Hampi Virupaksha Temple (Image Source: Apadegal)
Hampi is recognized as UNESCO world heritage site. There are many ancient temples, and monuments. The ancient buildings represent the royalty of ancient India. It was such a royal state that the gold was sold on the roads(Bazar Street) and was measured in kilos.
Most of the buildings are partly destroyed by intruders, so the Hampi is also called as "Remains of the Ruined State."
Okay, let's begin with the ancient sites waiting for you to be explored.
Top Attractions at Hampi:
1. Vithala Temple Complex
Stone Chariot at Vithala Temple Complex (Image Source: Vinoth Chandar)
Located on the banks of Tungabadhra is the Vithala Temple complex. From the parking area you can ride on a electric buggy which will take you through the market streets, where gold was being sold on road and then you reach this Vithala Temple.
Built in 1500 AD, This temple is known for it's architectural design. The famous stone chariot is at this complex and the other attraction is a musical pillar. A heaven for photography enthusiasts.
2. Virupaksha Temple
Virupaksha Temple at Hampi (Image Source: Jean-Pierre Dalbéra)
One of the oldest temple in the India, which is functional since it's inception. (By "functional" I mean the religious rituals.) The temple was just a small building when it was constructed and the temple was renovated in the later times.
The ancient people were not just extra ordinary craftsmen but also good scientists and brilliant engineers. A small Chamber in the temple justifies there brilliancy, where an inverted image of the Maha Dwara or Main Gopurum (entrance tower) appears on the wall through a small hole. It is sort of difficult to find it, so hire a guide he will explain it to you very well.
3. Matanga Hill
Sunset as seen from Matanga Hill (Image Source: fraboof)
The top of the Matanga Hill offers a picturesque view of the ruined remains of Hampi. There are many trails from where you can start your hike to the top. There are steps till hte half distance from there on you need to move in the rocky terrain area, not that diificult terrain; But, the last few feets are tough.
Once, you are at the peak spend some time here. Lie down and find out the places you had been in Hampi. It offers great views of Hampi.
Visit this hill on your last day at Hampi; preferably during the dawn or dusk.
4. Anjanadri Betta(Hill)
Way to the top of Anjanadri Hill (Image Source: Nico Crisafulli)
This place is belived to be the birth place of Lord Hanuman. As he is worshiped by many people, be sure to see some crowd inside the temple.
The hill is surrounded by the paddy fields, offers a panoramic views of Hampi and the Thungabadhra river. In order to reach the summit, you need to climb 550-600 steps. Worth all the efforts you put n There are many monkeys on the way to summit, they might be funny.
Pro Tip: Don't carry eatables in your hand, monkey's will snatch it from you.
"definitely worth getting up early & the 600 steps it took to climb to see the 360 degree panoramas. Ended the morning off up there with a lovely cup of chai tea!" - Roxzanne van Eyk via FaceBook
5. Statue of Ugra Narasimha
Statue of Ugra Narasimha at Hampi (Image Source: Soham Banerjee)
The Statue was constructed in the year 1528, during the reign of Krishnadevaraya. The statue is 6.5 m tall and is carved in a single boulder.
The idol is the image of Lakshmi - Narsimha, In the year 1565 the entire image of Lakshmi was destroyed. Since the idol is damaged, no prayers are offered. The staue is now restored and made more stable.
6. Royal Enclosure
Stepped Tank, Royal Enclosure, Hampi (Image Source: Adam Jones)
Spread over an area of 59,000 square metres, it is believed that once the Enclousre had 45 buildings all used by the Royal Family. Some of the major attractions in the Enclosure are:
Lotus Mahal (Image Source: Dharani.prakash)
Zenana Enclosure a large walled area built for the royal women. The Lotus Mahal is a two storied palace with natural air cooling technique. This structure has 24 pillars and each pillar was decorated with ornaments; no sign remain of the ornaments.
The enclosure includes a tank, three watch towers and few guard rooms.
8. Elephant Stables
Elephant Stables at Hampi (Image Source: Kevin Sallée)
Elephant Stables is one among the few least destroyed structures. Located near the Zanana Enclosure is the long building with row of doomed chambers, they were probably used as home for 11 Royal Elephants.
9. Hazara Rama Temple
Carvings on the outer wall of temple, Hazara Rama Temple, Hampi (Image Source: Leon)
Hazar translates to thousand in English. Every inch of the building is carved, the carvings tell the Ramayana Story. The carvings are relatively well preserved and the characters are distinct and recognizable.
