Hampi,
the erstwhile Capital of Vijayanagara Empire, transports its visitors to the
bygone age of the 14th Century. During early days, it was a fairytale city
with many temples, palaces and beautiful mansions. The city was devoid of
all its strength and splendor in 1565 AD when the then ruler Rama Raya was
defeated and killed by a confederation of Muslim kings. The majestic remains
of the capital, its many temples lie strewn among the hills and on the banks
of the Tunga Bhadra river, adds to the historic milieu of this place.
However even after centuries of plunder, the place has not lost its aura of
power and beauty. Each deformed stone sculpture narrate their own story, no
wonder this happens to be the World Heritage Centre.
Location :
Hampi is located in the central part of the state of Karnataka, in the
southern part of India. It is 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.
Best Time & Climate :
Hampi has a tropical climate with hot summers (April-June), and cool
winters (October-February). It experiences the southwestern monsoon rains
from June to August. The best time to visit Hampi is from October to March.
How to get there ?
» By Air : The
nearest Airport is Bellary (74 kms). Other convenient airports are at
Belgaum (190 kms) and Bangalore (353 kms).
» By Rail : Hospet is the nearest railhead (13 kms).
Hospet is linked by rail to Bangalore, Bijapur, Hubli and Guntakal.
» By Road : Hampi is 350 kms from Bangalore.
Must Visit :
» The Virupaksha Temple - This temple bears the
stamp of the Vijayanagar architectural excellence and stands as a shrine of
worship in Hampi. Although of earlier origin, it received considerable
patronage from Krishnadevaraya of the Vijayanagar Empire. It has a 160-foot
high gopuram from the 16th century. This temple dedicated to Shiva has
several mandapams and murals. Some of the shrines in this temple go back to
the 12th century.
» The Vithala Temple - The magnificent Vithala
Temple is an impressive sight. The 56 pillars in the main hall produce
musical notes when struck. To the east of the hall stands the famed stone
chariot carved out of a solitary stone with stone wheels that actually
revolve.
» The Lotus Mahal - The Lotus Mahal in the 'Zenana'
enclosure is a beautiful two-storied place with interluding archways set in
geometric regularity and opening out to the sun and the wind like the petals
of a flower. The grand Elephant Stables have arched entrances and domes.
» Achyutaraya Temple - Near the Achyutaraya Temple
is the 6.7 mts tall arcade of Ugra Narasimha seated conceitedly under the
protection of a seven-hooded snake. It is considered an outlandish specimen
of Vijaynagara sculpture. An enormous Shivalinga carved out of a single
piece of rock lies by its side.
» Vijaynagar Festival - The Government of Karnataka
organizes a Vijaynagar Festival in the month of December to celebrate the
splendor of the bygone era. The whole atmosphere of the festival is charged
with dance, drama and music.
» Hospet - The town of Hospet, which is 13 km from
Hampi, is an important tourist destination. Travellers can have a
picturesque view of the surrounding areas from the 49-m-high and 2-km-long
Tungabhadra Dam which is 6 km from Hospet.
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