Hampi

Hampi:

Hampi is a UNESCO World Heritage Site situated on the southern banks of River Tungabhadra in the Bellary District which was once known as Vijayanagara district of Karnataka on the eastern part of central Karnataka. Hampi is renowned as a grandiose site for its forts, riverside features, royal and sacred complexes, temples, shrines, pillared halls, mandapas, memorial structures, water structures, stables etc. the historic site of Hampi spreads over 4100 hectares of area. The name Hampi is derived from the old name of Tungabhadra River which was Pampa, which is the English version of Hampe derived from Kannada language. The history of Hampi dates back to around 1336 to 1565 when it was abandoned. However Hampi was a fortified city and the capital of the Vijayanagara Empire in the 14th century. Chronicles left by Persian and European travellers, particularly the Portuguese, say that Hampi was a prosperous, wealthy and grand city near the Tungabhadra River and probably India’s richest at that time, attracting traders from Persia and Portugal with many temples, farms and trade markets. Most of the monuments of Hampi were constructed from 1336 to 1570 AD. However in 1565 Hampi (Vijayanagara) was conquered, pillaged and destroyed by Muslim Sultanates, after which Hampi remained in ruins. But in 16th century Hampi was left abandoned. UNESCO described Hampi as an “austere, grandiose site” of more than 1,600 surviving remains of the last great Hindu kingdom in South India. Hampi is a must visit destination for tourists, pilgrims and culture aficionados alike.

Places to visit in Hampi:

Hampi as an archeological site famous for its beautiful monuments and great structures offers tourists with numerous spots to visit and witness the fabulous architectures of those times. The remains unearthed in Hampi delineate both the extent of the economic prosperity and political status that once existed indicating a highly developed society. Though most of the structures are in ruins, still they reflect the imagination and architectural capability of the bygone era. These stone structures at Hampi are a witness to the rich history, culture and architecture of that period.

Virupaksha Temple: Virupaksha Temple is a 07th century Shiva Temple in Hampi built by Lakkan Dandesha, a nayaka (chieftain) of the ruler, Paruda Deva Raya during the Vijayanagara rule. Virupaksha Temple is also known as Pampapathi temple and is a surviving structure amidst the ruins of Hampi. The most interesting feature of Virupaksha Temple is the usage of mathematical concepts in its construction and decoration. It is the oldest temple in Hampi and is flocked by pilgrims and tourists.

Yantrodharaka Hanuman Temple: Yantrodharaka Hanuman Temple also known as Pranadeva Temple built by the Dwaita Philosopher and the Rajguru of the Vijayanagara Empire about 500 yers ago. This temple is the second most important shrine dedicated to Lord Hanuman in Hampi. Yantrodharaka Temple is believed to be the place where Sri Ram and Hanuman had met for the first time during the Ramayana period.

Vijay Vittala Temple: Vittala Temple or Vitthala Temple is an ancient temple in Hampi known or its exceptional architecture and unmatched craftsmanship. The Vittala Temple is considered to be one of the largest structures in Hampi and is located in the north eastern part of Hampi. Vittala Temple is also known for its fascinating musical pillars.
Gagan Mahal: Gagan Mahal is a palace in Anegundi village in Hampi belongs to the Vijayanagara Empire. This is a 500 years old palace located at a distance of 03 km from Hampi on the northern banks of River Tungabhadra and can only be reached by private vehicles. Gagan Mahal is built in Indo – Islamic architectural style with a fort. Gagan Mahal is also known as Old Palace.

Royal Enclosure: Royal Enclosure at Hampi is an expansive walled complex filled with the ruins of palaces, pavilions and temples located at a distance of 04 km from Hampi. Royal Enclosure Hampi is like an open-air museum that showcases the architectural brilliance of the Vijayanagara Empire. The most impressive structure here is Mahanavami Dibba a 08 meter high platform adorned with intricate carvings. Royal Enclosure of Hampi is spread over 59000 square meters. The stepped tank is considered one of the most well-preserved structures in the Royal Enclosure which is a 5 tiered tank that covers an area of 22 square meters and has a depth of 7 meters. The two other notable structures are Octagonal Bath and the Queen’s bath. Other structures found in the Royal Enclosure are Hazara Rama Temple, The Underground Chamber and Durbar Hall.

Zanana Enclosure: Zanana Enclosure or Zenana Enclosure at Hampi is a vast rectangular complex designed for the queen and her cohorts. The enclosure is surrounded by tall walls with watch towers in the corners. The highlight of Zenana Enclosure Hampi is the Lotus Palace because of its exquisite dome carved like a lotus bud. The Lotus Palace or Chitrangini Mahal is an important secular structure in Hampi built for the royal women and is one of the most iconic landmarks in Hampi. The curves of the palace are inspired by the Islamic architecture. Another notable structure of Zenana Enclosure is the basement of the Queens’s Palace, the largest palace base excavated in Hampi. The Elephant stables and a small museum located nearby are also worth visiting.

