Hampi is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is renowned as the magnificent city of ruins. It is a city in the Indian state Karnataka and located beside the Tungabhadra River. Hampi lies 352 km from the capital city of Bangalore. The tour to Hampi offers a great insight into the history and enriching culture of the bygone era. The sojourns further indicate the artistic excellence and power of the then rulers of the city. Hampi was the capital of the renowned kingdom of the Vijayanagar Empire of the 14th century to the 16th century. The architectural marvels of Hampi have stood the test of times and established themselves as one of the most prominent tourist destinations in Karnataka.
Major tourist spots of Hampi can be divided into two broad areas: the Hampi Bazaar Part and the Royal center near Kamalapuram. There are numbers of tourist attractions in Hampi which you can explore. The existing structures of Hampi depict the stories about the glorious past of the Vijayanagar Empire.
One activity you can perform during your tour is climbing the Matangi Hills. During your Hampi trip, explore the temples of the bygone era. The Virupaksha Temple, Achyutaraya Temple, Hazara Rama Temple, and the Vithala Temple are worth visiting here. Some other monuments you can visit during your trip to Hampi are Queen's bath, monolithic Ganesha, Ugra Narasimha. The Stone's Chariot, Elephant Stable, Balakrishna Temple, Sasivekalu Ganesha Temple, and King's balance.
History
Also referred to as ‘Groups of Monuments at Hampi’, the architectural marvels of Hampi speak volumes about the history and culture of the Great Vijayanagar Empire. Hampi was the capital of the Vijayanagara Empire in the 14th century and the chronicles left by Persian and European travelers, especially Portuguese. By 1500 CE, Hampi – Vijayanagar was the second largest medieval city in the world. It was the richest Indian city at that time and attracted traders from Portuguese and Persia. Located in the hilly terrains formed by the granite boulders, Hampi comprises a wider spread Vijayanagar ruins. Almost all the monuments in Hampi were built between 1336 and 1570 CE. The site has almost 1,600 monuments, which spread over 41 sq. km. Vijayanagara Empire ruled the city for over 200 years and grew into one of the famous Hindu empires of South India.
Portuguese and Persian traders left some memoirs and according to them the Hampi was a metropolitan city and they called it one of the most beautiful cities. The city has seen several wars from Muslim Sultanates and Vijayanagara Empire and so much more. In 1565, the alliance of several Muslim sultanates entered into a war with the Vijayanagara Empire. They seized the city and executed king Aliya Rama Raya, followed by massive destruction of the infrastructure of Hampi and the metropolitan Vijayanagara. The city was plundered, looted, and burnt for six months after the war, then abandoned as ruins, which are now called the Group of Monuments at Hampi.
Why visit Hampi?
Hampi is one of the treasured gems of Karnataka and full of history. It is also a prominent Hindu pilgrimage center. The temples of Hampi have a unique feature and renowned for their architectural beauty. Hampi is a paradise for nature lovers, adventure fanatics, history buffs, devotees, architecture enthusiasts, and those who love to travel offbeat. You can explore the historical ruins, go for hikes, visit the temple, or simply indulge in delectable cuisines while staring at the architectural wonders. The architectural grandeur of the monuments speaks the volume about the artistic skills possessed by the architectures of the bygone era. Moreover, Hampi is the only remnant of the Vijayanagar Kingdom which provides huge information about the completely destroyed Hindu dynasty in India.
Best time to visit Hampi
The best time to visit Hampi is in the winter season. From October to February, the weather of the region in the daytime remains soothing and pleasant which makes the sightseeing comfortable, and these months as the ideal time to visit Hampi. Here is the detailed season-wise information about the region.
Summers (March to June)
In summers, Hampi experiences warm weather, and the unbearable heat of the daytime makes the sightseeing tour difficult. The average temperature ranges from 35⁰ C to 40° C. However, in March, Virupaksha Car Festival organizes that celebration with great zeal. You can visit to witness the rich cultural heritage of Hampi by attending this festival.
Monsoon (July to September)
Hampi receives low to moderate showers. The temperature dips in the monsoon season and the weather becomes quite pleasant. This is a good time to explore the ruins of Hampi and enjoy the enchanting views replete with greenery. The average temperature ranges from 25⁰ C to 33⁰ C in Hampi in the monsoon season.
Winters (October to February)
The winter season starts in October till February and the average temperature hovers around 25⁰ C to 30°C. This is the best time to explore Hampi as the weather remains calm and soothing, which is perfect for a sightseeing tour. You can also indulge in outdoor activities in this season such as hiking and trekking. Hampi Utsav organizes in November, which is the largest celebration in the city and is being attended by a large number of tourists.
How to get around in Hampi?
In Hampi, you can rent a moped to make your way into the ruins and other tourist sites of the city. Otherwise, you can either explore the city on foot or on a bicycle. You can easily find shops in the market from where you can rent a bicycle. For a convenient trip, you can also hire an auto to explore the monuments.
