INTRODUCTION
LOCATION
Hampi on the banks of the river Tungabadra is situated in the central core of the Karnataka state and at a distance of about 53 km from Bangalore, and 13 km from Hospet.Hampi is situated at an altitude of about 467 m above sea level on a rugged terrain.BEST TIME TO VISIT
The best time to visit Hampi is from October to March.HISTORY
The history of Hampi dates back to the 1st century AD during which it was the capital of the largest Hindu empire in India namely the Vijaynagar Empire. The city of Hampi was first discovered in 1336 by two brothers Harihar and Bukka.Hampi flourished to glory during the reign of Krishnadevaraya who had a control over the south of the Tungabhadra River.Hampi was very well protected with nearly seven concentric lines of fortifications and with a majestic and huge army. It was an important centre for trade during the medieval period especially for cotton and spice. But soon there was a decline in the mighty Kingdom of Vijaynagar with the death of Krishnadevaraya and was totally destroyed in 1565 by five Muslim kingdoms namely Bidar, Bijapur, Golconda, Ahmednagar and Berar.FAIRS AND FETIVALS
The renowned Vijayanagar Festival is celebrated in the month of December by the people of Hampi with full enthusiasm. This festival is mainly organized by the Government of Karnataka and it mainly reflects the glory of the past mighty Vijayanagar Empire.PLACES OF INTEREST
Virupaksha Temple
This temple rises majestically at the western end of the famous Hampi Bazaar.
At the eastern entrance of the temple there is a tall tower which goes upto 120 feet.
This temple is also known by the name Pampapathi temple.
Malyavanta Raghunathaswamy
The architecture of this temple belongs to the Dravidian style whose main highlights include strange motifs of fish and marine monsters engraved along its outer walls.
The Malyavanta Raghunathaswamy temple is situated at a distance of about 3kms down the road.
Vithala Temple Complex
There is a huge mandapam on a fabulously worked basement just facing exactly opposite to the shrine. The roof of this mandapam pillared with granite, around 15 feet in height, each again consisting of a central pillar enclosed by detached shafts, all cut from one single block of rock.
House of Victory
This was built by Krishnadeva Raya to celebrate his victory over the King of Odisha after a long battle. The internal spaces between the rows of the plinth-moldings here are most intricately carved. It was from this place where the kings use to sit on a throne and witness the nine-day Dasara festival.Hazara Ramaswami temple
The main noted features of this temple are the sequence of scenes from the Ramayana engraved on two of the inner walls of the mantapa.
King's Balance
The King's Balance used to be the place where the kings for their measure of weight distribute gold, grain, or money to the poor and needy. There also used to be a swimming pool which used to be the main bath area for the queen. The swimming pool measures to 50 feet long and 6 feet deep, flaunting arched corridors, balconies and lotus-shaped fountains of perfumed water.Lotus Mahal
This is a two-storey structure in the shape of a lotus flower with beautiful archways set in geometric pattern. This Mahal was mainly used by the queens during the month of summer.Elephant Stables
This is the place where the elephants used to be kept. This stable exhibits the Hindu and Muslim style of architecture.Mahanavami Dibba
Daroji Bear Sanctuary
Daroji Bear Sanctuary situated close to Hampi is oriented more towards the eastern side of the state which is very adventurous and is a home for the Indian Sloth Bears. This sanctuary was started in 1994.SHOPPING
There is nothing much to shop in Hampi.If you are very precise about shopping here then may be one can think about doing so in the local handicrafts at Hampi Bazaar,Hospet shops or those at Tungabhadra dam for souvenirs for your near and dear ones.EAT OUTS
Most of the guesthouses and hotels here are attached to small restaurants.1.Bhavani Hotel
2.Sri Venkatashawara Restaurant
3.Hotel Tourist
4.Shanthi Restaurant
5.Om Shiva
6.Welcome Restaurant
7.Raju Roof Restaurant
8.Mango Tree Restaurant
9.Sree Vilas Hotel
10.Shiv moon
ACCOMMODATION1.Vishnu Guest HouseHampi Bazaar area 2.Vikki Guest House Hampi Bazaar area 3.Rama Guest House Hampi bus stand area 4.Gopi Guesthouse Hampi bus stand area 5.Rahul Guest House Hampi bus stand area 6.Padma Guest House Hampi bus stand area 7.Ranjana Guest House Hampi bus stand area 8.Kiran Guest House East of Hampi village 9.Netra Guesthouse East of Hampi village 10.Sudha Guesthouse East of Hampi village 11.KSTDC Mayura Bhuvaneshwari Hampi Karnataka 12.Kishkinda Heritage Resort Hampi Sanapur Gangavathy Taluk Karnataka - 583231 India 13.Shanthi Guest House Hampi Virupapura gaddi Sanapur,munirabad(Cross river from Hampi) Koppal Karnataka India 14.Hampi Boulders Narayanpet Hampi Karnataka - 583201 India 15.Rama Guest House Near River-Opposite Temple Close to Hampi Bazaar Hampi Karnataka India |
Travel Guide
Travel Information
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