Hampi is a beautiful heritage city in the state of Karnataka and is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Located on the banks of the Tungabhadra River, Hampi was once the capital of the glorious Vijayanagara Empire and stands today as one of the world’s largest open air museums covering an area of around 41 square kilometers.
The beautiful city of Hampi is not only known for its place in history but also for its various monuments made in the dravidian architectural style. Being close to the Tungabhadra River, Hampi also offers a mesmerizing landscape with its open plains and many hill ranges.
Quick Facts About Hampi
State
Karnataka
Coordinates
15.3350° N, 76.4600° E
Geographical area
41.5 square kilometers
Popular Tourist Attractions in Hampi
Virupaksha Temple
Badavillinga Temple
Lakshmi Narasimha Temple
Yantrodharaka Hanuman Temple
Prasanna Virupaksha Temple
Vijaya Vittala Temple
Lotus Mahal
Elephant Stables
Matanga Hill
Popular festivals in Hampi
Hampi Utsav
Languages Spoken
Kannada
English
Tourism in Hampi
The historic city of Hampi is one of the highlights of Karnataka Tourism. Hampi is a popular tourist destination for sightseeing but also for trekkers and the history buffs. With a land steeped in history, the city takes you back in time even with its ruins. Hampi has some of the most beautiful temples and monuments of its time that truly make you wonder about the skillfulness and capabilities of the Vijayanagara Empire.
Read along to find out more about the top places to visit in Hampi and what you must include in your Hampi Itinerary.
Virupaksha Temple and the Monolithic Bull of Shiva
The Virupaksha Temple at Hampi is one of the most beautiful structures of the city. The oldest temple in Hampi, the Virupaksha Temple is dedicated to Lord Virupaksha or Pampapathi, an incarnation of Lord Shiva and is a popular attraction of Hampi.
The 7th century temple is made of tall ornate gopurams that make the temple stand out. What started out as a humble structure was later modified to be this extravagant temple by the consequent Rayas who reigned between the 14th and the 16th centuries. Much of the architectural prowess is owed to Krishnadeva Raya, under whom the Vijayanagara Empire flourished.
As you enter the temple, you will notice a 3 headed sculpture of the Nandi Bull, the mount of Lord Shiva. The 3 headed bull at Hampi is one of its kind and can be seen nowhere around the world making it a popular point of interest for the tourists. Further at the Ranga Mandapa of the temple, you can observe some beautiful murals on the ceilings depicting scenes from the Hindu Mythology, some of which can be dated back 600 years in time.
Another tourist attraction in Hampi is the Monolithic Bull. Locally called the Yeduru Basavanna, the bull sits on a 2 storey pavilion on an elevated platform. Unlike the other structures found at Hampi, the bull does not have elaborate carvings but is simple in its design.
The Monolithic Bull is considered the guardian of Hampi and is carved out of a single piece of rock. It represents the mount of Lord Shiva, the Nandi Bull and interestingly sits facing the Virupaksha Temple of Shiva.
Other Ornate Temples of Hampi
Apart from the Virupaksha Temple, several other temples can be found in Hampi, each with their own deities and significance. Some of the prominent temples are now popular tourist attractions of Hampi such as the Badavilinga Temple, The Lakshmi Narasimha Temple, Yantrodharaka Hanuman Temple, Prasanna Virupaksha Temple, and the Vijaya Vittala Temple with its musical pillars.
The Badavilinga Temple at Hampi is dedicated to Lord Shiva, who is worshiped here in the form of Linga. The Linga at the temple is 3 meters tall and is a monolithic structure made of black stone which is contained in a stone chamber with no ceiling. The base of the Shiva Linga remains submerged in water which is meant to depict the arrival of the Holy River of Ganges onto the earth, whose flow was controlled by Shiva.
Built during the reign of Krishnadeva Raya, the Lakshmi Narasimha Temple houses the largest monolithic structure at Hampi and is a popular destination at Hampi. Towering at a height of 6.7 meters, the temple has the statue of Lord Narasimha, an avatar of Lord Vishnu, a being made of half lion and half human, sitting cross legged on a 7 headed snake which rises behind him with its 7 hoods. Before getting vandalized in 1565, the structure also had a statue of Goddess Lakshmi sitting on the Lord’s lap, parts of which are now preserved in the Archaeological Museum of Kamalapura.
