madhuonthego

Hampi is the land of magnificent ruins. Surrounded by boulders of different shapes and sizes, stacked together forming mysterious mountains overlooking the lush green rice fields. The ruins showcase how glorious the bygone era would have been.

As they say.. in Hampi, each rock has a story to tell.

Hampi, A UNESCO World Heritage site

A UNESCO World Heritage site, this ancient city in Karnataka is like an open-air museum filled with stunning ruins, mesmerizing landscapes, and stories that take you back in time. Once the glorious capital of the Vijayanagar Empire, today Hampi is a paradise for history lovers, backpackers, nature lovers, adventure enthusiasts, photography enthusiasts and those seeking solitude.

I recently spent a few days in Hampi and I am pretty smitten by the whole experience at this underrated Gem in Karnataka.

History & Stories of Hampi with Pathbeat

Apart from spellbinding history which dates back to the 14th Century, Hampi also has mythological significance. It is believed to be the Kishkindha Kingdom from Ramayana, ruled by Bali & Sugriva, also the birthplace of Lord Hanuman.

I wanted to explore Hampi beyond just the visuals, I wanted to truly understand and appreciate Hampi’s history, folklore and stories. It’s a one-of-a-kind destination after all. While scrolling through the random pages to gather information about Hampi, I came across PathBeat, an audio tour platform. It was like finding a treasure of information all in one place. Right from insightful narratives about monuments, to step-by-step guides and itineraries too. Instead of piecing together information from various sources, I could simply listen to engaging stories that brought the ruins to life, making both before the trip and during the trip experience all the more immersive. You can find all the information about Hampi here.

12 Must visit places in Hampi

According to UNESCO, Hampi have over 1600 surviving ruins comprising of temples, ancient structures and palaces. If you are planning to visit Hampi for the first time, Here are the 12 most popular and prominent places in Hampi that should be on your itinerary!

1.Virupaksha Temple – The Heart of Hampi

Dedicated to Lord Shiva, Virupaksha temple is one of the oldest and most significant temples in Hampi. This temple has been functioning without any interruptions since the 7th century, making it one of the only few ancient temples among the ruins where the Deity is worshipped. Walking through its tall gopuram, one can feel the positive energy that has existed here for centuries. The beautiful murals and intricate carvings narrate the temple’s long history. I also learnt from Pathbeat’s audio tours that, the coronation of the great emperor Krishnadevraya took place in Virupaksha temple.

Another fascinating feature inside the temple is a small, dark chamber where one can see the inverted image of the gopuram through a small hole. Pinhole effect- an early example of the usage of optical physics! The temple is also a hub of festivities, like the annual Hampi Utsav, which brings the ruins back to life.

•  Entry Fee: Free

•  Timings: 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM

•  How to Reach: The temple is centrally located near the Hampi Bazaar and can be accessed by foot or local transport.

2. Vijaya Vittala Temple – The Iconic Stone Chariot

A trip to Hampi is incomplete without visiting the magnificent Vijaya Vittala Temple, home to the iconic Stone Chariot. This impressive structure is depicted on the ₹50 Indian currency note. As I wandered through the vast temple complex, which was once the centre for trade, entertainment and celebrations, I found myself teleported back in time when the temple complex bustling with daily activities. 

The temple showcases finely carved pillars, depicting tales from Hindu mythology and also some carvings inspired by overseas like the Japanese samurai, the clown etc. One of the most fascinating parts of this temple is the musical pillars, which produce different notes when tapped lightly. The temple’s grandeur and architectural brilliance left me in awe.

•  Entry Fee: INR 40

•  Timings: 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM

•  How to Reach: The temple is about 3 km from Hampi Bazaar. You can hire a rickshaw or walk there for a more immersive experience.

Buggies are available from the ticket counter to the temple complex entry. They charge INR 20 (for to & fro)

3. Hazara Rama Temple – Ramayana on the wall

This temple is a hidden gem in Hampi, known for its carvings depicting the scenes from the Ramayana on its outer wall. Walking through its corridors felt like flipping through a storybook etched on the stone wall depicting the Journey of Lord Rama. The temple, once reserved for the royal family, is smaller in size but rich in historical and artistic significance.

•  Entry Fee: Free

•  Timings: 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM

•  How to Reach: The temple is located near the Royal Enclosure and is accessible by foot or local transport from Hampi Bazaar.

4. Kadalekalu Ganesha Temple – The Giant Monolithic Lord Ganesha Idol

Kadalekalu Ganesha temple houses one of the most striking monolithic (carved from a single rock) idols in Hampi, a massive 4.5-meter-tall statue of Lord Ganesha. The name ‘Kadalekalu’ comes from the resemblance of Ganesha’s belly to a Bengal gram (known as kadalekalu in Kannada). This majestic idol inside a pillared hall reflects the craftsmanship of that era.

•  Entry Fee: Free

•  Timings: 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM

•  How to Reach: Located near the Hampi Bazaar, the temple is easily accessible by foot or rickshaw.

