Hampi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was the Vijayanagara Empire’s capital. It is located in Karnataka on the banks of the Tungabhadra River. The remains of the palaces at Hampi, as well as the temples and regal buildings, bear witness to the Vijayanagar Emperors’ riches and splendor. The name Hampi is derived from Pampa, the daughter of Lord Brahma, who was the traditional name of the Tungabhadra River. The town is known as Pampa in the local dialect.
From 1336 until 1565, the city was the capital of the Vijayanagar Empire, controlled by four dynasties: Sangama, Saluva, Tuluva, and Aravidu. These dynasties’ rulers erected almost 500 monuments.
You’ll love Hqmpi if
You love fairytales and history
Perhaps it’s the strange boulder-strewn scenery intermingled with beautiful emerald paddy fields, or the incredible remains of temples, or the enchanting stories of myths and legends and gods and goddesses, or the surrounding countryside that seems to have frozen in time. Perhaps it’s a mixture of all of these factors that makes Hampi so unique.
How to get to Hampi?
The closest airport is at Bellary, around 60 kilometers from Hampi. Bengaluru, roughly 350 kilometers distant, has the nearest international airport. Taxi services are accessible from both airports. You may also go there by rail or car.
Best time to travel to Hampi
Hampi is ideal in September, after the rain. The velvety foliage of the land after the lush monsoon, the mild air with indications of departing rains, and the occasional light showers give Hampi a romantic tint.
If you don’t want to visit Hampi shortly after the monsoon, you may travel anytime between October and February/March, when Hampi would be too hot.
Where should you head to?
Virupaksha, Lakshmi Narasimha, and Achyutaraya temples
Hampi is well-known for its medieval ruins and is a must-see for history buffs. You may go temple hopping and see the Virupaksha, Lakshmi Narasimha, and Achyutaraya temples, among others. You may get a beautiful view of the sunset by going to the Veerabhadra temple
Hampi Bazaar
The street in front of the Virupaksha temple, Hampi Bazaar, is worth investigating. Once the residential area of the nobles, the bazaar is now home to local creations – clothing, artisan jewelry and antiques.
Daroji Bear Sanctuary
Daroji Bear Sanctuary is the only place for wildlife enthusiasts to see sloth bears endemic to India.
Matanga Hill
Trekking at Matanga Hill is popular among thrill seekers. This is a place of mythological importance – having been mentioned in the Hindu epic Ramayana. This is the place where the character Sugriva used to hide.
The Queen’s Bath
A place most likely used as the bath for the kings and their wives, Queen’s Bath showcases the lavish lifestyle followed by the royalty even when the world was not as civilized as it is today.
Hippie Island
An aquatic island nestled between hills, rocks and rivers.
You Shouldn’t Miss…
The Hampi Festival
The major festival in Hampi is the Hampi Festival. They are usually planned for three days during the first week of November. The celebrations are often filled with music, dancing puppet performances, pyrotechnics, and a pomp procession as the grand finale exhibiting the region’s cultural heritage. The calendar also includes activities such as rock climbing, sea sports, and country sports.
The Aradhana Festival
Aradhana is primarily a musical festival. Every year, the festival is held to commemorate the birthday of the ancient poet Purandaradasa, who lived in Hampi. The program, which lasts 2-3 days, is set for January or February. Purandaradasa Aradhana, albeit not as spectacular as the Hampi Festival, is a feast for classical music fans.
Look out for
Temple hopping
Trekking packages
Taxi boats that go to Hippie Island
Ready to pack your bags?
If you’re visiting Hampi in India, you can’t miss Galle in Sri Lanka!
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