Hampi: Timeless Ruins in Karnataka
Situated on the banks of the Tungabhadra River, Hampi is a charming small city located in Karnataka state’s Bellary district. The glorious past, stunning historic monuments, and its ruins are some major attractions of this city. You will visit enchanting places in Hampi to make your vacation exciting. Whether the temples of Hampi, the ancient ruins of Vijayanagar city or its monuments and sculptures, everything that this attractive city has to offer is captivating and admirable. The charm created by the fusion of architecture and craftsmanship draws travelers from all over the world to this beautiful place. This tiny city is well-recognized for its ruins that refer to the past medieval Hindu kingdom of Vijayanagar and has been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Hampi is also known as the ‘City of Ruins’.
HISTORY OF HAMPI
Hampi holds witness to many stories from the historical past as well as mythological events. The history of the place is gradually woven with folklore and then subtly combines with mythology. Pampa Kshetra and Kiskinda Kshetra are additional names for Hampi. Hindu mythology is closely related to these mystical tales from Hampi.
From 1336 to 1565, the city served as the capital of the Vijayanagar Empire and was governed by the Sangama, Saluva, Tuluva, and Aravidu dynasties. More than 500 monuments were erected by the princes of these dynasties. Hampi flourished as a hub of trade for cotton, spices, horses, and gemstones while serving as the capital of the Vijayanagar Empire. Rubies and diamonds were said to have been traded for money, along with gold and silver.
Travelers from the Arab, Portuguese, and Italian nations adored the temples and palaces, which were located on Pan Supari Street, the principal street where diamonds were sold. With the Battle of Talikota in 1565, Hampi’s golden age came to an end.
The name – Hampi is derived from Pampa, the daughter of Lord Brahma, the old name of the Tungabhadra River.
ATTRACTIONS IN HAMPI
Hampi is a backpacker’s paradise because of the 500 antique sites, stunning temples, lively street markets, bastions, treasury buildings, and fascinating Vijayanagar Empire ruins that surround it. Hampi is an open museum with 100+ spots to explore and the best approach to view the city from the perspective of its history.
Keep scrolling to learn about the tourist destinations and landmarks of Hampi, if you want to make your trip to this historic city memorable.
Virupaksha Temple
This temple from the seventh century is devoted to Lord Virupaksha, an incarnation of Lord Shiva. It is regarded as the oldest still-in-use temple in the nation. Several pilgrims come here every day to seek Lord Shiva’s blessings. With a huge courtyard and magnificent gateway towers, this temple’s architecture is certainly deserving of praise. The beautiful sculptures, which date back a thousand years, will astound you. It is a popular tourist destination in Hampi where you can see examples of historic buildings and discover more about the region’s past. There are many sights to view in this temple, but don’t miss the complex’s submerged Lord Shiva Temple.
Queen’s Bath
During the Vijayanagar Empire’s reign, the Royal Bath, a component of the Royal Enclosure was located within this aquatic circle. No strangers were able to access the bath because of the manner it was constructed. The Royal Bath has a history dating back more than 500 years, still is popular with tourists and is known for its ornately carved balconies and other features. The Royal Bath’s lack of a ceiling and openness to the elements is a noteworthy aspect of its design. Also, the complex’s shops sell local artwork and crafts. Among the main Hampi attractions, this location is beautifully sculpted. This magnificent structure provides a glimpse of the glorious past.
Yantrodharaka Hanuman Temple
It is a well-known Hampi temple that is close to the Virupaksha Temple. This sacred shrine, which is a portion of a cave that is nestled at the top of the hill, is devoted to the Hindu deity Lord Hanuman. Lord Hanuman spent a period of intense meditation there. The Tungabhadra River can be seen flowing through the hill’s footsteps. You can experience both a great view and a spiritual vibe here. The Yantrodharaka Hanuman Temple is about a 5-minute walk away from another temple dedicated to Lord Srinivasa.
Lotus Mahal
Of all the major Hampi tourist attractions, Lotus Mahal displays a distinctive architectural design. Its shape is somewhat similar to a lotus flower, hence its given name. The balcony and corridors of this Mahala are like petals, and the central dome is like the bud of a lotus. The roof showcases an intricate, multi-layered design that is reflective of Indian architecture. The arched windows of this palace are superbly supported by the approximately 24 pillars that it has.
Vijaya Vittala Temple
Dedicated to Lord Vittala, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, this temple is one of Hampi’s outstanding examples of Dravidian architecture. The finely carved stone sculptures and stunning architecture of the temple will wow you. The singing pillars inside the hall and the magnificent stone chariot of this old building are notable features that will leave you speechless. Its impressive construction and originality are demonstrated by the high compound walls, Maha Mandapam, Stone Chariot, and Musical Pillars. The temple is one of the top tourist destinations in Hampi because of these attractions.
Hippie Island
This island is one of the most well-known tourist destinations in Hampi and brings a variety of colors to beauty. It is known for the variety of hut cottages available for you to stay in and enrich your travel experience. The huts are constructed in the fundamental architectural styles and furnished with all the conveniences you would require for a comfortable stay. It goes without saying that living in one of Hippie Island’s huts will put you in the middle of peacefulness and serene nature.
Matanga Hill
It is one of the most talked-about locations in Hampi due to its allure and beauty. You may enjoy a panoramic view of the city from Matanga Hills, which is Hampi’s highest point. Traveling photographers will find it to be a paradise. One of the best things to do in Hampi is to take a photo of the skyline of the ruins there. As you look at the red rocks scattered around the mountainside, this hill will undoubtedly steal your breath away. You may see the ruins of Hampi from this point and keep that memory in your heart forever. Seeing Hampi’s magical radiance at sunrise or dusk is a different experience entirely.
Other attractions in Hampi
Lakshmi Narasimha Temple where you will find the statue of Lord Narasimha, which is the largest monolith statue in Hampi. The vast Hemakuta Hill provides a breathtaking perspective of the Hampi temples, ruins, and arches. A beautiful example of Vijayanagar architecture is found at Achyutaraya Temple, which is situated between the Matanga Hills and Gandhamadana. Lord Tiruvengalanatha’s wonderful idol resides there. One of the largest statues of Lord Ganesha that can be found in southern India is at the Kadalekalu Ganesha Temple. Elephant Stables is a long structure housing several dome-shaped chambers that were originally used to house royal elephants. Archaeological Museum, Daroji Sloth Bear Sanctuary, and Krishna Temple are other places to visit in Hampi.
THINGS TO DO IN HAMPI
Hampi is a historical enthusiast’s paradise and is well-recognized for its ancient ruins. You can visit various temples, including the Virupaksha, Lakshmi Narasimha, and Achyutaraya temples, by going temple hopping. For a fantastic view of the sunset, go to the Veerbhadra temple. It is worthwhile to explore Hampi Bazar, a street in front of the Virupaksha temple. At the Daroji Bear Sanctuary, wildlife enthusiasts can go sloth bear spotting. Adventure seekers enjoy Matanga Hill’s hiking trails. One should not miss the experience of living in a hut on Hippie Island.
With so many attractions in Hampi, you can have a great time while exploring spirituality, history, and art. There are plenty of things to do in Hampi that will keep you occupied throughout your historical journey, whether you are an avid traveler, history buff, photographer, or spiritual person. You now know a variety of locations to go and things to do in Hampi to make your holiday enjoyable. Hampi is enchanting, lovely, charming, and of course, intriguing in every way. So, what are you waiting for? Plan your next trip to Hampi and make your vacation memorable.
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