Ugra Narasimha (also Lakshmi Narasimha): Ugra Narasimha is the largest statue in Hampi. This monolithic structure measures 6.7 meter in height. Narasimha means (half man and half lion) is one of ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu. The original statue also had goddess Laxmi sitting on Lord’s lap which was vandalized and damaged in 1565 and now can be seen in Kamalapura Museum.

Kadalekalu Ganesha Temple: Kadalekalu Ganesha Temple at Hampi has an idol of Lord Ganesh carved out of a single huge boulder with a height of 4.6 meter (15 feet). The Kadalekalu Ganesh Temple is situated on the slope of Hemakuta Hill. The belly of this Ganesh idol resembles a Bengal Gram (Kadalekalu in local dialect) and hence the name. The finely carved pillars are also worth admiring.

Achyutaraya Temple (Tiruvengalanatha Temple): Achyutaraya Temple in Hampi was built in 1534 and is one of the major, splendid and awe-inspiring temples of Hampi located between the Matanga hills and Gandhamadana. This temple depicts the Vijayanagara style of architecture. The main idol here is Lord Tiruvengalanatha (another form of Lord Vishnu).

Hemakuta Hill: Hemkuta Hill is flat expanse of rocky sheet with occasional ups and downs. This whole area of this hill was fortified with tall and wide stone walls and temples. Hemakuta Hill is one of the best spots for Sunrise and Sunset views in Hampi.

Prasanna Virupaksha Temple: Prasanna Virupaksha Temple at Hampi is an underground temple of Lord Shiva and is one of the oldest temples in Hampi. This underground temple was built in 14the century and was discovered in 1980.

Matanga Hill: Matanga Hill is a rocky hill in Hampi and is the highest point in Hampi offering panoramic view of the surrounding area. Matanga Hill is the best location for Sunrise and Sunset views in Hampi. Tourists need to avail the unpaved road to reach Matanga Hill top. Matunga hill is located centrally in Hampi.

Hampi Bazaar (Virupaksha Bazaar): Hampi Bazaar also known as Virupaksha Bazaar is a historic street and popular market place in Hampi. The Hampi Bazaar is one of the main landmarks of Hampi with shops selling souvenirs, clothes, embroidered shawls, jewelry, fiber handicrafts, and stone carvings. The Hampi Bazaar is also the venue for Hampi Utsav (a cultural festival) held every November and it attracts a lot of tourists. The Hampi Bazaar stretches more than a kilometer long. The road passing through the market has series of old pavilions on both the sides.

Archaeological Museum: The Archeological Museum at Hampi is a small government museum in Kamalapura located at 4.9 km from Hampi. This museum has four sections those houses artifacts, remains and other exhibits found during the excavation in Hampi. This museum is one of the most exquisite tourist spots in Hampi especially for children.

Hippie Island (Virupapura Gadde): Hippie Island at Hampi is a complete different tourit spot from the other spots of ancient ruins. Hippie Island is a picturesque small island across River Tungabhadra renowned for its scenic landscapes and bohemian vibe. The tranquil setting of Hippie Island attracts backpackers and spiritual seekers from all around the world. Hippie Island is surrounded by rocky terrains, large boulders, lush greenery, paddy fields and other natural setting. To reach Hippie Island one need to avail boat or coracle service on Tungabhadra River at Hampi. At Hippie Island tourists can indulge in many adventurous activities like rock climbing, cliff jumping, village trails, witnessing beautiful sunset view and visiting Anjanadri Hill, but one should also look after the cleanliness of this island.

Sanapur Lake: Sanapur Lake is a lesser known tourist spot in Hampi. The Sanapur Lake is fed by a canal of River Tungabhadra. Sanapur Lake is located at Hippie Island of Hampi and is surrounded by huge boulders from all sides. At Sanapur Lake tourists can also opt to avail Coracle ride.
Sanapur Lake is also another point of interest for backpackers.

Anegundi Village (Kishkindha): Anegundi Village earlier known as Kishkindha is an ancient village in Koppal district. Anegundi Village is much older than Hampi and was the first capital of Vijayanagara Empire Anegundi is rich in history with several archeological ruins and ancient temples. Anegundi also boasts a picturesque landscape along River Tungabhadra. Anegundi is located at 05 km away from Hampi. Cave paintings found in Anegundi those indicate that people lived here four billion years ago. At Anegundi tourists can also opt for visit to Sacred Nava Brindavana Island.

