If you are still wondering what to see in Hampi, I can tell you that I have traveled across India and I can confidently say I have never seen such a place before. You will visit Hampi trying to explore the remains of the lost civilization but instead you will lose yourself in its charm and mystery.
An escape to the once magnificent capital of the Vijayanagar empire will prove to be a remarkable experience. You can expect to witness only the remains of what was once a prosperous site. Hampi is hence with due respect referred to as the ‘City of Ruins’.
How to get to Hampi?
Hampi is well accessed by road and rail. Although the railway station is in Hospet, 12 km away from Hampi, one can take a local bus or an auto-rickshaw from the Hospet railway station to Hampi town. The nearest airport at Hubli(143km) is not preferred by most visitors.
What to do in Hampi?
Hampi is Karnataka’s one of the most visited tourism hub. Almost all the visitors who come to Karnataka at some point reach Hampi. Hampi as being a small town, has lots of restaurants and cafes and also all kind of options for accommodation. Some of the best things to do in Hampi are as
- Explore the ruins and temples
- Try bicycle tours and rock climbing
- Enjoy Coracle ride and experience cliff jumping in Sanapur Lake
- Visit local market and try local cuisine
Where to stay in Hampi?
Hampi offers a wide range of accommodations, ranging from basic ones to luxurious hotels. As travelers who prioritize experiences over spending time in the hotel, we typically opt for mid-range options with private bathrooms. We prefer hotels or home stays because they also provide easy access to local transportation and activities. During our visit to Hampi, we stayed at Malligi Hotel.
How many days to stay in Hampi?
You need at least 3 days to cover all of Hampi . If you’re travelling from Bangalore, you can start on a Thursday night, reach Hampi on Saturday morning, spend two full days and then leave back on Sunday night.
Day 1
Sanapur Lake
Sanapur Lake, located near Hampi in Karnataka, India, is a beautiful and serene spot that offers a tranquil escape from the bustling ruins of Hampi. It’s an artificial lake created by the construction of a dam on the Tungabhadra River.
You can enjoy boat rides on the lake, which provide a unique perspective of the landscape and a chance to relax amidst the stunning surroundings. The calm waters and scenic views make it an ideal place for picnicking and spending a leisurely day.
The area around Sanapur Lake is known for its breathtaking sunsets. The changing colors of the sky reflecting on the water create a mesmerizing view.
Kishkindha
Kishkindha is a significant and ancient site near Hampi, Karnataka, India, often associated with the epic Ramayana. According to the Ramayana, Kishkindha was the kingdom of the vanaras (monkey-like beings) and was ruled by the monkey king Sugriva.
Anjaneya Hill is often considered to be the birthplace of lord Hanuman.
Vijaya Vittala Temple
The most impressive structure in Hampi, the Vittala Temple dates back to the 16th century and is a truly splendid example of rich architecture. The famous stone chariot, which has become an iconic symbol of the architecture of Hampi, is located inside the premises of this temple.
The temple complex is spread over a huge area. The main gate has an impressive arch with carvings, and opens in a large courtyard which has the famous stone chariot in the center. The main temple is located just behind the chariot and has beautiful carvings. There are also several other smaller temples inside the courtyard, all of which are definitely worth a visit. The carvings on the walls/pillars of these structures depict various gods in different forms.
Day 2
Hazara Rama Temple
Hazara Rama Temple, a temple dedicated to Lord Rama, is located in Hampi. The breathtaking view of the temple and its intricate carvings attract tourists from all over the world. From a distance, one will notice the beige granite temple under the clear blue skies. As you stroll leisurely through the magnificent temple complex, do make it a point to observe the extensively sculpted narrations of the Ramayana on its inner walls. One can notice the various avatars sculpted all over the temple and in numerous inscriptions. The intricate carvings of Gods and Goddesses on the brilliant structure are proof of cultural and religious significance in India.
