Hassan is a city and district headquarters of Hassan district in the Indian state of Karnataka. The town is situated 934 mts above sea level with fine weather similar to Bangalore. The town is home to the Master Control Facility of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), and also to the Malnad College of Engineering MCE, one of the best colleges in the region. It was founded in the 11th century, by Channa Krishnappa Naik, a Palegar (chieften). The place is called Hassan after the Goddess "Haasanamba", the goddess and presiding deity of the town. It can be called as the temple-architectural capital of Karnataka.

Hassan the 4th largest city of the state, dates back to the 11th century, during the Hoysala dynasty, which lasted from the eleventh to the fourteenth century. Their capital was at Dwarasamundra (Dwaravati-pura), the ruins of which are still to be seen scattered round the town of Halebidu.

The earlier kings were of the Jain faith, but the finest temples were dedicated to Shiva by the later monarchs in the dynasty. While the Hoysalas were at the zenith of their power much of southern India was under their influence.

Hassan is the hub of Broad gauge railways to Birur, Bangalore and Mysore. The line to Mangalore is fully converted under Project Unigauge. It also has a full-fledged bus terminus operated by Karnataka State Bus Transport Service, besides this it is also well connected by private bus services to all the major cities across south and west India. The nearest airport is located in Bangalore (117 Miles/187 K.M) followed by the one in Mangalore.