Hampi was once a flourishing, wealthy, and grand city, the capital of the powerful Vijaynagara Empire. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Karnataka, India, famous for its Dravidian temples, grand places, and impressive stone monuments. Many people like to explore this world’s largest open-air museum and unveiling the mysteries of Hampi.
And if you are one of those who want to know about Hampi temple, its best places, and hidden places of Hampi. Then keep reading this blog because here we’ll learn how you can plan your trip to Hampi.
History of Hampi
The history of Hampi is very interesting in its time. Hampi was the capital of the powerful Vijayanagara Empire. It was ruled by many powerful rulers, like King Krishnadevarya. Under their rule, Hampi became the global center of trade. But in 1565, this empire was attacked by the Sultanates. Those invaders looted this city and completely destroyed it. After remaining a lost city for centuries, it became a UNESCO heritage site in 1986.
Mysteries of Hampi Temple
Mysteries of Hampi Temple lie in its vast, royal underground rooms, musical pillars, and inverted shadows. Leaving behind some questions about its fall, glory, its lost stories, and advanced engineering. In this section, we’ll learn about some mysteries of Hampi temple.
Architectural Mysteries
1. Inverted Shadows
The inverted shadows of the Virupaksha Temple in Hampi refer to the pinhole camera effects. Where a tiny hole in the wall creates an upside-down image of Raja Gopuram on the wall of the dark room inside the Saalu Mantapa. This inverted shadow effect is over 300 feet away and shows the advanced understanding of builders centuries ago.
2. Musical Pillars
These pillars are ancient granite pillars in India’s Vijaya Vitalla Temple, which produce musical tones. The main pillars are surrounded by smaller pillars that sounded like music when they struck or tapped with metal.
3. Secret Passages
The Royal Enclosure hides secret underground chambers, likely used for interrogation and war planning. Hinting that the secret passages were for security.
Historical Mysteries
1. Lost City: Hampi was once a great and wealthy capital of the Vijayanagara Empire. But after its fall in 1565, it was abandoned and looted, making it a lost city.
2. Underground Rooms: These rooms are one of the best structures in Hampi. It was the rooms where the king held secret meetings. The walls of these rooms are made of black stone and green quartz.
3. Kishikindha: Kishikindha is a mythical monkey kingdom from the Hindu Ramayana, ruled by King Sugriva. This historical mystory adding a layer of divinity in Hampi.
Natural and Divine Mysteries
1. Hanuman’s Birthplace: It’s believed that Lord Shiva blessed Anjana Devi in Anjanadri Hill, near Hampi, which leads to Hanuman’s birth. This place is named after his mother, making it a pilgrimage place where devotee climbs hundered of steps.
2. Spiritual Geography: Hampi’s geography creates a unique and spiritual connection with ancient temples. Here, geological formation meets with architectural understanding, and deep religious belief meking it a great pilgrimage site.
Best Time to Visit Hampi
The best time to visit Hampi is between October to March, when the days are pleasant, the sky is clear, and the evenings are blowy. In these months, the temperature is comfortable, evenings are cool, and the atmosphere is vibrant, ideal for exploring. This is the peak tourist season, and you can see the festivals. So most of the people like to visit this place in this season.
For lush greenery and fewer crowds, aim for the monsoon (July-September), good for photography. But rain can disrupt your trip. While April and June are very hot and dry, but great for solitude. Though it is best to avoid the summer heat, it is still possible to explore in the evenings.
But if you don’t like crowds and you are a budget-friendly person, then you can aim for off-seasons. Because in these seasons the prices are very low, and some places offer packages like the Hampi tourism package to attract tourists.
Places You Can Explore in One Day
There are so many places in Hampi to explore. But here is the name of some places to visit Hampi in one day.
1. Virupaksha Temple
For a one-day Hampi Trip, start at Virupaksha Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is called the heart of the town. This is one of India’s oldest temples, known for its unique features like an inverted shadow on the Mandapa wall.
2. Himakuta Hill
This hill is dotted with over 35 ancient temples, many dedicated to Lord Shiva, with smaller shrines and water tanks. It’s believed that Lord Shiva performed penance here to marry Parvati. And it is also the place where Lord Shiva burned the god of lust, Manmadha. This place offers a stunning view of the sunset.
3. Vijaya Vittala Temple
This iconic temple has an amazing stone structure and captivating musical pillars. The pillars produce musical tones whenever struck or tapped with metal.
4. Ugra Narasimha Statue
The Ugra Narasimha Statue in Hampi is about 6.7 mtr tall, dedicated to Lord Narasimha, the fierce aspect of Lord Vishnu. It’s famous for being a massive monolithic sculpture. Even after damage, it is a major cultural landmark and testament to ancient artistry.
5. Tungabhadra River
This river is formed by the merging of the Tunga and Bhadra rivers in Karnataka, and it flows near Hampi. This river is famous in Hampi as a lifeline of the ancient Vijayanagara Empire. Temples like Virupaksha Temple are located near the river, and boat rides offer a unique view.
Tips for travelling to Hampi
- If you want to explore unveiling the mysteries of Humpi than best options are auto-rikshaws and renting a scooter. By it, you can explore Hampi faster and more comfortably.
- For a comfortable trip, you should wear breathable clothes, comfortable shoes, sunglasses, a hat, and always carry a water bottle with you.
- For a better experience and less crowd, start early around 5 am. And don’t miss Hampi tourism places like Virupaksha Temple and Vittala Temple.
Plan a Hampi Tourism Itinerary with us
Unveiling the mysteries of Hampi is a must-do for families who like history, culture, and adventure. You can plan your trip with Noble House Tours Pvt. Ltd. to explore the best places in Hampi. We offer packages like the Hampi tourism package to make your trip more comfortable and enjoyable.
