Hampi, Capital of Vijayanar Empire was one of the most influential city in the world when it was in its glorious days. Traders from around the world used to visit this city to exchange their goods.
The city, where once they used to sell Pearls and gold on the streets, is all left with its Ruins now.
In Hampi, You can immerse yourself into the history and explore the temples and ruins, Just to imagine those glorious days and appreciate the technical greatness of those artists and vision of those great kings.
People from around the world visit this place and spend various amount of days depending upon their interest. After couple of visits to Hampi, this is my honest attempt to create an itinerary for anyone who wants to explore Hampi over a weekend or 3 days.
How to Reach?
Hospet is the nearest city, around 10km from Hampi. You can find Train and Bus connectivity to Hospet from Bangalore and Various other parts of Karnataka, Telangana
And Andrapradesh.
Where to Stay.? Hampi has several homestay and cottages with some basic amenities. If you looking for luxury, you can find several hotels in Hospet.
You can also find place to put up your tents..!
Best Time to Visit. Post Mansoon.
Modes to Explore Hampi : Various Monuments in Hampi are spread across 26sqkm area. So, it is difficult to walk and cover all of them..
Hiring a cycle would be best option if you are fit. It will go easy on your pocket as well. Cycle renting will cost anywhere around 100 to 150 per day. Alternatively, You can find Autorikhsha people who are ready to take you to some 20 30 places at some minimum cost.
Most of the Monuments in Hampi doesn't have any entrance fees. You will be charged a nominal entry fee of 30Rs for Vijaya Vittala Temple, Lotus Mahal Zanana complex and Kamalapur Museum. Ticket bought at any of these places can be used for other two places.
Things to do.
Witness Sunrise and Areal view of Virupaksha and Achutaraya temples from Matunga Hills.
Visit Yantrodharaka Anjaneya Temple. One of the few temples in Hampi which are being worshipped even today.
Relax yourself at Purandara Mantapa ; A Mantapa by the Tungabadhra river, where famous Purandara Dasa used to sit and compose poems.
Vijaya Vittala Temple. One of the famous attractions of Hampi. You can find Stone Chariot and Musical stone pillers here in this complex. You can hire a guide here for a nominal price to understand in depth about this architectural marvel.
Royal Enclosure : though most of the Monuments here are destroyed.,the remaining ones can tell the glory of those days. You can find Mahanavami Dibba, Step well and Different Pool, Pond structures.
Hazara Rama Temple. Only Temple inside the Royal Enclosure. Walls are inscribed with stories of Hindu epics, Ramayana. It was way from Royal Enclosure.
Queen Zanana Complex. You will find famous lotus mahal here. You can also see Elephant stable and other buildings here.
Ugranarasimha and Badavilinga. Ugranarasimha can be called as icon of Hampi. The mutilated monolithic structure of Narasimha is Mejastic.
The scene of Hampi will change drastically once you cross the river. A ferry ride across the river will open you up to the hippie land hampi. You can find several home stays and restaurants here.
There are several places of historical importance even this side of the river which are less explored. Anegundi, the previous capital of Vijayanagar Empire has so many historical Monuments and temples.
When you are bored with Temples and Monuments, you can relax yourself by Sannapura lake which is very picturesque.
Matunga Hill. A Small hike up the Matunga hill will give you an memorable view of Sunset. On the hilltop you have a small temple for Lord Hanuman and the hilltop is believed to be the birth place of Hanuman.
Every nook and corner of Hampi will surprise you with the glory of the forgotten Vijayanar Empire. Every stone in Hampi will tell you its own story and needs upgradation.
People from around the world visit this place and spend various amount of days depending upon their interest. After couple of visits to Hampi, this is my honest attempt to create an itinerary for anyone who wants to explore Hampi over a weekend or 3 days.
How to Reach?
Hospet is the nearest city, around 10km from Hampi. You can find Train and Bus connectivity to Hospet from Bangalore and Various other parts of Karnataka, Telangana And Andrapradesh.
Where to Stay.? Hampi has several homestay and cottages with some basic amenities. If you looking for luxury, you can find several hotels in Hospet.
You can also find place to put up your tents..!
Best Time to Visit. Post Mansoon,Winter.
Modes to Explore Hampi : Various Monuments in Hampi are spread across 26sqkm area. So, it is difficult to walk and cover all of them..
Hiring a cycle would be best option if you are fit. It will go easy on your pocket as well. Cycle renting will cost anywhere around 100 to 150 per day. Alternatively, You can find Autorikhsha people who are ready to take you to some 20 30 places at some minimum cost. Royal Enfield or Moped,Scooty are also available.
Most of the Monuments in Hampi doesn't have any entrance fees. You will be charged a nominal entry fee of 30Rs for Vijaya Vittala Temple, Lotus Mahal Zanana complex and Kamalapur Museum. Ticket bought at any of these places can be used for other two places.
Things to do.
Witness Sunrise and Areal view of Virupaksha and Achutaraya temples from Matunga Hills.
Visit Yantrodharaka Anjaneya Temple. One of the few temples in Hampi which are being worshipped even today.
Relax yourself at Purandara Mantapa ; A Mantapa by the Tungabadhra river, where famous Purandara Dasa used to sit and compose poems.
Vijaya Vittala Temple. One of the famous attractions of Hampi. You can find Stone Chariot and Musical stone pillers here in this complex. You can hire a guide here for a nominal price to understand in depth about this architectural marvel.
Royal Enclosure : though most of the Monuments here are destroyed.,the remaining ones can tell the glory of those days. You can find Mahanavami Dibba, Step well and Different Pool, Pond structures.
Hazara Rama Temple. Only Temple inside the Royal Enclosure. Walls are inscribed with stories of Hindu epics, Ramayana. It was way from Royal Enclosure.
Queen Zanana Complex. You will find famous lotus mahal here. You can also see Elephant stable and other buildings here.
Ugranarasimha and Badavilinga. Ugranarasimha can be called as icon of Hampi. The mutilated monolithic structure of Narasimha is Mejastic.
The scene of Hampi will change drastically once you cross the river. A ferry ride across the river will open you up to the hippie land hampi. You can find several home stays and restaurants here.
There are several places of historical importance even this side of the river which are less explored. Anegundi, the previous capital of Vijayanagar Empire has so many historical Monuments and temples.
When you are bored with Temples and Monuments, you can relax yourself by Sannapura lake which is very picturesque.
Matunga Hill. A Small hike up the Matunga hill will give you an memorable view of Sunset. On the hilltop you have a small temple for Lord Hanuman and the hilltop is believed to be the birth place of Hanuman.
Every nook and corner of Hampi will surprise you with the glory of the forgotten Vijayanar Empire. Every stone in Hampi will tell you its own story and definitely needs up gradation.
Things to Remember:
Beware of Fake Guides. Do check their ID card.
Carry enough water. Especially during sunny days.
Carry a hat or umbrella to survive the heat.
Hampi was said to be Kishkinda, Land of Vaali and Sugriva, has got lot of Monkeys even these days. Be careful while having snacks and food items.
Other Places to visit nearby.
You can visit Hospet Tungabadra Dam, which is very near to Hospet city.
Daroji Bear sanctuary is very near to Hampi.
HAPPY HAMPI