Looking To Go Back In Time? Visit This Magnificent UNESCO World Heritage Site in India!

If you are a lover of historical grandeur, architectural marvels, and exemplary construction, you must visit Hampi in India.

Located in the Bellary district of Karnataka, India, and on the southern banks of the Tungabhadra River, Vijayanagar (present-day Hampi) was the capital of the Vijayanagar Empire in the 14th century. Hampi was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1986.

Hampi is famous for the Group of Monuments (ruins) spread over 4000 hectares that include more than 1600 remains of ‘forts, riverside features, royal and sacred complexes, temples, shrines, pillared halls, mandapas, memorial structures, gateways, defense check posts, stables, water structures, etc’. The unique Hindu style of architecture and splendor of the erstwhile Hindu Kingdom of Vijayanagar Empire is reflected in the excellent workmanship that has survived the test of time.
Even in the ruined state, Hampi’s charm will take you back in time and you will fall in love with it.

Historical and Religious Significance of Hampi

Based in the Deccan Plateau of South India, the empire of Vijayanagar was named after the capital city of Vijayanagar, currently seen as Hampi ruins. Vijayanagar Empire was established in 1336 by the brothers Harihara I and Bukka Raya I of the Sangama dynasty to fight the Muslim invasion in South India. The empire reached its peak under the rule of Krishna Deva Raya. During his reign, the kingdom flourished in all aspects- socially, economically, art and literature, religion, architecture, etc.

Hampi finds mention in the Hindu epic, Ramayana, and even the Puranas as Pampa-kshetra, Kishkindha-kshetra, or Bhaskara-kshetra and holds high value among Hindu devotees. This was the place where Rama and Lakshmana met Hanuman, Sugriva, and the monkey army who helped in searching Sita. The Hemakunta Hills in Hampi was the place where Lord Shiva’s consort, Parvati, is said to have pursued her ascetic, yogini lifestyle to convince Shiva to marry her.

Some important facts about the Architectural Marvels of the erstwhile Vijayanagar Empire:

• The structures at Hampi are comprised of royal and religious significance including Hindu and Jain temples, and marvelous throne platforms to witness festivals and other events.
• There are more than 1600 remains of ‘forts, riverside features, royal and sacred complexes, temples, shrines, pillared halls, mandapas, memorial structures, gateways, defense check posts, stables, water structures,’ etc covering an area of 4000 hectares.
• Some of the prominent structures include Virupaksha Temple, Vijaya Vittala Temple, Hazara Rama Temple, Lotus Mahal, Elephant’s Stables, Queen’s Bath, etc.
• The Vijayanagar architecture drew a lot of influence from Indo Islamic region which is visible in structures such as the Elephant Stables, Queen’s Bath, etc.
• Most of the structures at Hampi are made up of lime mortar, granite, and burnt bricks.

Must-visit places and a suggested itinerary for Hampi

Day 1:

Part 1: Start the trip on a fresh note

1) Sunrise Sunset Point, Matanga Hill

Directions to reach: https://goo.gl/maps/WMmb4tk2oZdQGazZ9
Experience the spectacular panoramic views of Hampi while enjoying the rays of the sun.

2) Achyutaraya Temple

Dedicated to Lord Venkateshwara, Achyutaraya Temple (originally named Tiruvengalanatha) was built in the 16th century by Achyuta Deva Raya.
Visit this temple to witness the magnificence and grandiosity of the Vijayanagar Empire.

Directions to reach: https://goo.gl/maps/vmESE98mVB6FNBXd9

Part 2: Feel the Royal Vibe of Hampi

1) The Royal Enclosure

Spread over 59,000 square meters, the Royal Enclosure was the seat of power of the Vijayanagar Kingdom comprising more than 45 buildings.

Directions to reach: https://goo.gl/maps/sf5XY7msCn4Td4YA6

2) Queen’s Bath Place

Located close to the Royal Enclosure, Queen’s Bath Place was constructed for the women of the royal family.

Directions to reach: https://goo.gl/maps/AdEkXjrLf3shYycV8

3) Hazara Rama Temple

Hazara Rama Temple was constructed in the 15th century and is the only temple situated in the core zone of the Royal Enclosure. This temple is dedicated to Lord Rama, an avatar of Lord Vishnu, and is known for the sculpted friezes depicting the Ramayana.

Directions to reach: https://goo.gl/maps/g6b3qYx5PBE67DvRA

4) Lotus Mahal Hampi

Directions to reach: https://goo.gl/maps/u4fLdnNg4ATApJrR7

5) Elephant’s Stables

Directions to reach: https://goo.gl/maps/vwVJVpDNsveAjC4B8

6) Zenana Enclosure

Directions to reach: https://goo.gl/maps/ofzYDpvN4RWVtVcY9

7) Octagonal Bath

Directions to reach: https://goo.gl/maps/iy1nB7812XdYHXcY8

Day 2: Explore the Rich Religious History of Hampi

1) Sree Virupaksha Temple, Hampi

On the second day, you can explore the Rich Religious History of Hampi and start with the Sree Virupaksha Temple, dedicated to Lord Virupaksha, a form of Shiva. Offering prayers at this centuries-old temple is a whole different experience.

Don’t forget to get blessings from Laxmi at the temple.

