Hassan, at a distance of 194 kms from Bangalore is peaceful little town and is a convenient base to visit Shravanabelagola, Belur and Halebid. Hassan offers a wide variety of accommodation. It is well connected by road and rail to Bangalore, Mysore and Mangalore. Hassan is the treasure house of ancient Indian Hindu architecture, which still exudes charm that is just spell binding.

31 kms from Hassan is Shravanabelagola, one of the most sacred Jain pilgrimage centres. Shravanabelagola houses the 17 m high monolith of Lord Bahubali - the world's tallest monolithic statue. Thousands of devotees assemble here to perform the Mahamastakabhisheka - a grand ceremony held once in 12 years, when the 1000 - year - old statue is consecrated with milk, curds, ghee, saffron and gold coins.

The quaint hamlet of Belur is just 38 kms from Hassan on the banks of the river Yagachi. Once the capital of the Hoysala empire, Belur today boasts of the ruins of the ancinet exquisite temple architecture. The Chennakeshava Temple in Belur is one of the finest examples of Hoysala architecture.

North-west of Hassan at a distance of 27 kms is Halebid, which is only 17 kms east of Belur. The temple architecture of Halebid are no less exemplary than the temple architectures of Belur and Shravanabelagola. The temples here bear mute testimony to the rich, cultural heritage of Karnataka.