Tungabhadra Dam: From Hampi at a distance of 20 km away is Tungabhadra River Dam that attracts tourists for its natural surrounding with hills and lush greenery. Tungabhdara River Dam offers stunning view of the evening sunset. At Tungabhadra River Dam tourists can opt for boating, visit the mini zoo located nearby. Apart from that a musical dancing fountain is there which offers light show is a sight worth watching. The well maintained gardens and lawns nearby offer a perfect place for relaxation.

Daroji Bear Sanctuary: From Hampi at a distance of 15 km is Daroji Sloth Bear Sanctuary that spreads over 82.72 sq. km area. This is Asia’s first sloth bear sanctuary. Apart from Sloth Bear other animals found here are Leopards, Monitor Lizards, Mongoose, Pangolins, Star Tortoises, etc. In October 1994 5587.90 hectares of Bilikallu Forest Reserve declared as Daroji Bear Sanctuary, later again in October 2009 2685.50 hectares of the Bukkasagara Forest Reserve was added to the sanctuary.

Elephant Stables: The Elephant Stables in Hampi is an elongated regtangular building with 11 domed chamber used to keep the royal elephants of the Vijayanagara Empire. The Elephant Stables is one of the very few structures in Hampi that suffered least damages during the Mughal attack. The Elephant Stables was built in Indo – Islamic styled architecture.

Monolithic Bull: The Monolithic Bull is a giant sculpture of Nandi – the sacred bull of Lord Shiva which is carved out of a single granite boulder and is one the most popular attractions in Hampi. This Monilithic Bull is also known as Yeduru Basavanna and is located at the east end of Hampi Bazaar. This bull structure measures over 15 feet tall and 27 feet long.

Mahanavami Dibba: Mahanavami Dibba or Dasara Dibba is a beautiful stone platform located within Royal Enclosure in Hampi. It was built by King Krishnadevaraya to commemorate his victory over Udaygiri. This structure looks like an ordinary elevated square stage from a distance, but the carvings and detailing stars to appear as one approach near. This whole structure measures about 24 meter in height.

Hazara Rama Temple: The Hazara Rama Temple is temple complex dedicated to Lord Rama and is located inside Royal Enclosure of Hampi. The name ‘Hazara Rama’ literary translates into ‘thousand Rama’ owing to the multiple panels of Lord Rama on the walls. The wall panels have intricate carvings of the incident of Hindi epic Ramayana.

King’s Balance: The King’s Balance is one of the rarest structures in Hampi that remains intact in this town of ruins. This is an ancient balance scale carved out of stone located to the south west of Vittala Temple and the end of the Kampa Bhupa’s Path. The King’s Balance is also known as Tula Bhara or Tula Purushadana. This structure has two carved granite pillars each of 15 feet high and a supports a heavy stone beam of 12 feet long. This structure is also an amazing example of the glorious days of the Vijayanagara Empire (Hampi).

Chakratirtha: Chakratirtha means ‘the sacred water body that swirls’ located close to Kodanda Rama Temple. Chakratirtha is a site located between Matunga Hill in south and the Rishyamukha Hill in the north. The trek to Chakratirtha starts from the end of Hampi Bazaar and is the holiest bathing place in Tungabhadra River.

Sugreevas Cave: Sugreevas Cave also the Monkey warrior’s cave is a kilometer away from the east end of Hampi Bazaar. Tourists need to walk by the river side to reach this naturally formed cave by huge boulders.

Purandaradasa Mantapa: Purandaradasa Mantapa is small open pillared pavilion built in heavy granite blocks. It is located in the river bed of River Tungabhadra and it is one of the areas in Hampi where people perform religious rituals. It is located at 23 km away from Hampi.

Badavilinga Temple: Badavi Linga is the largest Shiva Lingam in Hampi. The sanctum in which this monolithic Shiva Linga stands remains always filled with water as the water channel is made to flow through it. The height of this Shiva Lingam is 03 meters. The word Badavilinga is combination of two words ‘Badva – poor and Linga – Shiva’.

Krishna Temple: The Krishna Temple at Hampi is dedicated to Lord Balakrishna and was built by ruler Krishnadevaraya in 1513 AD. The architectural carvings of the temple especially on the pillars and the entrances of the temple hall are flanged with impressive carvings of elephant balustrades. This is one of the few temples in Hampi where the epic stories carved on the walls of the tower.

Bhima’s Gateway: Bhima Gate is one of Hampi’s hidden gems and an imposing entrance gate that has existed since the Vijayanagara rule. Hampi’s Bhima Gate is about 5 km away from Hampi Bazar. This gateway has a carving of Bhima etched on it. This gate at Hampi is interesting for its military archetecture and the mythical images carved on the walls.

Ganagitti Temple: Ganagitti Temple in Hampi is a Jain temple located on the Kampli road, on the way to Bhima Gate at a distance of 05 km from Hampi. The inscription says the temple was built in AD 1385. The temple is dedicated to Kunthunath, the 17th Tirthankara (Fordmaker) of Jainism.

