Hampi is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in east-central Karnataka, India. It also referred to as the Group of Monuments at Hampi. The city is situated on the banks of the Tungabhadra River. This place is a historical charm for travelers. Hampi was the capital of the Vijayanagar empire around 1500 AD. It was the second largest city in the world at that time. The Hindu style of architecture found at Hampi reflects the magnificence of the Vijayanagar Empire. The rugged landscape adds to the historic ambiance of this site. Hampi is famous for Purandara Festival.
BEST TIME TO VISIT HAMPI
Best time to visit Hampi is from October to February. The temperature is pleasant throughout the day at that time. You can also visit during the monsoon season, but some areas are a bit dangerous as they become quite slippery. Avoid visiting Hampi in summers, as it is scorching and dry.
HOW TO REACH HAMPI
By Air: The nearest air link to Hampi is the Belgaum airport which is located at a distance of 270 km. Bangalore airport, on the other hand, is 300 km from Hampi. Direct flights to the airports operate from major cities of the country like Delhi and Mumbai. After reaching the airport, travelers can take a bus or taxi to reach Hampi.
By Train: There is no railway station in Hampi. Hospet which is 13 km from Hampi is the nearest railhead. Different cities of the country are connected to this railhead which makes it easy to reach Hampi. 10 daily trains and 5 special trains run to the station from different places of the country.
By Road: Hampi is well-connected to Bangalore and other major cities of Karnataka via roadways. KSRTC buses operate on a regular basis from Hospet to Hampi. Hampi also has buses, taxis or car-rental services. All the options offer a great option to reach the destination in a comfortable way.
Now Coming to top attractions, here are the must-see places in Hampi…
1. Vitthala Temple
Vitthala Temple in Hampi is an ancient monument which is well-known for its extraordinary architecture. It is one of the largest and the most famous structure in Hampi. The Vittala Temple is dedicated to Lord Vitthala, an avatar of Lord Vishnu. The beauty of the temple is unmatched by any other construction in Hampi and others of the era. The Vittala temple complex is a stretched out area surrounded by high walls and three towering gateways. The temple complex has a number of halls, shrines, and buildings located inside it.
Opening time: 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, open every day of the week
Entry fee: N/A
Ideal for: Architecture lovers, history buffs, photo fanatics
2. Virupaksha Temple
The Virupaksha Temple in Hampi is dedicated to Hindu mythological lord Shiva. This temple was constructed in Lakkana Dandesha’s assistance. The temple is a part of UNESCO’s WORLD HERITAGE SITE and is a part of Hampi Group of Monuments. a temple called Kailasanatha Temple in Kanchipuram looks somewhat similar to Virupaksha Temple on the basis of plan and elevation.  Stone-work is done on the tower of the temple up to the second floor. The whole structure is otherwise built from mortar and brick.
Opening Time: 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM and 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM, open every day of the week
Entry fee: N/A
Ideal For: History Buffs, God Lovers, Nirvana Seekers, Photo Fanatics, Experience Seekers
3. Queen’s Bath
The Queen’s Bath in Hampi is a massive bath that exemplifies the architectural excellence widespread during the days of the Vijayanagar Empire. It is located close to the entrance of the Royal Enclosure in Hampi. The private bathing chamber of the kings and the queens is rectangular in shape and is surrounded by ornate balconies, each having a set of three windows. Unlike its name, the bath was used by both kings and queens.
Opening time: 8:30 to 5:30, open every day of the week
Entry fee: N/A
Ideal for: History Buffs, Photo Fanatics, Experience Seekers
4. Elephant Stables
Elephant Stable is a major tourist attraction. It is one among the few least destroyed structures in Hampi. This long building with a row of arched roof chambers was used to ‘park’ the royal elephants. There are 11 domed tall chambers; some among them are interconnected as well. The center one is specially decorated and big. The elephant stable is a major building in Hampi that displays this beautiful architectural style. The walls between the arches have small doorways. There is no sign to indicate that the chambers ever had any doors in the doorways.
