In the 14th century, Hampi was the capital of Vijayanagara Kingdom, situated in Karnataka, south India. Nowadays it’s the home of the Hampi group of monuments, a UNESCO world heritage site. You see everything in Hampi like temples, Places, Private baths, Elephant Stables, and many more. The location of Hampi was the reason why Vijayanagara Empire chose this place to build their capital here. Hampi is mentioned in the Ramayana, and Puranas of Hinduism as Pampa Devi Tirtha Kshetra. Hampi is full of many religious centers and various old monuments.
In 1500 CE, Hampi was the second-largest city in the world. It attracted traders from Persia and Portugal. In 1565, This place was destroyed by Muslim Sultanates, and after this Hampi Count remained in ruins. In the 10th century, Hindu King Kalyana Chalukyas ruled in this place and it became the center of religious and educational activities again. The king made the Virupaksha Temple and several other things. These things make the Hampi a goddess place and people are sure that this is a god-gifted place Hampa-Devi. Hampi is the best place to see ancient times of India and if you climb on top of them then you see the amazing view of the entire city. Hampi is located on the banks of the Tungabhadra River. Here you can find old spillways, canals, and military barracks.
If you are making plans to explore Hampi, then these are the best places and things to do in Hampi.
1. Explore the Vijaya Vittala Temple and its Music pillars
This Temple was established in the 15th century, This is counted as the largest historical structure in Hampi. Vijaya Vittala temple is dedicated to the Lord Vishnu and this is a chariot-shaped temple which is inspired by Sun temple at Konark. Their outdated and beautiful architecture, procedures, and history made it a UNESCO World Heritage site. In this temple, You find an amazing stone on the walls that is proof of rich heritage and fabulous architecture. Along with their ancient architecture, many music pillars are also a part of the Vijaya Vittala Temple.
2. Be Amazed by the King’s Balance
After the Vijaya Vittala temple, you visit this functioning place. Here on the day of celebration, the King would sit on one side of the balance, and whole grains and gold would be weighed on the other side while distributed to the people. You reach this place after a few minutes walk on the trail and you see the imposing frame of the King balance in olden days. This place shows the kindness and glory of the king, who ruled in the Hampi.
3. Go for a coracle ride on the Tungabhadra
Along with historical places and temples, you can do an adventurous thing in Hampi. You go for a Coracle ride on the Tungabhadra. This is another type of ride because the coracles are round boats, made with bamboo and plastic and run by a helmsman. You can enjoy this ride at the Chakratirtha. You enjoy the breeze and see the vision of some beautiful temples and architecture doing the ride of this coracle.
4. Visit Virupaksha temple
This temple was built in the 7th century, located on the banks of the Tungabhadra River at Hampi. This is the most famous and important temple in Hampi just because its captivating architecture and record made it a UNESCO world heritage site. This temple is committed to Lord Virupaksha and Lord Shiva also. Here you will find the great architecture and design on the walls of the temple, proof of the rich heritage and architecture of this Temple. This temple is made in South Indian style and architecture. Along with the Virupaksha god, there are many Hindu gods and goddesses seen here.
5. Explore the Hemakuta Group of Temples
This group of temples is located on the right side of the Virupaksha temple. There are a minimum of 35 small temples and all dedicated to Lord Shiva. This temple is situated on the Hemakuta hill. Along with temples you see many mandapas and galleries and you also explore the Hampi Bazaar in this place. These temples were built in the 14th century According to the legends, this is the place where Lord Shiva came before marrying Parvati. The site of this temple is made with Vijayanagara style and the northern side of the temple is made with Trikutachala style of architecture.
6. Drop by Sasivekalu and The Kadalekalu Ganeshas
This temple is located on the southern side of Hemakuta Hill. There are two famous Ganesha in Hampi and nobody misses this temple while traveling in Hampi. Here you see a single rock presenting a huge idol of Sasivekalu Ganesha. After visiting this, you see the temple of Kadalekalu Ganesha, situated a few minute’s distance from Sasivekalu Ganesha. The large size of the idols and fossils is impressive.
7. Discover some Lost connections at the Krishna Temple
When you make a trip to Hampi, don’t forget to visit ancient Krishna Temples. This temple is built by Krishnadevaraya, This is also counted in the World Heritage Monuments by UNESCO. This temple shows piercing carvings and unique architecture and monuments. This temple is dedicated to Lord Balakrishna, this temple campus is covered with some pillars, halls, and many small shrines.
8. Visit the Lotus Mahal and The Elephant Stables
This is the most attractive monument in Hampi. The Lotus Mahal is situated in the Zenana Enclosure, the place is reserved for women of Vijayanagara Empire. Their modern and ancient architecture is the center of attraction and iconic landmarks. This place looks like a lotus and their name is Lotus Place. This place is surrounded by 24 pillars and provides support to the lotus-shaped architecture. Elephant stables, here you see many royal elephants. The elephant stables in 11 chambers and their enormous structure is the best thing to see for visitors.
9. Check Out the Hampi step wells
Hampi is the place to see the captivating inheritance and age-old architecture of India. Stepwalls are also included in these heritage sites, and this huge stepwell is also counted in the UNESCO world heritage site. Many temples and monuments are surrounded by these step walls. This is one of the biggest step wells in India, with a huge size and depth. In the middle of these step walls, you see a water tank that is related to the temple rituals and the purpose of those temples by communities around this area. Stepwells in Hampi are called Purshakarinis.
10. Visit Hampi Bazar
Along with all the temples and architecture, another thing to visit in Hampi is Hampi Bazar. This is a famous street market in Hampi, over a kilometer and lined with ruins pavilions. In this market, you see many restaurants, residences, and many other shops. At the end of the Hampi Bazar, you see a huge statue of the Nandi bull and another site is a photo gallery. Enjoy the street food, shop at local markets, and explore the streets of Hampi Bazaar give you another type of joy and happiness.
11. Visit Archaeological Museum
This museum is located at Kamalapura, Hampi. Here you see the ruins of Hampi and Vijayanagara Empire. This museum is small but collects all artifacts and antiques of the Vijayanagara Empire. This museum was established in 1972 and captures the bygone periods of Hampi beautifully. In this museum some of the work is done by British officers, these officers collect statues, antique sculptures, and many more but the modern structure of the museum is built by the Indian government. There are four sections in the museum and each section collects the history of Hampi ruins. You can easily visit this museum without paying any cost.
12. Enjoy the sunset point at Matang Hill
This hill is situated at the end of the Hampi bazaar. Matang Hill is one of the famous tourist places to visit, this is the highest point of Hampi. Here you see the full view of Hampi City, its architectural buildings, and beautiful temples and places. Along with the sunset point, this is also a holy place. At the top of the hill, you see a small temple of Krishna and at the bottom, you see a small cave market. You can do trekking also on this hill, you enjoy the pleasure view of the entire town. There are many famous treks but one is famous starting from Hampi bazaar and ending at the Virupaksha Temple at the top of the hill.
13. See Daroji Bear Sanctuary
This Sanctuary was established in 1994, in Ballari district. Here you see many Indian sloths and houses leopards, hyenas, jackals, spotted deer, and many other species and animals. Many sloth bears are attracted to their activities and playing with each other. In this location, you see a watch tower view where you can easily see the bear. There is a special big black bear, sometimes he goes hunting seeing this is the most adventurous view at Sanctuary.
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