5. Mahanavami Dibba – The Royal Stage

Also known as the great Platform, Mahanavami Dibba, is where the Vijayanagara kings once held grand celebrations, processions, and festivals. Climbing to the top of this elevated platform, I could imagine the royal events that once took place here, with dancers, soldiers, and nobles gathering to witness the grandeur. The carvings on the platform depict scenes of possessions and celebrations that give a glimpse into the empire’s glorious past.

•  Entry Fee: Free

•  Timings: 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM

•  How to Reach: The Mahanavami Dibba is located within the Royal Enclosure. It’s easily accessible by foot.

6. Hemakuta Hill – Sunset with a View

Hemakuta Hills is one of the best sunrise and sunset spots in Hampi. Situated right next to the Virupaksha temple, this spot offers a 360-degree view of the ancient city and its surreal boulder-strewn landscape. After a short trek (it’s not at all difficult) to the top, I found myself surrounded by a group of temples and mandapas at the hilltop with a breathtaking view of the setting sun.

According to mythology, Before marrying Goddess Parvati, Lord Shiva did penance on this Hill. This was also the place where Lord Shiva burnt Kama, the God of lust, as he tried to disturb his meditation.

Sitting here as the sun dipped below the horizon, I felt a profound sense of peace, making it one of my favourite moments in Hampi.

•           Entry Fee: Free

•           Timings: 6 am to 6 pm

How to reach: It’s just a few meters from the Virupaksa Temple.

7. Krishna Temple Complex- Celebrating the victory

Krishna temple in Hampi is dedicated to the infant form of Lord Krishna. This idol is now displayed in the state museum in Chennai. The temple was built by King Krishnadevaraya to celebrate the victory over the eastern kingdom of Udayagiri or Utkala which is the present-day Orissa state. The temple complex is adorned with small shrines and pillared halls. The walls of the tower depict epic stories making it one of the rare temples in Vijayanagar kingdom.

Entry Fee: Free

Timings: 6 am to 6 pm

8. Achyuta Raya Temple – One of the last Temples of the Vijayanagara Empire

One of the most magnificent temples in Hampi, situated between the Matanga hills and Gandhamadana. Achyuta Raya temple was amongst the last temples constructed prior to the downfall of the celebrated Vijayanagara empire. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu.

Entry fee: No Entry

Timings: 6 am to 6 pm

9. Badavalinga Temple – The Largest Shiva Linga

This temple houses the largest monolithic Shiva Linga in Hampi and 3rd largest in India, standing at an impressive 3 meters tall. The Linga is partially submerged in water throughout the year, adding to its mystical charm and symbolizing the Ganges River controlled by Lord Shiva. This sacred site is located adjacent to the Lakshmi Narasimha Temple and is one of the very few ancient temples in Hampi where the deity is worshipped to now.

•           Entry Fee: Free

•           Timings: 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM

•  How to Reach: The temple is located near Lakshmi Narasimha Temple and is accessible by foot.

10. Lakshmi Narasimha Temple – The Grand Monolithic Statue

One of the most impressive monolith statues in Hampi is also the largest one. Lakshmi Narasimha Temple features a magnificent 6.7-meter-tall sculpture of Lord Narasimha, the half-lion, half-man incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Originally, the deity was depicted sitting with Goddess Lakshmi on its lap, but the statue has been partially damaged by the invaders. Despite all the damage, sheer size and expression depict the power.

•  Entry Fee: Free

•  Timings: 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM

•  How to Reach: The temple is located near the village of Hampi, accessible by foot or local transport.

11. Elephant Stables – Enclosure for the Royal Elephants

Built in the 15th century, these majestic structures were once used to house the Royal elephants of the Vijayanagara Empire. With its large domed arches and spacious designs, the Elephant Stables reflect the Vijayanagara Empire’s grandeur. Each stable was dedicated to a specific royal elephant that played a major role in the empire’s military and ceremonial processions.

Timings: 6 am to 5.30 pm

Entry fee: Free

12. Lotus Mahal –  Summer Palace for the Queen

Resembling a blooming Lotus flower, this palace offers a beautiful example of Indo-Islamic architecture. Lotus Mahal is located inside the Zenana Enclosure, where the royal women resided. Most of the structures inside the Zenana enclosure are in ruins, except for the Lotus Mahal, which is still intact. The building’s architecture is designed for ventilation and airflow, making it cooler during the scorching heat. During the summer months, the queen and other women of the royal family used to come here to escape the intense heat. The king was also known to visit the Lotus Mahal during summers for its coolness and serenity, making it a significant and beloved space within the royal grounds.

Timings: 8 am to 6 pm

Entry Fee: Free

Conclusion: With its incredibly large number of ruins waiting to be explored, it can get overwhelming when you visit Hampi for a short trip. Each monument in Hampi has its own story to tell and it is only recommended to do some background research before visiting Hampi. Exploring Hampi with PathBeat’s videos and audio tours added an extra layer of depth to my trip. It helped me uncover the fascinating details about each monument. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, an adventure seeker, or someone who loves cultural exploration, Hampi has something for everyone.

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