Hampi has been and always will be a Backpackers Paradise.
The UNESCO recognized World Heritage Site located by the Tungabhadra river is easily accessible and is a must visit place given how Hampi, the capital of Vijayanagara Empire, is known to be one of those places in India for its archaeological significance. Temples with ancient Vijayanagara Empire history-a vastly powerful Hindu empire, engraved in the walls, mountains with mesmerizing sunrise and sunset views, ruins of palaces.
The beauty of this place is the more you go around, the more it brings adventures, knowledge and takes you through an unplanned historical tour that is most definitely worth it. Hampi is the perfect combination of a backpacker’s paradise.
Hampi is known to be the ancient Kishkinda of the Ramayana, the monkey kingdom and also is associated with the birth of Lord Hanumana.
Location :
Hampi is located in the central part of the state of Karnataka, in the southern part of India. It is 745 km from Mumbai, 539 km from Pune, 353 km from Bangalore, and 13 km from Hospet. It is located on top of a rugged terrain and is 467 m above sea level. Tungabhadra River flows through Hampi.
History :
The first settlement in Hampi dates back to 1st century AD and a number of Buddhist sites belonging to that time have been found nearby. Hampi was the capital of the mighty Vijaynagar Empire. Vijaynagar was one of the largest Hindu empires in India.
Krishnadevaraya (1509-1529) was the greatest ruler and controlled almost all of peninsular India south of Tungabhadra River.
How to reach :
Hampi is located at a distance of 13 kms from the main town of Hospet in Bellary district. A good number of buses are available online for booking from all the major metropolitan cities like Pune, Mumbai, Bangalore, etc. The bus journey is overnight and ends at Hospet junction. From Hospet KSRTC bus stop regular local buses take you to the village of Hampi for 12-16 bucks or you can take an auto ride for a 150-250 bucks.
Where to stay :
There are plenty of guest houses available in the village at quiet low rates at a range of 500-2000 bucks per night stay depending on your budget, the best bet for back packers. One can either book their stay before hand on online platforms or can directly approach the guest houses on the day of their arrival in hampi, whichever suitable. Food is cheap and plenty of varieties in the local cafes or you can walk into the village area where they serve very good homemade food at cheap price ( A plate of idli with 4 pcs cost 20 bucks). People with families can stay in hotels or resorts in Hospet which have better amenities.
How to go around :
You can either rent a bicycle available at the local shops near the guest houses ( 100 bucks per day) or a bike ( 200-300 bucks per day). The petrol pump is situated in Kamalapur town which is 4-5 kms from Hampi. Bicycle tours are also available with guides that are roaming around major Monuments – Approx rates – 500-600 bucks for a day (including bicycle rental). Autorickshaw drivers are also well known for their knowledge & history of the place, they take around 400-500 bucks for a day per rickshaw (affordable for group travelling)
But personally, if you want to explore Hampi, there is no better mode of transport than renting a bicycle, and exploring at your own pace and comfort.
Places of interest :
Sasivekalu Ganesha Temple :
Located on the south side of the Hemakuta Hill, the Sasivekalu Ganesha Temple derives its name from the resemblance between Ganesha’s belly and a mustard seed which is locally known as Sasivekalu. The statue of Lord Ganesha, which is 2.4 meters is seen to have a snake carved around the stomach of Lord Ganesha. The history of the magnificent pavilion that surrounds the statue of Ganesha dates back to 1506 A.D.
Kadalekalu Ganesha :
Kadalekalu Ganesha is one of the largest statues of Lord Ganesha that exists in the southern part of India. The shrine housing the statue of Kadalekalu Ganesha is situated on the slope of the Hemakuta Hill in Hampi. It is a remarkable monolithic statue and one of the most popular tourist sites in Hampi.
Virupaksha Temple :
Believed to be the oldest functioning temple in India, Sri Virupaksha Temple is a 7th-century Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Virupaksha, an incarnation of Lord Shiva. The temple is also considered as one of the most significant religious places to visit in Hampi and attracts a huge number of pilgrims from all over India.
The temple is seen to have many inscriptions of Lord Shiva. The temple was initially a shrine which was later extended into a huge complex during the Vijayanagara rule. The temple has one big holy place for worship, a hall supported by pillars and 3 antechambers and of all the entrances in the temple, the eastern gateway is highest one. The temple is surrounded by many mandaps around it, making the temple look more beautiful in all its cultural glory.