Directions to reach: https://goo.gl/maps/ogEtXZ43XXSPozDT6

2) Hampi Archeological Ruins

Directions to reach: https://goo.gl/maps/Vh6Wj3isPCYxyfAa8

3) Shiva Temple

Directions to reach: https://goo.gl/maps/KNLd5WAGL7BsYkPq6

4) Saasivekaalu Ganesha

Directions to reach: https://goo.gl/maps/crr8VwRbjqHSsvg76

5) Lakshmi Narasimha Temple

Directions to reach: https://goo.gl/maps/LTrKcbX7eHYtjHDv8

6) Hemakuta Hill Temple

Directions to reach: https://goo.gl/maps/vGeL2dzfi2iajbcH8

7) Sunset point Hemakuta

Directions to reach: https://goo.gl/maps/Z5896AobRotCoPLAA

Day 3: Immerse yourself in the historical marvel of Hampi

1) Vijaya Vitthala Temple

Your Hampi visit will be incomplete without visiting the Vijaya Vitthala Temple. Vijaya Vitthala Temple is located in the northeast of Hampi on the south of the Tungabhadra river.

Directions to reach: https://goo.gl/maps/aSAgJqh8z7ukJcRo6

Witness the moving Stone Chariot and the musical pillars. Do make a note of this 150-year-old tree on the premises.

2) Stone Chariot, Hampi

Directions to reach: https://goo.gl/maps/f7Vk7U129fVSa2Bf7

3) Musical Pillars of the Vitthala Temple

Directions to reach: https://goo.gl/maps/uygkUxzTfc4bQMhe7

4) King’s Balance

Directions to reach: https://goo.gl/maps/7KadKJ3KoU7Aq3XK8

5) Sugriva’s cave

Located close to Vijaya Vitthala Temple, is Sugriva’s cave, which finds mention in the Ramayana. This was the place where Lord Rama and Lakshmana met Hanuman, Sugriva, and the monkey army who helped in searching for Sita.

Directions to reach: https://goo.gl/maps/ibFvUQBvSju5CHNi9

6) Nammalvar Temple

Directions to reach: https://goo.gl/maps/BErE2Sd4N68mPeLt5

7) Kudure Gombe Mantapa

Directions to reach: https://goo.gl/maps/7JbpHDr6bDzYRwUc8

8) Gejjala Mandapa

Directions to reach: https://goo.gl/maps/aNQFQLgHmsMpLrGQ7

9) Malyavanta Raghunatha Temple

Directions to reach: https://goo.gl/maps/jkJE65puK8vUgZPR7

Other Places to visit:

goo.gl/maps/4myVQgxs3WCLxWGG6(opens in a new tab)

Hampi Archeological Museum in Kamalapura

Directions to reach: https://goo.gl/maps/CzKnYBzizWQ9DsXF7

Atal Bihari Vajpayee Zoological Park

Directions to reach: https://goo.gl/maps/ZdKLzKQt3gk5qJZq6

Daroji Sloth Bear Sanctuary

Directions to reach: https://goo.gl/maps/4myVQgxs3WCLxWGG6

Suggested Places to Eat in Hampi:

1) Mango Tree Restaurant
2) Happy Hampi Cafe
3) Gopi Guesthouse And Roof Restaurant
4) Laughing Buddha
5) Archana Guesthouse Riverview & Roof Restaurant
6) Hampi’s Top Secret Restaurant
7) Chillout Bamboo Restaurant
8) Hampi Paradise Restaurant
9) Tamarind Tree Restaurant
10) Funky Monkey restaurant

Suggested Places to Stay in Hampi:

Category: Cozy and Budget-friendly

1) Wanderlust Hampi
https://g.page/wanderlust-hampi?share
Price: INR 1500 onwards

2) Clark’s Inn Hampi, Kamalapur
https://goo.gl/maps/VNqUEVPnryCTMTYC8
Price: INR 2000 onwards

3) Lotus Riya Homestay, Kadiramapur
https://goo.gl/maps/oxnzpExnNpPeod9i8
Price: INR 3000 onwards

4) Kishkinda Heritage Resort, Sanapur
https://www.google.com/travel/hotels/s/CVTwV
Price: INR 3500 onwards

5) Little banana homestay, Hosapete
https://goo.gl/maps/FSKxsNB9nwKwwauLA
Price: INR 2200 onwards

6) Shankar Homestay, Kadirampura
https://www.google.com/travel/hotels/s/6YJ5U
Price: INR 6500 onwards

7) Vijayshree Resort & Heritage Village
https://g.page/vijayshreeofficial?share
Price: INR 6000 onwards

8) Royal Orchid Central Kireeti, Station Road
https://g.page/RoyalOrchidCentralKireetiHampi?share
Price: INR 5,500 onwards

9) Heritage Resort Hampi
https://g.page/heritage-resort-hampi-hampi?share
Price: INR 5,500 onwards

10) Abhi Homestay, Kadirampura
https://g.page/abhi-homestay?share
Price: INR 1500 onwards

Category: Luxury

1) Evolve Back, Kamalapur
https://goo.gl/maps/vFzrp4TggHDcD7YY7
Price: INR 23,000 onwards

2) WelcomHeritage Shivavilas Palace Hotel
https://g.page/ShivavilasPalaceSandur?share
Price: INR 23,000

3) Hyatt Place, Hampi
https://g.page/HyattPlaceHampi?share
Price: 6,000 onwards

All in all, Hampi is a great place for a short vacation, especially with family and friends. The best time to visit is between November to February when the average temperature is 16°C. Summers are hotter when temperatures may reach even up to 40°C, so kindly plan your trip accordingly.

Here is a video listing out the Must Visit Places & 3 Day Itinerary for easy reference.

Have you been to Hampi yet?
Share your experience with me in the comments.