Located at a distance of 22 km from Hassan in Karnataka in the small district of Shettihalli, Shettihalli Church is an ancient catholic church built in the 1860s by the French missionaries. Boasting of magnificent Gothic architecture, Shettihalli Church was abandoned in 1960 and is currently in ruins. The uniqueness about the church is that it gets submerged in water every monsoon and for the same reason, the ruined church has become a popular tourist attraction in the region. Standing tall in the middle of barren fields, the church doesn’t have a roof and echoes with the silence of the surroundings and the chirping of the birds.
Distance from Hassan: 20 km
Known For : Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple Nimishambha Temple Dariya Daulat Bagh
Srirangapatna is an egg-shaped island town amidst the Cauvery river in Mandya district of Karnataka. Situated at a distance of 18 kms from Mysore, the town is an architectural masterpiece of Hoysala and Vijayanagar styles. One of the most important Vaishnavite centres of pilgrimage- the Ranganathaswamy temple, is the major attraction of the town which draws thousands of tourists. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is one of the largest of its kind. Once the capital of Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan, this city is home to multiple sites of historical relevance
Distance from Hassan: 107 km
Best Time: July to March
Known For : Cubbon Park Lalbagh Bangalore Palace
Having evolved gradually from being the Garden City to the Silicon Valley of India, Bengaluru is the third largest and one of the most livable cities in India. Bangalore is loved for its pleasant weather, beautiful parks and lakes all around the town. When in Bangalore, one can choose to take a long, stroll through the greenery of Cubbon Park, shop in many modern malls or street side markets or hop into one of the several acclaimed craft breweries in the city for a cold and refreshing drink. Bangalore had come to be renowned for its eateries, street food corners, quirky cafes, coffee roasters and pubs dotting every corner of the city, serving cuisines from all over the world.
Distance from Hassan: 182 km
Best Time: Throughout the year
Nestled on the banks of River Yagachi in Hassan District of Karnataka, the town of Belur along with its twin town of Halebid located 16 km away, houses exquisite temples reflecting the exemplary artistic taste and technique of temple builders of the yore. This small town was the capital of the mighty Hoysala empire and their engineering genius can still be witnessed in the temples that stand here today. Some of the important shrines that are housed here include Chennakesava Temple and Kappe Chennigaray, both of which are exemplary Dravidian peices of architecture.
Distance from Hassan: 38 km
Known For : Panambur Beach St Aloysius Chapel
Located between the Arabian Sea and the Western Ghats, the port city of Mangalore or Mangaluru is known for its swaying coconut palms, beautiful beaches and temple architecture. It is also an important industrial, commercial, educational and healthcare hub of the state of Karnataka.
Distance from Hassan: 171 km
Best Time: Throughout the year
Known For : Annapoorneshwari Temple Kalaseshwara Temple
Known for the revered Annapoorneeshwari Temple, Horanadu is a holy town located in Malnad, Karnataka. Carpeted with green paddy fields and accompanied by a hilly backdrop, this region lies at an altitude of 2726 feet. With pristine natural beauty, Horanadu is also famous for its extensive collection of dry fruits, namely cashew nuts and almonds. The town of Horanadu being agriculture centric is rich in tea, coffee and spice plantations. One can purchase these in bulk at much cheaper rates than those found in cities.
Distance from Hassan: 134 km
Best Time: Throughout the year
Known For : Abbey Falls Talacauvery Namdroling Monastery
Generally covered as a part of trips to Coorg, Madikeri is a hill town in Karnataka with vast coffee plantations, lush forests and misty hills, all culminating into a breathtaking view. Located in Kodagu District at around 6 hours from Bengaluru between Mysore and Mangalore, Madikeri is a perfect weekend getaway. There is no pollution, no noises to hurt your ears and the cool breeze that accompanies you throughout makes your trip memorable.
Distance from Hassan: 103 km
Best Time: February to September
Ishvara Temple, Arasikere is an 11th century Lord Shiva Temple built by the Hoysala Kings. It is famous for its rich cultural heritage and stunning architecture. The single shrine temple, its complex craftsmanship and the intricacies of the carvings are not found in other Hoysala structures, thus making it a famous attraction in the region.
Distance from Hassan: 46 km
Known For : Mysore Palace Brindavan Gardens Mysore Zoo
Famously known as The City of Palaces, it wouldn’t be wrong to say that Mysore is one of the most flamboyant places in the country. It is replete with the history of its dazzling royal heritage, intricate architecture, its famed silk sarees, yoga, and sandalwood, to name just a few. Located in the foothills of the Chamundi Hills, Mysore is the third most populated city in the state of Karnataka, and its rich cultural heritage draws millions of tourists all year round.
Distance from Hassan: 126 km
Best Time: Throughout the year
The Gorur Dam, which is also known as the Hemavathi Dam, is a beautiful and striking picnic spot that attracts tourists from all across the country. The dam is built across the river Hemavathi, which is a tributary of the river Kaveri and is surrounded by lush greenery on its side, which adds to the beauty of the dam and further appeals to its visitors. Not only is this dam well known for its scenic beauty, but it also attracts bird watchers as it has a wide range of birds that it is home to.
Distance from Hassan: 25 km
Known For : Shringeri Shree Sharadambe Devi Temple Kigga Annapoorneshwari Temple
Distance from Hassan: 139 km
Best Time: Throughout the year
Known For : Gomateshwara Statue Chandragiri Hill Temple Bhandari Basadi Temple
Sravanbelagola is an important Jain pilgrimage centre with a 57 m tall monolithic sculpture of Lord Gomateswara called Bahubali statue as its prime attraction. Located 144 km from Bengaluru in Hassan District of Karnataka, the collection of Jain Temples in Sravanbelagola attracts a number of pilgrims every year. Wedged between Chandigiri and Vindyagiri hills on the side of the tank of town called 'Belagola'. 'Bela' means white and 'kola' means the pond in Kannada. It takes a full day to visit all the monuments.
Distance from Hassan: 53 km
Best Time: October to Apr