The Hazara Rama Temple is a World Heritage monument that dates back to the 15th century and is located in the centre of the land area that belongs to the Royals. It is one of the most preferred locations for photography in Karnataka. Every picture that visitors capture here is a frame that locks in the beauty of the mesmerizing monument that will be cherished for life.
Explore Evolve Back Resort
Hotel Evolve Back Hampi, located in Hallikeri Village, offers a luxurious and memorable stay with its beautiful property and excellent facilities. The tastefully designed and well-maintained rooms are spacious and comfortable, providing a blend of modern luxury and traditional charm.
The dining experiences are exceptional, with a wide variety of delicious cuisine. The hotel also offers a range of facilities, including a fitness center, spa, two pools, and a bar. The property assists with the arrangement of heritage walks on request.
Hampi Town
Hampi, the city of ruins, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Situated in the shadowed depth of hills and valleys in the state of Karnataka, this place is a historical delight for travellers. Surrounded by 500 ancient monuments, beautiful temples, bustling street markets, bastions, treasury building and captivating remains of Vijayanagar Empire, Hampi is a backpacker’s delight. Hampi is an open museum with 100+ locations to explore and a favourite way to see the city from the perspective of its history.
Day 3
Tungabhadra Dam
The Tungabhadra Dam is a significant multipurpose project located on the Tungabhadra River in the southern part of India. The river is a major tributary of the Krishna River. The dam is situated on the border between the states of Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. The dam serves multiple purposes, including irrigation, hydroelectric power generation, and flood control. It plays a crucial role in providing water for agriculture in the region, which is vital for the local economy.
Ugra Narsimha Temple
The Ugra Narasimha Temple, also known as the Ugra Narasimha Temple, is a prominent ancient Hindu temple located in Hampi, Karnataka, India. This temple is dedicated to Lord Narasimha, one of the ten avatars (incarnations) of the Hindu god Vishnu.
Lotus Mahal
The Lotus Mahal, or Kamala Mahal, is one of the most distinctive and well-preserved structures in the Hampi archaeological site. Located in the royal enclosure of Hampi, Karnataka, this palace is renowned for its unique architectural style and historical significance.
Elephant Stable
The Elephant Stable is one of the remarkable and well-preserved structures in Hampi, Karnataka, India. Located in the Royal Enclosure of Hampi, it was used to house the royal elephants of the Vijayanagara Empire.
The Elephant Stable is a long, rectangular building with a series of 11 large, vaulted chambers. The central archway is the largest, flanked by smaller arches on either side. The structure’s design is notable for its uniformity and grandeur, reflecting the importance of its function.
Hemakuta Hill
The Hemakuta Hill houses a temple complex, many of them dedicated to Lord Shiva. Situated in the southern side of Hampi, these temples are amongst the oldest and most ancient ones that still remain in Hampi. Many of these temples were constructed between the 9th and 14th Century, therefore even predating the famous Vijayanagara Empire that ruled Hampi. The temple complex contains more than 35 distinct temples and even their architectural styles are distinct from the rest of the temples that can be found in Hampi. Many of these temples have faced the ravages of time and some lie in ruin although the Archaeological Survey of India is doing work to restore them to their past glories.
Virupaksha Temple
The Virupaksha temple (or Prasanna Virupaksha temple) is located on the banks of the Tungabhadra river at Hampi. Built during the 7th century, the beautiful architecture and history of the temple have made it a UNESCO World Heritage site. The temple is abode to one of the forms of Lord Shiva called Lord Virupaksha. While it is located at present-day Hampi, it was once a smaller shrine in the middle of the ancient and majestic Vijayanagara empire. You will find beautiful stone inscriptions dating back to the 7th century on the walls of the temple as proof of its rich heritage. Architecture-lovers and history-buffs, do visit the temple when you are in Hampi!
Overall, Hampi was a dreamy destination away from the hustle and bustle of other Indian cities. If you are visiting the south of India, it is worth making a detour for Hampi, especially for amazing sunrise and sunsets.
Roadtrippin' with Sagar 