Hassan || Temple-architectural capital of Karnataka
Hassan is a picturesque town in the heart of malnad with a pleasant climate. It is about 180 KM from Bangalore - the capital city of Karnataka. The Hoysalas brought world wide acclaim to the district through their unique style of Temple Architecture. It is surrounded by 6 districts namely Chikmagalur, Mangalore, Kodagu, Mysore, Mandya & Tumkur. The town is home to the Master Control Facility of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). 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.[citation needed] It can be called the temple-architectural capital of Karnataka.