Mahamastakabhisheka: Tourists can now enjoy 'Hassan darshana' in one day

In an effort to introduce the tourist destinations of the district to the devotees and tourists of other states, the district administration and the Tourism department, as part of Bahubali Mahamastakabhisheka, have introduced a 10-day tourism package 'Hassan darshana'.

The package was suggested by Deputy Commissioner Rohini Sindhuri to popularise the tourist destinations and to introduce the cultural grandeur of the district. It will be held from February 16 to 25. The bus, which leaves Shravanabelagola at 8 am will return to the same spot at 8 pm the same day.

The first package includes Shravanabelagola, Narasimhaswamy temple at Holenarasipur, music villages of Ramanathapura and Rudrapattana, Gorur dam, residence of writer Gorur Ramaswamy Iyengar, Halebid temple, Belur Channakeshava temple and return to Shravanabelagola.

The second package is a trip to Nuggehalli, Kondajji, Halebeedu, Belur and return. The third package includes temples at Nuggehallli, Nagaranavile, Arsikere, Haranahalli, Koravangala, and Shantigrama. The fourth package comprises Doddagoddavalli, Belur, Helmidi, Javagal, Halebid, Kondajji and back to Shravanabelagola. The fifth package has Mosalehalli, Palya, Manjarabad fort at Sakleshpur, Belur and Halebid.

Special counters

Ten special counters have been opened at Devirahalli parking lot, near Janivara Lake at Shravanabelagola, to provide necessary information on the package and bookings. Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation (KSTDC) buses and private buses are being used for the purpose. Call 94499 29077 or 0817-2268862 or helpline 080-67666688.

Besides, motorbike ride, heli-tourism, adventure water sports have been introduced as part of the Mahamastakabhisheka.

U Jithendra Kumar, Deputy Director for Tourism, said that the fare for Hassan darshana has been fixed at Rs 300 per person. The tourists should bear the food expenses. Based on the response 55, 35 and 15-seater buses will be arranged. Handbills in Kannada, English, and Hindi languages will be distributed. A guide and a 'pravasi mitra' will be deployed on the vehicles for providing information and for the safety of the tourists, he added.

KSRTC bus services

The KSRTC has also arranged special bus services from across the state for the benefit of devotees. Sixty minibusses will ply between the satellite towns, bus stand, and railway station. In all, 175 buses will be on service, including Iravatha buses. The tourists can also visit Mysuru, Ranganathittu, Gommatagiri, Dharmasthala, Srirangapatna, Talkad, Ooty and other places from Shravanabelagola by contacting the Tourism department.

Heli-tourism

Those willing to have a helicopter ride to have a glimpse of the town from the top can pay Rs 2,100 for a ride of eight minutes. As the Pavan Hans company withdrew at the last minute, Bahubali Helitourism organisation has taken over heli-tourism, which will begin from February 17.