And the district has something for everyone. Apart from its sheer natural beauty, the place is also known for its rich heritage. It is also home to the finest connoisseurs of literature and the fine arts. The district is known for its rich biodiversity. The hill spots including Yedakumeri, Gundya, Bisile, Hongadahalla,Ettinahalla, Moorkal and Aramane betta.
These hills are also dotted with some rare medicinal herbs. The place is an ecological hotspot, what with the many streams and rich flora and fauna. The train journeys through the many tunnels amidst the moss-covered hills are a real treat.
The Munzerabad rail route has 56 tunnels and travelling by train here can be a unique experience. The 553-metre-long tunnel in the midst of the hills, constructed in 1973 is among the list of the longest tunnels in the world. However, there are concerns over the ecological balance of the place, thanks to the go-ahead given by the government for many hydro-electric projects. At least 40 per cent of the forest region has already been depleted, if recent reports are to be believed.
Ecological imbalance
The power plants in the Gundya, Kadamane and Aramane Betta ranges have started to affect the environment. While the Hemavathy reservoir has meant that the hills have been reduced to plains, the fear over the Netravathi river diversion project looms. The ecological imbalances caused has meant that the elephant menace in the region has increased.
As many as 18 people and 14 wild elephants have lost lives over the last 14 years, in the region. Still, Hassan continues to be a favoured destination for most holidayers from the rest of the state.
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