The Yantrodharaka Hanuman Temple at Hampi was built around 500 years ago by the Rajguru of the Vijayanagara Empire, and is dedicated to the Hindu God Hanuman. The icon of Hanuman at the temple is contained in a hexagonal amulet and shows him in a meditative state.
Located on the Anjaneya Hill near the Tungabhadra River, the temple is believed to be the place where Lord Rama met Hanuman for the first time. Built on top of the Hill, the temple is one of the top places to explore in Hampi.
Another fascinating temple at Hampi is the Prasanna Virupaksha Temple. Dating back to the 14th century the temple is dedicated to Lord Virupaksha, an incarnation of Lord Shiva. The temple is an underground temple with its roof located at the ground level, and the main structure below.
Even though the temple is a Hampi heritage, the pillars of the Prasanna Virupaksha Temple are not as ornate as its other temples and are simple in their designs. The sanctum of the temple remains submerged in water throughout the year. It is during the monsoons that the mandapas of the temple too become immersed with water.
The Vijaya Vittala Temple is another attraction at Hampi that you do not want to miss/ The Temple is dedicated to Lord Vittala, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Since there is no deity in the inner sanctum of the temple, no worship is offered here. But the temple is known for its elaborate structures such as the Stone Chariot and the Musical Pillars.
The Stone Chariot of the Temple is inspired by the Konark Sun Temple of Odisha and was built by Krishnadeva Raya. It is a shrine dedicated to the carrier bird of Lord Vishnu, Garuda and is a top attraction of Hampi.
The chariot shrine has elaborate carvings all over, which in the olden days were painted in colors of red, yellow and green. You can still see some of the designs on areas of the shrine less affected by weather and time.
The Musical pillars of the Temple are another architectural marvel built by the Vijayanagaras. They are a collection of 56 pillars and are also known as the Saregama Pillars. What makes them the top places to visit in Hampi is the fact that when the pillars are gently tapped, they emit sounds of various musical notes.
The pillars of the Vijaya Vittala Temple are ornately carved structures, with the Kalyana Mandapa being a significant one. The bottoms of the Kalyana Mandapa have carvings which depict life at the empire from 500 years ago.
The carvings show people buying goods, living their daily lives and Chinese, Portuguese, and European traders buying goods and horses, indicating the prosperous trading relations of Vijayanagara with the world.
An Architectural Marvel- Monuments of Hampi
The Elephant Stables at Hampi are another one of its large and imposing structures. These are a long line of 11 interconnected chambers which open into a large open space. The chambers have high ceilings, arched doorways, and are domed structures built in an Indo-Islamic style of architecture.
The central chamber stands out from the rest with a style of architecture resembling the Hampi temples. Elephants were an important part of the Vijayanagara Empire and the stables are a testament to that.
If you love trekking, then the Matanga Hill at Hampi is a place you must explore. The hill is the highest point of Hampi and provides you a terrific view of the entire city. The trek to the top of the hill is around 30 minutes and passes bushy pathways.
The Matanga Hills are particularly known for their sunsets and sunrises that you can view from here. From the top of the hill you can view the Turthu Canal, the beautiful Tungabhadra River, The Achyuta Temple and of course the ruins of Hampi.
Another architectural marvel by the Vijayanagara Empire is the Lotus Mahal at Hampi. Lotus Mahal lies within the Zenana enclosure, which was used by the royal women.
As the name suggests, the palace resembles a Lotus flower and can be identified with ease. It is a 2 storey structure which is built in an Indo-Islamic style of architecture.
Although closed now, the Hampi Bazaar was once the center of trade during the Vijayanagara Empire with merchants selling jewelry and silk, as well as animals such as cows and horses. Located near the Virupaksha Temple, the Hampi Bazaar’s ruins today are a structure of lined pavilions spread well over a kilometer.
The Hampi Utsav- Taking You Back in Time
Organized by the government of Karnataka the Hampi Festival or the Hampi Utsav is organized annually for three days. It is celebrated on the ruins of the city of Hampi. The festival is said to have been celebrated since the start of the Vijayanagara Empire, 1336.