Malyavanta Hill: Malyavanta Hill is a lesser known tourist spot in Hampi. Malyavanta Hill is one of the few hilltops in Hampi where one can reach by a vehicle. Located at a distance of 6.8 km, Malyavanta Hill offers tranquil ambience with great view. Atop Malyavanta Hill there is a cave temple name as Raghunatha Temple dedicated to lord Rama.

Talarigatta Gate: Talarigatta Gate at Hampi was used to be a main access gateway to the erstwhile capital of Hampi (Vijayanagara Empire) from the riverside. Located at a distance of 08 km from Hampi, this largely damaged structure still maintains its original intent. Talarigata means tollgate, probably that would have been its original intent.

Pattabhirama Temple: Pattabhirama Temple is located at Kamalapur at a distance of 6 km from the main heritage site of Hampi. This temple a bit off from the main tourist trail of Hampi and is dedicated to the Hindu deity, Lord Rama. Pattabhirama Temple is as large as the more popular Vittala Temple.

Anjaneya Hill: This hill in Hampi believed to be the birthplace of Hanuman, located in the center of Anegondi area at a distance of 22 km from Hampi. Atop there is the temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman. The icon of Hanuman is carved on the rock. The hilltop offers stunning view of the ruins sites Hampi stretching into the horizon along with patches of paddy fields and coconut tree plantations.

64 Pillar Mantapa: The 64-Pillar Mantapa in Hampi is situated in Anegundi on the banks of the Tungabhadra River. This site is believed to be the burial site of Vijayanagara emperor Sri Krishnadevaraya.

Chintamani Temple: Chintamani Temple is a Shiva Temple located in Anegundi on the north bank of Thungabhadra, just across the river from Hampi.

Chandramouleshwara Temple: Chandramouliswara Temple is an ancient temple in Hampi located on the Rishimukh Island near the northern bank of River Tungabhadra. Constructed during the 13th century, the temple is dedicated to the worship of Lord Shiva. Chandramouliswara is a combination of three words – Chandra (which means moon), mouli (which means crown of hair) and iswara (which means Lord). Chandramouliswara Temple tour can be combined with the other sites scattered around the Anegondi area of Hampi Itinerary.

Pampasarovar: Pampa Sarovar is a sacred pond for the Hindus and it is believed as one among a few sacred ponds mentioned in Hindu epics and scriptures located at a distance of 21.7 km from Hampi. Pampa Sarovar or Lake is located to the south of the Tungabhadra River in Koppal district of Hampi. The Pampa Sarovar or Lake is located in a valley, hidden among the hills on the road to Anegundi from Hospet.

Kodanda Rama Temple: Kodanda Rama Temple is situated in the Bellary district and is one of the most famous monuments of Hampi. Located at a distance of 800 meter via Hampi Bazaar Street, Kodanda Rama temple stands more as a significant religious structure than as an architectural beauty. This is the place where Rama killed Vali and crowned Sugreeva. The name Kodandarama means crowned Rama, in local dialect.

Vittala Bazaar: Vittala Bazaar is one of the many ancient markets in Hampi. Vittala Bazaar is attached to the iconic Vittala Temple. Here one can witness the ruins of pavilions that were once part of the market. The river and the boulder hills make an interesting natural backdrop form the bazaar.

How to Reach:

By Air: Hubli Airport is the nearest domestic airport to Hampi located at 166 km away operating regular flights from Bangalore. The another major domestic airport is Belgaum Airport located at 270 km away from Hampi having regular flights for Bangalore, Chennai, Jabalpur and Mumbai. Or tourists can also opt to avail flight to Bangalore (BLR) which is connected by regular flight services with major cities of India and from there to Hospet (HPT), the nearest major town to Hampi located at 13 km away.

By Train: Hospet Junction is the nearest railway station to Hampi located at 13 km away which well linked with rest of India by extensive network of trains. From Hospet tourists can hire a taxi or cab to reach Hampi.

By Road: Hampi is well connected with major cities and towns of Karnataka by good motor-able roads. Apart from that there are a few interstate bus services connecting Hampi with various cities in Goa, Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra. Tourists can also opt to reach Hampi by NH 13 from Hyderabad (380 km), Bangalore (345 km) and Hubli (165 km). Buses of Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation along with private and tourist buses ply regularly from neighbouring cities and towns to reach Hampi.

Best time to visit:

Hampi is best visited during the winter months from October to March. This is the most popular time to visit Hampi. During this time one can witness the Hampi Utsav (Vijaya Utsava) a week-long cultural festival. Summers (April to June) are best avoided due to hot and dry climate making it uneasy for outdoor activities. Monsoon (July to September) can also be a good time as Hampi receives low to moderate rainfall making it ideal for those seeking a peaceful and budget friendly vacation at Hampi.

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