Hemakuta Hill Temple Complex :
This is one of the most famous and prominent temples in Hampi that is surrounded by a number of beautiful Hindu Temples and archways, pathways that are broken and built with strong, protective walls. The temple is also the perfect place to witness the sunrise and sunset. According to Hindu Mythology, it is believed that this is where Lord Shiva burnt the God of Lust-Kama with his third eye-fire.
Badavilinga Temple :
The Badavilinga Temple in Hampi has the largest monolithic Shiva Linga in Hampi. The Shiva Linga has a three eye mark drawn on it in line carving. The three eye mark depicts the three eyes of Lord Shiva. The beautiful Linga is made of black stone. It has a height of 3 meters. It is believed that the temple has been in existence since the period of the Vijayanagara Empire.
Queen’s Bath :
The Queen’s bath was considered a large open bathing area like a pool, for all the royals, that is, the Kings back then and their wives and is one of the architectures that will get you awe-struck. The Huge courtyard in the front with a dome-shaped roof, balconies with small windows, and a rectangular pool made of bricks in the middle with open blue sky greet you at the Queen’s Bath in Hampi.
Vijaya Vittala Temple :
This 15th-century structure temple is considered to be one of the largest historical structures in Hampi which is dedicated to Lord Vittala- an incarnation of Lord Vishnu- and is a must-visit amongst all Hampi tourist places. The temple complex is a sprawling area that is surrounded by high compound walls and three towering gateways. The temple complex has many halls, shrines and pavilions located inside it. Each of these structures is made of stone and each structure is a beauty in itself.
Notable among these structures are the shrine of the Goddess (also known as Devi shrine), Maha Mantapa or main hall (also known as Sabha Mantapa or congregation hall), Ranga Mantapa, Kalyana Mantapa (marriage hall), Utsava Mantapa (festival hall), and the famous Stone Chariot.
The famous Stone Chariot, the huge pillars in the temple halls and intricate sculptures are the true embodiments of the fascinating architecture of the centuries-old Vijaya Vittala Temple.
Lakshmi Narasimha Statue :
The Lakshmi Narasimha statue, otherwise known as the statue of Ugra Narasimha was built in the year 1528 A.D. This is known to be the largest monolith statue in the whole of Hampi. The statue of Lord Narasimha- an incarnation of Lord Vishnu and a half man, half lion- depicts the deity sitting in a cross-legged position in its fierce form.
Matanga Parvat , Monolithic Nadni Bull structure & Achyutraya temple :
This is just opposite to the Virupaksha temple. The sunrise view and view of the Virupaksha & Achyutraya temple from the Matanga Parvat is a besieging sight. Achyuthara temple and bazar is a megalithic old structure, a walk into it will give you the feel of being into the ancient ruins of Mowgli’s jungle book. The temple has inscriptions and carvings depicting incidences from the Mahabharata & Ramayana. There is a huge bazar and Kalyana Mantapa marriage hall opposite to the temple.
Lotus Mahal, Elephant Stables & Guard’s quarters, Step Well – Some more splendid architectural buildings.
Things to keep track Of :
• The entire landscape is strewn with rocks, boulders, bushes and shrubs of different types, some places are deserted completely, so please do take care while climbing hills and walking on the pathways to temples.
• Please try not to bargain much at the local bazar and with the people selling food as most of them charge very nominal price and this is the only livelihood for them. The village people are cordial and helpful in case you loose way or need directions.
• There are loads of monkeys around the entire place, including the corridor and rooftops of the guest houses so be careful with food and other belongings though I found them pretty peaceful compared the monkeys I have experienced in other places.
• Hampi has very little street lights, so try not to loiter around after dark in unknown places. Carry essential things during your trip like medicines, torch, Swiss knife, hard copy of a map of Hampi as GPS & phone network fails miserably in the village. Hampi does not have ATMs, the ATMs are either in Kamlapura or Hospet area, so carry sufficient cash.
A visit to Hampi can be done as 2-day, 3-day backpacking trip or can also be done as a week long leisure trip depending on your purpose of visit.
P.S. this was my last trip before the Coronavirus #lockdown