Hampi – A Journey through the Ruins

Vijaya Nagara Empire(1336-1646), a region in the south of India considered as the wealthiest city in the world when it was at its peak. The capital of the Vijaya Nagara Empire latterly known as Hampi. It is famous for its ruins belongs to this medieval Empire which considered a UNESCO world heritage site. This Epic city located in the Indian state of Karnataka. It spread across 26 Square kilometers having magnificent temples, beautifully carved sculptures, and monuments that clearly show how the ancient Indian architecture and its flourishing arts gone beyond the level. The events in epic Ramayana are believed to have happened around Hampi at that time

Hampi is vast. It filled with known and unknown places (still to explore) which haunts then surprise and wonder you about the rich heritage, social system, and incredible lifestyle of people and kings of the Vijayanagar Empire. The infinite panoramic beauty of millions of boulders, beautiful Thungabdhra river, green paddy fields, aquatic structures in this Temple town surely wakeup the wanderlust in you. Apart from the tourists and pilgrimage destination, Hampi is well known for its hippie culture which you can witness only in some places of India.

Places to visit in Hampi

Hampi is an open museum. Hire a scooter and wander anywhere in this vast land and get lost yourself. Thungabdra river divides Hampi into two mainlands. The land across the river known as Hippie Island aka Virapapur Gadde which is famous for its unique hippy culture where you can spot good cafes, restaurants, and hotels. Anegundi, the lovely village near hippie island also a worth visit along with it. As soon as you reach the main town the famous Virupaksha Temple will be welcoming you. Virupaksha clearly tells the extraordinary architecture had along a year ago.

The gorgeous Vittala temple is the centerpiece of all structures here which is famous for its monolithic stone chariot which featured in Indian currency notes. Anjaneya Hill which having Monkey Temple believed to be the birthplace of Lord Hanuman where you need to climb around 575 steps to reach the top that offers you a stunning view of Hampi. Watching the sunset at Matanga Hill is a must-visit which offers you a panoramic scenery of millions of boulders and beautiful land. Hampi Bazar is cherry on a cake where you can shop artworks, handicrafts, utensils, dresses, etc. Lotus Mahal, Elephant Stables, and Hazara Ram Temple are the other major attraction here.

 

Check out the video of Hampi made by DudeExplore for more !!

When to Visit?

Usually, winter is the best time to visit Hampi. It’s from October to march. Living here is hard during hotter days. It’s a vast land where you merely find some shadow to hide. Karnataka is hotter in the summer comparing to neighboring states. Planning a peaceful new year to here is not a bad idea 🙂

How to get there?

Hospet is more accessible to transport and hospitality which is located around 13 km from Hampi. Roads to Hospet are good in shape from other cities.  The nearest airport is Hubli Airport(168 km) and Belgaum(270). If you are coming from abroad it’s better to head Banglore International Airport (347km). Take a cab directly or boarding an overnight bus(book online or direct) to Hospet. You can rent an auto, or take a bus to Hampi from Hospet. It’s hard to find buses directly from other cities. Hospet is the nearest railway station which has a well-connected network of trains to other major cities. Hire a taxi or board a bus to Hampi from Hospet bus station to get there.

Happy Exploring !!