The peculiarity of this temple is that this was a private temple of the Royal family others were not allowed to enter.
10. Queen's Bath
Queen's Bath (Image Source: Jean-Pierre Dalbéra)
This is a beautiful building comprising a mixture of Hindu and Muslim architectural styles. What a luxurious life Queens led! A Royal Spa at this beautiful building.
Map:
I will be writing an E-Book covering:
Don't bother disturbing me, I would love hear from you!
3. Matanga Hill
Sunset as seen from Matanga Hill (Image Source: fraboof)
The top of the Matanga Hill offers a picturesque view of the ruined remains of Hampi. There are many trails from where you can start your hike to the top. There are steps till hte half distance from there on you need to move in the rocky terrain area, not that diificult terrain; But, the last few feets are tough.
Once, you are at the peak spend some time here. Lie down and find out the places you had been in Hampi. It offers great views of Hampi.
Visit this hill on your last day at Hampi; preferably during the dawn or dusk.
4. Anjanadri Betta(Hill)
Way to the top of Anjanadri Hill (Image Source: Nico Crisafulli)
This place is belived to be the birth place of Lord Hanuman. As he is worshiped by many people, be sure to see some crowd inside the temple.
The hill is surrounded by the paddy fields, offers a panoramic views of Hampi and the Thungabadhra river. In order to reach the summit, you need to climb 550-600 steps. Worth all the efforts you put n There are many monkeys on the way to summit, they might be funny.
Pro Tip: Don't carry eatables in your hand, monkey's will snatch it from you.
"definitely worth getting up early & the 600 steps it took to climb to see the 360 degree panoramas. Ended the morning off up there with a lovely cup of chai tea!" - Roxzanne van Eyk via FaceBook
5. Statue of Ugra Narasimha
Statue of Ugra Narasimha at Hampi (Image Source: Soham Banerjee)
The Statue was constructed in the year 1528, during the reign of Krishnadevaraya. The statue is 6.5 m tall and is carved in a single boulder.
The idol is the image of Lakshmi - Narsimha, In the year 1565 the entire image of Lakshmi was destroyed. Since the idol is damaged, no prayers are offered. The staue is now restored and made more stable.
6. Royal Enclosure
Stepped Tank, Royal Enclosure, Hampi (Image Source: Adam Jones)
Spread over an area of 59,000 square metres, it is believed that once the Enclousre had 45 buildings all used by the Royal Family. Some of the major attractions in the Enclosure are:
- Dasara Dibba: This is also referred as Mahanavami Dibba. A spectacular stage where religious festivals were celbrated. The 360 degree view from the top of the dias/ deck is breathtaking.
- Underground Chamber
- Horse Stable
- Stepped Tank (Discovered Recently)
- Guards Barrack
- Public Park
- Stone Doors
Lotus Mahal (Image Source: Dharani.prakash)
Zenana Enclosure a large walled area built for the royal women. The Lotus Mahal is a two storied palace with natural air cooling technique. This structure has 24 pillars and each pillar was decorated with ornaments; no sign remain of the ornaments.
The enclosure includes a tank, three watch towers and few guard rooms.
8. Elephant Stables
Elephant Stables at Hampi (Image Source: Kevin Sallée)
Elephant Stables is one among the few least destroyed structures. Located near the Zanana Enclosure is the long building with row of doomed chambers, they were probably used as home for 11 Royal Elephants.
9. Hazara Rama Temple
Carvings on the outer wall of temple, Hazara Rama Temple, Hampi (Image Source: Leon)
Hazar translates to thousand in English. Every inch of the building is carved, the carvings tell the Ramayana Story. The carvings are relatively well preserved and the characters are distinct and recognizable.
The peculiarity of this temple is that this was a private temple of the Royal family others were not allowed to enter.
10. Queen's Bath
Queen's Bath (Image Source: Jean-Pierre Dalbéra)
This is a beautiful building comprising a mixture of Hindu and Muslim architectural styles. What a luxurious life Queens led! A Royal Spa at this beautiful building.
Map:
I will be writing an E-Book covering:
- All atractions in hampi
- 2/3/6 Days Itinerary
- Best time to visit
- How to avoid crowds and visit the places at your peace
- Transportation
- How to beat the heat
Don't bother disturbing me, I would love hear from you!
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