The festival is celebrated with much fervor and enthusiasm in an effort to recreate the charm of the once mighty Vijayanagara Empire and focuses on the prominent monuments of the city, which are lit up during this time. Various song and dance performances called the Janapada Kalavahini also take place.
Another highlight of the festival is the Jumbo Savari, which is the procession of beautifully decorated elephants organized to resemble the mighty military of the Vijayanagara.
Along with these various other competitions are also organized such as photography competition and rangoli making. The visitors can also enjoy puppet shows and other street performances as well, while indulging in the delicacies from the food court.
Best Time to Visit Hampi, Karnataka
The best time to visit Hampi, Karnataka is during the months of October to March when the climate is pleasant for outdoor sightseeing, since Hampi is an open air museum.
The month of December is a popular time for the devotees of Hinduism when the Virupaksha temple celebrates the marriage of its presiding deity and his consort Goddess Pampa.
For planning a Tour to Hampi, it is important to have an authentic travel guide, which Tour My India ensures to provide. We let you experience the best holiday with the best combination of comfortable stay and sightseeing tour around the city at your chosen budget.
During the summer season in Hampi, the climate becomes intensely warm. Visitors should note the temperature range from moderately hot mornings to scorching afternoons, planning excursions accordingly for comfort.
Monsoon Season in Hampi
Monsoon season in Hampi transforms the landscape with its climate. Rainfall is frequent, and the temperature range from mild to moderate, offering a refreshing, albeit wet, experience for travelers.
Winter Season in Hampi
The winter season in Hampi boasts a pleasant climate. The temperature range from cool mornings to mild afternoons, making it an ideal time for exploration and enjoying the historic ruins.
Hospet Junction, just 13 km from Hampi, is the closest railway station. Regular trains connect Hospet to major cities. Upon arrival, taxis and auto-rickshaws are available for Hampi.
By Air
The nearest airport to Hampi is Hubli Airport, approximately 160 km away. From there, one can hire taxis or take buses to reach Hampi, journeying through scenic landscapes.
By Road
Hampi is well-connected by road. State-run buses, private coaches, and self-driven vehicles ply regularly, making the journey accessible from nearby cities and towns.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q.What is Hampi famous for ?
The city of Hampi is famous for being the capital city of the once mighty and glorious Vijayanagara Empire, one of the greatest empires of southern India. What remains today of Hampi are the ruins of some of its beautiful structures in dravidian style, monolithic sculptures which are recognized under UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites.
Q. What are the must visit attractions in Hampi ?
The ruined city of Hampi is a beautiful place to explore when in Karnataka. Some of the places that you must visit on your tour to the city are Virupaksha Temple, Badavillinga Temple, Lakshmi Narasimha Temple, Yantrodharaka Hanuman Temple, Prasanna Virupaksha Temple, Vijaya Vittala Temple, Lotus Mahal, Elephant Stables, and the Matanga Hill.
Q.How many days are recommended for a Hampi trip ?
Since Hampi is an open air museum spread over a huge area of land, it is recommended to spend a total of 2-3 days to fully appreciate the beauty and architecture of Hampi.
Q.What is the best time to visit Hampi ?
The best time to visit Hampi, Karnataka is during the months of October to March when the climate is pleasant for outdoor sightseeing, since Hampi is an open air museum.
Q. What are the nearest railway stations & airports to Hampi ?
The nearest railway station from Hampi is Karnataka’s Hosapete Junction Railway Station which is at a distance of 13 kilometers.
The nearest airports from Hampi are Hubli Airport at a distance of 170 kilometers and Belgaum Airport at a distance of 273 kilometers.
Q.What are the top temples to visit in Hampi ?
Hampi is known for its ornate dravidian style of temples. Among them the top temples to visit are the Virupaksha Temple with the Monolithic Bull, Badavillinga Temple, Lakshmi Narasimha Temple, Yantrodharaka Hanuman Temple, Prasanna Virupaksha Temple, and the Vijaya Vittala Temple with its Stone Chariot Shrine and Musical Pillars.
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