Hampi- Travel Back In Time To The Glorious Vijayanagara Empire At Hampi

A UNESCO World Heritage site, Hampi is one of the most famous historical spots across the globe. This town in Karnataka has featured in popular English movies for its exquisite architectural offering, the pride of the vastly wealthy and advanced Vijayanagara empire. Hampi is located near Hospet town in Karnataka and served as the Capital of the revered Vijayanagara empire, a stronghold of the Kings of the age. Besides its main attraction, the superbly carved temples, the vast stretches of hills forming a magnificent backdrop to the temples adds beauty and splendour to this heritage town. Hampi is sanctified town and is revered in the eyes of devout Hindus as it is the Pampakshethra - home of Lady Pampa, daughter of Lord Brahma and venerable wife and companion to Lord Shiva. During the glory days of the old, Hampi was a thriving commercial hub of the Empire with an abundance of precious stones and gems, most popular for trading horses and diamonds!

A visitor's haven, this idyllic town is bordered by lush green valleys and rocky hills bordering the most beautiful temples in the South. Other important tourist spots include royal pavilions, treasury buildings, ancient markets, the palace remains, aquatic structures including public baths, bastions and public platforms. October to March is the best season for tourists looking to witness the splendour of this former Vijayanagara stronghold.

One can visit Hampi via air, road and rail. The nearest airport is Hubli which is connected to major cities across the country. The closest railway station is the Hospet junction about thirteen kilometres away from Hampi with frequent trains like Hyderabad, Goa and Bangalore arriving at this junction. One can reach Hampi by road through State transport buses that ply between Hampi and Hospet. Within Hampi, one can commute through taxis, motorcycles, cars and rickshaws.

Tourists can visit popular sightseeing spots and temples that include the Virupaksha temple, an exquisitely carved temple devoted to Hindu deities, the Vijaya Vittala temple dedicated to the Vijayanagar empire, the gigantic Queens Bath, a renowned public structure, the beautiful Lotus Mahal, the sacred Elephant stables, the world famous Hazara Rama temple demonstrating the architectural prowess of the craftsmen of the age, Archaeological museum, the storehouse of local artefacts and marvellous sculptures, the Ganesha sculptures, Pushkarni, the Lakshmimarasimha and the Badavalinga.  

Among the most famous temples in Hampi is the splendid Vijaya Vittala temple, known the world over not only for its magnificent carvings and sculptures but for the 56 musical pillars created to emanate 56 different musical notes covering different musical instruments! A battalion of archaeologists have yet to uncover the secret of this unique temple, catapulting this remarkable temple to the list of the  world's most incredible historical edifices.

The golden rays from a glorious sunset turn the temples of Hampi to creations of pure gold, a breathtaking sight for tourists and first time visitors.

Among the famous places to visit in Hampi include the Lakshmi Narasimha, a monolithic structure, the exquisite Stone chariot and the massive Ganesha statues.

Entry Fee:

For Indian citizens the rate is Rs. 10/- per head and there is no entry fee for the children below 12 years. 

For foreigners: $5 per head. This ticket is valid for one day to visit three monuments of the Vittala Temple, the Elephant stables and the Zenena Enclosure.

Entry fee to the Archaeological Museum is Rs.5/- per head.

Hampi is one of the most beautiful spots to visit in the South. Plan a visit to the majestic temples to appreciate fine art and architecture, not found anywhere else in the world!