Hampi

Hampi is a village located in northern side of Karnataka state, India. It is located within the ruins of Vijayanagara, the former capital of the Vijayanagara Empire. Predating the city of Vijayanagara, It continues to be an important religious centre housing the Virupaksha Temple as well as several other monuments belonging to the old city.

Hampi has distinction of being a UNESCO World Heritage Site for old Vijayanagara city, the former capital of the Vijayanagara Empire.Hampi is situated on the banks of the Tungabhadra river at 353 km from Bangalore and 74 km away from Bellary. Hosapete (Hospet), 13 km away, is the nearest railway head. Hampi is famous for the annual Vijayanagar Festival is organized by the Government of Karnataka in November in every year.

Hampi is famous for its rich history in South India. It was the core of the Vijayanagara Empire, The ruins of Hampi have been recognized by UNESCO as one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India. This has made Hampi a famous destination for tourists from all over the world. The Virupaksha temple is the most prominent building in Hampi, It is believed that Lord Shiva married Parvati in this temple.

About Vijayanagaram and Hampi

The city of Vijayanagara was originally encompassed by seven lines of fortifications. These fortifications had a large number of bastions & gateways. The seventh & the innermost fortification enclosed the main city is the best preserved. Most of the monuments at Hampi are from the Vijayanagara period, a small proportion may be assigned to pre-Vijayanagara times. The Jain temples on Hemakuta hill, The two Devi shrines and some other structures in the Virupaksha temple complex predate the Vijanagara empire. The earliest amongst them is The Shaiva shrines with their stepped pyramidal vimanas or superstructures date to the later Chalukyan period around ninth-tenth century AD.

History of Hampi

The emperor Ashoka's minor rock edicts in Nittur & Udegolan (both in Bellary district) leads one to believe that this region was within the Ashokan kingdom during the 3rd century BC. A Brahmi inscription & a terracotta seal dating to the 2nd century AD were also discovered from the excavation site.

Hampi formed one of the core areas of the capital of the Vijayanagara Empire from 1343 to 1565 when it was finally laid siege to by the Deccan Muslim confederacy. Hampi was chosen because of its strategic location, bounded by the torrential Tungabhadra river on one side and surrounded by defensible hills on the other three sides.

The site is significant historically and architecturally. The topography abounds with large stones which have been used to make statues of Hindu deities. The Archaeological Survey of India continues to conduct excavations in the area to discover additional artifacts and temples.

Places to Visit in Hampi

Virupaksha Temple: The Virupaksha temple is the most famous and important temple in Hampi is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is situated very close to the Tungabhadra River is also known as the Pampapathi Temple. It is the most famous temple in Hampi and dates back to the 7th century. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva and has beautifully carved walls and each telling a mythological story.

Queen's Bath: Queen's Bath was a royal bath constructed for the kings and their wives to take bath is located in Hampi. Basically, it is a rectangular building which has a long veranda inside which leads to a square tank of 6 feet depth from all sides. During the Kings reign, water in the tank is believed to be filled with perfumes and fragrance flowers for the royal bath. The architecture resembles an Indo-Saracenic style and looks more like Islamic style than the Hindu style. A part of the Royal Enclosure, this aquatic enclosure was the Royal bath during the times of the Vijayanagra Empire. It was built in such a way that no outsiders could enter the bath.

Lotus Palace: Lotus Palace seems to occupy a distinguished position. This distinguished structure forms a part of the Zenana Mahal, that served as a secluded area for the women folks of the royal families of Viyajnagara Empire. One stunning feature of Lotus Palace is that it is one of those edifices of Hampi that remained undamaged during the siege of the city. It is a monument that stands out in its design and style from most of the structures of Hampi. Another complex for royal women. It gets its name from the lotus-like dome.

Hazara Rama Temple: The Hazara Ramaswamy temple is located at the heart of the historical town of Hampi. It is a small temple in comparison with the others at Hampi. The outside walls of the temple are decorated with sequences from the Ramayana. This was a place of worship for the royals. The walls and pillars are beautifully adorned with fascinating carvings including the outside walls of the compound. This temple is smaller in size compared to the others in Hampi.

Hemakuta Hill Temple: Hemakuta Hill near Hampi is famous for its cluster of temples, archways and pavilions scattered all over the top. Most of these are dedicated to Lord Shiva and are built in 10th century AD. It takes only 15 minutes to climb to the top from the famous Viroopaksha Temple at the end of Hampi bazaar. The Hemakunta Hill houses a temple complex where many of them dedicated to Lord Shiva. These are all protected by a fort providing a secluded atmosphere.

Zenana Enclosure: The Zenana Enclosure was initially a place that was restricted to the entry of royal women only. The enclosure has a huge wall to protect the harem and to the south-east corner, there is the famous Lotus Mahal

How to Reach Hampi

By Flight: Bellary airport is very nearest airport to reach Hampi from all the part of famous cities of India

By Train: Hampi Railway station is connected to various trains which helps to reach Hampi easily from several cities

Musical Pillars of Hampi

The temple houses the famous musical pillars. The British wanted to check the reason behind this wonder and had cut two pillars to check what inside those pillars that was producing the sound. They found nothing but hollow pillars. Even today you can see those pillars cut by the British.

The road leading to the temple was once a market where the horses were traded. Even today we can see the ruins of the market on both the sides of the road. The temple also contains the images of Persians selling horses.

Best time to visit Hampi

Hampi has played an important part in shaping the history and tradition of Karnataka and India. The glimpses from the dynasties that have ruled Hampi and the ruins of the temples with all that monuments that have stood the test of time. Hampi is regarded as one of the most wonderful holiday destinations in Karnataka. Best time to visit Hampi is from August to March. The weather during this time stays pleasant and makes it easy for the travelers to explore Hampi.

How to Reach Hampi from Other Cities

Hampi is very famous and ancient village of Karnatake state where you can find plenty of places to visit and can stay in good accommodation. There is various option to Reach Hampi from different states and cities in easy way which is mentioned as below.

Hampi to Goa

By Bus: Hampi to Goa distance is approx 320 km. There is only 1 direct bus moves towards Goa and this is Govt Transport bus.

By Train: There is no direct train is available to Reach Goa from Hampi

Hyderabad to Hampi

The distance between Hyderabad to hampi is 373 km and it takes 4.5 Hours to reach Hyderabad from Hampi. There is description given below in details to reach Hyderabad from Hampi

By Bus: There are many buses from Hampi to Hyderabad.

By Train: There are a couple of Express trains connect Hospet with Hyderabad. Try Hyderabad-Kolhapur Express (Train No: 11303 / 11304) which takes about 12 hours to Reach Hyderabad

Mumbai to Hampi

Mumbai to Hampi is approx 742 km away.

There is no direct flight,train and bus between Hampi to Mumbai. One can travel to Goa from Mumbai via flight and thenm can opt for bus transport to reach Hampi.

Pune to Hampi

Pune to Hampi is approx 564 km away.

There is no direct flight, Train and bus between Hampi to Pune.

FAQ - What is where...?

What to buy and shop in ''Hampi''

You can buy Jewellery and silk clothes from Hampi

Where to buy & shop for souvenirs tourist items in ''Hampi''

Hampi Bazar is famous for souvenirs tourist items

Where to buy & shop for clothes in ''Hampi''

Hampi Bazar is famous for clothes

Where to have best food in ''Hampi''

Mango Tree Restaurant is famous for Food Items