Hampi is one of the UNESCO declared World Heritage Site and a popular tourist spot to visit. You can come across foreigners in huge numbers visiting this place throughout the year to experience the rich, ancient heritage of this country. This ancient village is located in Karnataka, in the country’s southern parts. It was once the capital of India’s largest kingdoms, namely, the Vijayanagar Empire. The Deccan Sultanate had razed this village during the 16th century. Hence, what you come across today is the ruins of the ancient, mighty empire that speaks of its prime. You also get to see the ruins of majestic palaces, temples, monoliths and boulders. You can check out evolve back hampi for your hotel bookings.
Top places you should visit in Hampi
- Sri Virupaksha Temple: It is among the main pilgrimage centre to visit in Hampi. This temple is quite old having been constructing back during the 7th It is also considered to be the country’s oldest temples that is still in use and visited by millions from all over the world to worship. It is dedicated to Lord Virupaksha, Lord Shiva’s incarnation. It also boasts of having a pillared hall, massive gateway towers, courtyard, three ante-chambers, small structures and shrines. It also has artistically carved walls that depict ancient legends and stories. Do remember to take Lakshmi’s blessings, the temple elephant. This temple is open to devotees from 6am to 6pm.
- Vijaya Vitthala Temple: This ancient massive complex was constructed during the 15th It is considered to be a standing testimony of the rich Vijayanagar architecture. This temple is dedicated to God Vitthala, considered to be Lord Vishnu’s embodiment. It is also the region’s largest historic structure and houses numerous halls, pavilions and shrines. It includes the Kalayana Mandapa, Maha Mandapa, Utsav Mandapa, Devi Shrine, Ranga Mandapa, etc. The courtyard also has a stunning stone chariot. It is stated to be the complex’s most striking structure and once used to move. The temple does boast of having an invaluable architectural and historical heritage with intricate, artistically created carvings representing different gods in Hindu mythology. Moreover, the mammoth musical pillars constructed at the temple halls do deserve special mention. They are referred to as the ‘SAREGAMA’ pillars. As the pillars are gently tapped, it emanates enchanting light musical chimes. However, tourists are not permitted to do this to avoid potential damage to the structure. This temple is open to the public from Monday to Sunday between 8.30am to 5.30pm.
- Lakshmi Narasimha Temple: It houses Lord Narasimha, considered to be Hampi’s largest statue about 6.7m tall. Lord Narasimha is the incarnation of Vishnu. This statue was probably created way back in 1528 AD with the deity seated on Sheshanaga (7-headed snake) in cross-legged position. No entry fee is required to enter this temple and it is open Monday to Sunday from 6am to 6pm.
- Hemakuta Hill Temple: There are several Hindu temples dotting Hampi’s southern fringes, constructed between 9th and 14th In this complex are present numerous temples, with most of them dedicated to God Shiva. Some shrines can be found to be still intact and others in ruins. These temples do boast of showcasing unique architecture and are 3-tiered structures. They have pyramid-shaped roof constructed from granite. Their walls are decorated with floral motifs. Mula Virupaksha temple is perhaps the most prominent among them.
- Sasivekalu Ganesha Temple: This temple is dedicated to Lord Ganesh and is located on Hemakuta Hill’s southern fringes. The temple’s highlight is the monolithic statue that is about 2.5m tall with a snake that is carved on the Lord’s belly. Popular folklore states that once Lord Ganesha had consumed excess food. He had tied a snake around his belly region to avoid stomach burst. This statue can be found to be in half-lotus position having four arms. A pavilion also exists around the statue dating back to 1500 AD. It was built to cherish the memory of Narasimha II, the Vijayanagar King. This temple is open from Monday to Sunday, between 6am and 6om.
- Achyutaraya Temple: This temple was constructed during the 16th century and is regarded to be Hampi’s last temple built in those eras. It epitomizes Vijayanagara architecture style. This temple is located between two hills, namely, Gandhamadana and Matanga, thus adding to its charm. It has the shrine of Lord Tirvengalanatha as well as a huge courtyard, with intricate ornamental details and carved pillars. Every pillar constructed here has sculptures that are beautifully inscribed and reflect truly stunning craftsmanship.
- Hampi Bazaar: This bazaar overlooks the majestic Virupaksha temple and is among the popular places to visit during the trip. It is sure to make you feel nostalgic and stretches over a kilometre in length. You can find ruins of pavilions in huge numbers dotting both the sides. It is worth checking out. Also is present the Nandi Bull’s statue, the consort of Lord Shiva at the street’s east end. A photo gallery is also present close to it showcasing unique images of the region belonging to the 19th Anyone can visit this gallery for free. Few shops here sell antique coins, carved artefacts, handicrafts, jewellery items and embroidery shawls.
- Royal Enclosure: It was once the Vijayanagara King’s seat. But presently, it lies in ruins and has been converted into an open-air museum. It is spread across an area of about 59,000 sq. m. You can come across ruins of palaces, temples, water tanks, aqueducts along with other interesting structures that speak volumes about the past. However, the 8 meter, 3-tiered, remains of Mahanavami Dibba is among the most impressive. It showcases the life that people lived in those bygone eras. There is also a stepped tank that is 7m deep. The king’s audience hall is referred to as the 100-pillared hall. The queen’s bath has been designed in Indo-Islamic architectural style along with an underground chamber. Such structural remains exemplify architectural brilliance associated with yesteryear’s creative designs.
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