Hampi is located in central Karnataka at a distance of about 350 kilometres (217 miles) north of Bangalore which is the state capital. Hampi lying on top of a rugged terrain at a height of 467 m above sea level is a place of great historical as well as religious significance. Hampi is known for the majestic ruins of the last great Hindu empire which lie scattered among the hills. Hampi is also a sacred pace for Hindus because of the belief that this is Pamapakshethra- the home of daughter of Lord Brahma who is married to lord Shiva.
Hampi was the royal capital of the dominant and greatest Hindu kingdom, Vijayanagara during the 14th to 16th century AD. Hampi was a flourishing commercial centre during the Vijayanagara empire rule with the trade of horses and gems. During their rule diamonds were sold on the streets of Hampi. The ruins of Hampi spread over an area of more than 25 square kilometres consists of palaces, temples, gigantic forts, markets, big pavilions and aquatic structures.
The town lies on the banks of the Tungabhadra River. The architectural ruins of Hampi are a UNESCO World Heritage Site today. Hampi is a popular destination in the state. Apart from the temples and public buildings there are Aqueducts and Canals that give a glimpse into the water management system of the 13th to 15th centuries.
Top Tourist Attractions in Hampi
Virupaksha Temple
The Virupaksha or the Pampapathi temple is the most famous and oldest active temple in India. This temple has been listed among the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The temple is dedicated to lord Shiva known here as Virupaksha or Pampapati. Lord Virupaksha was the family deity of the Vijayanagar kings. The temple is an architectural marvel known for its ornate carvings.
Ugra Narasimha
This is a 6.7 m tall monolith structure of Lakshmi-Narasimha, popularly called Ugra Narasimha, meaning Narasimha which one of the ten incarnation of Lord Vishnu. This giant statue was carved out of a single boulder.
Vithala Temple
Vithala Temple is about 2 kms away to the east of Hampi bazaar. This temple is one of the main attractions of Hampi and is known for its architectural grandeur. Originally built in the 15th century A D, this magnificent built in the form of sprawling campus consists of many halls, pavilions and gateway towers. The beautifully carved stone chariot in the temple courtyard is also a major attraction here.
Hazara Rama Temple
This temple at the heart of the royal area had been functioning as a private temple for the king. The temple walls have intricately carved sculptures which depict the different events in Ramayan. Intricately carved basalt pillars showcase the different forms of Lord Vishnu.
Queen’s bath
This is a rectangular structure situated in the royal area of the capital south of the Hazara Rama temple. This is considered as the Royal bath where the king and his wives had their baths. Built in typical Islamic architectural style the building comprises of large veranda with protruding balconies that face the central pool. The structure has lotus-shaped fountains which are believed to have sprouted perfumed water.
Elephant stables
This huge structure which consists of rows of domed chambers is a major tourist’s attraction. The building comprises of 11 such cambers and this place was used as resting place for royal elephants.
AchyutaRaya Temple
Achyutaraya temple is one of the major Hindu temple complexes in Hampi which is dedicated to Tiruvengalanatha, the form of Vishnu that is worshipped at Tirupati.
Hampi Bazaar
The street facing the Virupaksha temple is Hampi bazaar, or Virupaksha Bazaar. About a kilometre long the east end of the temple ends at the Matunga hill. Both the sides of the street are lined with old pavilions some of which are two storied. The gigantic Nandi (bull statue) is located at the east end of the street
The Krishna Temple
This temple is dedicated to lord Krishna and was built by the ruler Krishnadevaraya of the Vijayanagara period. The temple is dedicated to Krishna in his infant form. This magnificent temple complex encompasses many small shrines and pillared halls. The halls and pillars of the temple are adorned with impressive carvings.
Stepped Tank
Stepped Tank in the Durbar area was used by the royals and also for religious purposes. The well planned tank is about 22 square meters and about 7 meters deep. The tank has five distinct tiers and each tier is fitted with steps.
Sasivekalu Ganesha Temple
The Sasivekalu Ganesha is located at the southern foot of Hemakuta hill. The idol is about 2.4 m high and is also called the mustard seed Ganesha because the potbelly of the god is in the shape of mustard seeds.
Lotus Mahal
Located inside the Zenana Enclosure it is believed that this structure was the air-cooled summer palace of the queens. The archways and the balcony with the domed construction of the building all resemble to a half opened bud of lotus. The two storied structure is a beautiful blend of Hindu and Islamic architecture.
King's Balance
King’s Balance is located to the southwest of Vijayavitthala Temple. The structure consists of two carved granite pillars which are about 15 feet high supporting a stone beam about 12 feet. This was the place where the kings were weighed against grains, diamonds, fold, silver, jewels which were then distributed among, the poor during the special occasions and festivals.
Anegondi Fort
Anegodi was the capital of the region before it was shifted to Hampi. Today Anegondi fort across the river Tungabhadra is in ruins and stands testimony to those glorious days. Anegondi is also famous for Bukka‘s aqueduct, Chandramouliswara Temple and Pampa Sarovar.
Mahanavmi Dibba
This tall structure with many intricate carvings was the platform from where the kings watched the annual parade, religious as well as royal processions.
Daroji Bear Sanctuary
The Daroji Bear sanctuary is the first sloth bear sanctuary in Asia and is situated 25 kms away from Hospet. Spread around 55.873 sq. kms this sanctuary houses more than 150 sloth bears. The sanctuary is also home to many wolves, jackals, striped hyenas, monkeys, leopards and peacocks.
Katanga Hill
Being the highest peak Matanga hill this hill offers a spectacular aerial sight of Hampi and its surroundings. This place is an ideal place to watch the sunrise and sunset.
Pattabhirama Temple
Pattabhirama Temple dedicated to Lord Rama is a large temple though not very ornate and the carvings are not very fine in work. There is a huge hall in front of the main sanctum and a marriage hall towards the south east. The temple also has an elaborate temple tank.
Tungabhadra Dam
Tungabhadra Dam is built across the river Tungabhadra and spread over an area of 400 sq.kms. This is one of the biggest multipurpose dams in Karnataka. Beautiful gardens, children play parks, aquarium and musical fountain near the dam attracts many tourists.
How to reach Hampi
The nearest domestic airport to Hampi is Bellary which is about 60km away. Other airports are Belgaum at a distance of 190 km and Bangalore International airport at a distance of about 350 km. Hospet Railway Station is situated at a distance of about 13 km from Hampi. Hospet is well connected to Bangalore, Hyderabad and other major cities in Karnataka and neighboring states. Hampi is well connected to major cities by several KSRTC (Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation) and private buses that operate frequent buses between Hampi and major cities and towns in Karnataka.
Accommodation
Tourists can find few budget or mid rung hotels in the Hampi town. Also there are many guest house options in Hampi where the residents of Hampi rent out rooms within or attached to their homes. One can also find several accommodation options in Hospet town which is 12kms from Hampi.