Opening time: 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM, open every day of the week
Entry fee: Rs 10 for Indians, Rs. 250 for foreigner
Ideal for: History Buffs, Experience Seekers, History Buffs, Photo Fanatics
5. Hampi Bazaar
Hampi Bazaar is a unique attraction of Hampi. It is a well-known market place that spreads for more than one kilometer. The Hampi Bazaar was once the trade center. Located in front of the Virupaksha Temple, it still functions as a market place, though it is no longer as attractive as it was earlier. One can still see the old pavilions lining the street on both sides. Today the market place is an area that sells a variety of local items like embroidered shawls and textiles, traditional costumes, antique coins, jewelry, colorful bags, stone figurines, carved artifacts, handicraft items, clay dolls, etc.
Opening time: 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM, open every day of the week
Entry fee: N/A
Ideal for: Adventure Seekers, Photo Fanatics, Experience Seekers
6. Lotus Palace
It is one of the fine architectural designed palaces that are uniquely identified by its lotus look like structure. This glorious building is within the Zenana Enclosure, a separate area that is used by the royal women of the Vijayanagara Dynasty. Also known as Chitrangani Mahal and Kamal Mahal, this falls under the secular or nonreligious categories of structures in Hampi. The shape of the structure is what brought it the name. The archways and the balcony with the domed construction resemble a lotus bud which is half opened.
Opening time: 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, open every day of the week
Entry fee: Rs. 10 for Indians, Rs 250 for foreigner
Ideal for: History Buffs, Photo Fanatics, Experience Seekers
7. Matanga Hill
Being at the center of Hampi, Matanga hilltop is the best spot to get an aerial view of Hampi. It is also the highest spot in Hampi. There are many tracks around Matanga Hill. The most popular track is one in the north starting from Humpi bazaar to Achyuta Raya Temple for all trekking enthusiasts. Another trekking path leads to the top from the bottom of the Hill and is in the form of a stepped ramp.
Opening Time: 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM, open every day of the week
Entry fee: N/A
Ideal for: Adventure Seekers, History Buffs, Photo Fanatics, Experience Seekers
8. Gagan Mahal
Gagan Mahal is a palace that belonged to the rulers of the Vijayanagara Empire. The palace is located in the small village of Anegundi near Hampi. Most parts of the palace are in ruins, but some parts that have managed to survive the destruction offer an idea about the original beauty of the palace. The palace still retains an old world charm and attracts visitors on the Hampi trail. The mahal has lovely decorated balconies and beautiful windows.
Opening Time: 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, open every day of the week
Entry fee: N/A
Ideal For: History Buffs, Photo Fanatics, Experience Seekers
9. Mahanavmi Dibba
Dasara Dibba or the Mahanavami Dibba is a beautiful stone spot located within the Royal Enclosure of Hampi. It was built during the Vijayanagara period by King Krishnadevaraya to celebrate his victory over Udaygiri. The Dasara Dibba is in a ruined state now with disfigured carvings on the side of the platform. UNESCO and the Government have taken proper steps in preserving the heritage for future generations.
Opening Time: 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM, open every day of the week
Entry fee: N/A
Ideal For: Photo fanatics, experience seekers, history buffs
10. Hippie Island
Virapapur Gadde or Hippie Island is a small island situated across the Tungabhadra river. The backpacker’s delight, Hippie Island (Virupapur Gadde) is an epitome of scenic beauty and is known for laidback ambient and lodges. During the peak, season backpackers storm this area. It has small tourist huts which are offered at quite reasonable prices. The island has small cafes which are a joint venture of Indians and foreigners who stayed back to the place after it mesmerized them.
Opening Time: 7:00 am to 8:30 pm, open every day of the week
Entry fee: N/A
Ideal For: experience seekers, photo fanatics
