards Halebid. Halebid is one of the famous attractions near Hassan located at a distance of 27 km from Hassan.
HALEBID GUIDED TOUR
Visiting Halebid
Halebid or Halebidu was once the capital of Hoysala Empire, also known as Dwarasamudra located at a distance of just 15 km from Belur.
It has two famous Hindu temples in one platform here claimed the best example of Hoysala architecture dating back to 12th century. Name of the temples are Hoysaleswara temple and Kedareswara temple, both dedicated to Lord Shiva. There is lake also in front of the temples called Dwarasamudra, town gets its name from the lake. Temple complex is guarded by two big statues of Nandi Bull. Architecture and sculptures depicted on walls of Hoysala temple in the form of animals, birds and dancing figures is astounding.
Generally hoysala architecture not followed Square shape, they are using Star shape. It means you will find 64 corners in this temple & 108 pillars. Reason is they can accommodate more sculptures outside and inside the temple. We can see beautiful and bigger two nandi in this temple. If we go around the temple in three stage we can see the Durbar of Lord Shiva, the childhood plays of Bala Krishna, the fight between Karna and Arjuna the lifting of Govardhanagiri by Krishna Gajendramoksha on the western side and the shooting of Matsya Yantra. The story of Krishna and Arjuna can also be seen. The monkey army giving the ornaments to Sri Rama Chakra Vyuha Kote; Krishna and Arjuna getting down from the chariot and taking bath in the pond on hearing the death news of Abhimanyu. The demon King Ravana is lifting Kailasa Parvatha; these are all the important figures.
LUNCH TIME
Lunch at any good restaurant.
BELUR GUIDED TOUR
Visiting Belur
Belur is 16 km away from Halebid, was once the capital of Hoysala King. Together they are the main attractions of Hassan district. Belur is famous for Chennakesava Temple or Vishnuvardhana Temple, which is one of the finest example of Hoysala architecture. It is the only Hoysala temple still in active worship. First they build this temple prototype & it took 20 years to complete. The same prototype was made it in bigger size with all the sculptures & it took 103 years complete. This temple contains 48 pillars and the specialty is, every pillar having unique design. This temple was filled by sculptures like elephants, about war, dance, art, epics, etc. we will take several days to understand every sculptures. Its star shape temple & it contain 32 corners.
SHARAVANBELOGALA VISIT
Visiting Shravanbelogala
Shravanbelogala is 158 km away from Bangalore, 51 km from Hassan,90 km from Belur and 78 km from Halebid. The 17 meters tall statue of Gommateshvara Bahubali at Srava?a Be?go?a is one of the most significant pilgrimage center in Jainism.The monolith statue of Gomateshwara, 17 meters height, carved out of a single stone, Know as Bahubali. Its world tallest monolith statue. The town is located in the midst of two hills. There is a tank in the midst of this town called Belagola and the town is called by the same name.
RETURN TO BANGALORE
Drive back to Bangalore. On arrival, drop at your hotel.
OPTIONAL:
When it seems tight, one can use Hassan as a base; take overnight stay here and next morning visit Halebid, Belur and Shravanbelogala and come back to Bangalore. Please let us know about this as it can be customized according to choice and budget.