Tourist Places to visit in Hampi
Hampi is a captivating temple town, which houses several tourist attractions. It is home to remnants of ancient ruins, monoliths, boulders, and historic temples. Surrounded by the remains of the historical city of Vijayanagara, Hampi is a treasure trove of significant temples, markets, ruins, and palaces. Some of the best tourist places to visit in Hampi are a group of temples.
Home to more than 1,600 remains, the group of monuments in Hampi is made up of temples, forts, shrines, getaways, and halls. Virupaksha Temple, Vittala Temple, Yantordharaka Hanuman Temple, Lakshmi Narasimha Temple, Achyutaraya Temple, Hazara Rama Temple, Ganesha Temple, Pattabhirama temple, Hazara Ramachandran, and Chandrasekhar Temple. There are significant temple complexes like the Hemakuta group of temples, the Krishna Temple complex, and the Lotus Mahal complex.
Things to do in Hampi
Considered as the bouldering capital of India, Hampi is a paradise for adventure lovers and history buffs. There are a plethora of activities which you can involve during the Hampi tour. Take a look at the best things to do in Hampi are:
- Coracle Ride
- Hiking
- Trekking
- Rock Climbing
- Cliff Jumping
- Bike Riding
How many days are enough for the Hampi trip?
3-4 days are enough to explore Hampi. This is an ideal duration to explore the popular attractions of Hampi.
Average Hampi trip cost
The average cost of the Hampi trip is from INR 12,000 to INR 16,000. However, the cost of the trip depends on several factors including the type of accommodation, mode of transport, duration of the trip, and sightseeing places.
Accommodation in Hampi
Hampi boasts of so many amazing options to stay where you can get glimpses of the rich cultural heritage of the city and also get to learn about the local culture. Here are some of the best resort options to stay in Hampi:
- Hyatt Place Hampi
- Sloth Bear Resort
- Hotel Malligi
- Vijayshree Heritage Village, Hospet
- Royal Orchid Hotel, Hampi
- Heritage Resort, Hampi
- Kishkinda Heritage Resort
- Gowri Guest House
- Orange County, Hampi
- Siri Homestay
- Clarks Inn Hampi
Where to eat in Hampi?
Some of the best restaurants and eateries in Hampi to tantalize your taste buds are:
- Mango Tree
- Sagar Hotel
- New Shanthi
- Gouthami Restaurant
- Goan Restaurant
- Laughing Buddha
- Ravi’s Rose
- Chill Out in Bamboo Restaurant
Shopping in Hampi
There are plenty of markets and shops in Hampi from where you can enjoy street shopping and buy some souvenirs for your loved ones. Some of the best shopping places in Hampi are:
- Vittala Bazaar
- Hampi Bazaar
- Hoova Craft Shop and Cafe
- Akash Art Gallery and Book Stall
- Aspiration Store
- Gail Djembe Music Shop
Useful Tips for Hampi
- Hampi is a small town and attracts a large number of tourists. So it is advisable to book your accommodation in advance to avoid the last moment hassles.
- With the glorious past and rich history, Hampi is a treasure trove of beauty and spirituality. Get yourself a certified guide so that you will not miss important information about the region.
- An autorickshaw is the best option to get around the temples.
- Take your shoes off while entering the shrine.
- Wear decent clothes and cover yourself properly while visiting religious places. Cover your shoulders and knees.
Nearby Tourist Places to Hampi
- There are many places around Hampi that are worth visiting. Some of the popular nearby tourist places to Hampi where you can visit during your tour:
- Anegundi
- Daroji Sloth Bear Sanctuary
- Badami
- Aihole
- Pattadakal
Fairs & Festivals in Hampi
Virupaksha Car Festival and Hampi Festival are the two most popular celebrations in Hampi. These festivals are the largest celebrations of the erstwhile Vijayanagara Empire. To witness the glory of the bygone era and rich cultural heritage, you can attend these festivals that are celebrated with great zeal and vigor.
How to reach Hampi?
Hampi is well-accessible by road, rail, and flight from the major cities and towns of the country. Reaching Hampi from anywhere in the world is not an issue. Here is the detailed information about how to reach Hampi.
By Air:
Bellary Airport is the nearest airport from Hampi, situated 60 km away. The other nearest airport from Hampi is Hubli Airport, which is located 143 km away. You can easily get a taxi or bus from the respective airport to Hampi. For international tourists, Bengaluru Airport is the nearest international airport, which is 350 km away. They can take a domestic flight from Bengaluru to Bellary or enjoy the road trip to Hampi.
By Rail:
Hospet railway station is the nearest railhead, which connects Hampi from the rest of the country. Hospet Junction is situated 13 km from Hampi. Book your train in advance as the chances of availability of tickets at the last moments is fewer. You can board an auto or a bus from the railway station to Hampi.
By Road:
The nearest major town is Hospet, which is well-connected with the major towns and cities of the nearby states. There are regular buses ply from Mumbai, Pune, Bangalore, and Kolhapur. Comfortable AC sleeper buses, deluxe buses, and ordinary buses ply from these cities, which drops the passengers in Hospet from where one can easily reach Hampi.
