There are many interesting places to visit and things to do in Hampi, Karnataka, a renowned world heritage site. The city of Hampi, situated on the banks of the river Tungabhadra in South India, was once the capital of the mighty Vijayanagara Empire. But after the Mughal attacks, the city was all but destroyed. The riverside ruins have become world-famous tourist places in Hampi village today. Here are some of the best places to visit and things to do in Hampi.
1. Visit the Temples of Hampi
Hampi is renowned all over the world for its ancient ruins and heritage, but the especially famous attractions are the temples of Hampi. Located along the banks of the River Tungabhadra, the majestic temples are an integral part of Hampi. With their exquisite carvings, these are some of the last temples of the Vijayanagara Empire.
Prasanna Virupaksha Temple
The Prasanna Virupaksha Temple, or Virupaksha Temple, is situated on the banks of river Tungabhadra in Hampi, Karnataka. It is the most popular temple in Hampi and was built during the 7th century. The only working temple in Hampi, it is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva’s form, Lord Virupaksha. This is the oldest known temple in Hampi and is home to elephant Lakhsmi. The 11 storeyed golden gopuram is the main attraction of the temple.
Vithala Temple
Dating back to the 16th century, the Vithala Temple is a great example of truly beautiful architecture. The stone chariot is now an iconic symbol of the architecture of Hampi, also featured on the INR 50 currency notes.
The chariot is actually a shrine dedicated to Garuda, the vehicle of Lord Vishnu. It is inspired by the Konark Sun Temple in Orissa. Built in Dravidian style, the chariot has stone carvings depicting mythical battle scenes. The chariot stands on two wheels and is being pulled by two elephants.
The Vittala temple complex has musical pillars that can produce different sounds.
Near the Vittala Temple is King’s Balance, a 15th century weighing scale, used to weigh the king with royal jewels on special occasions. The jewels were then donated to the temple priests.
Kadalekalu Ganesh Temple
The Kadalekalu Ganesh Temple is an important attraction. Located on Hemakuta Hill, the temple has traditional stone architecture and a 15 feet monolithic statue of Lord Ganesha. It is the largest monolith statue in the world! Lord Ganesha’s belly is carved to look like Kadalekalu (Bengal gram).
Lakshmi Narasimha Temple
This temple features the biggest sculpture in Hampi, of Lord Narasimha sitting on SeshaNaag, the seven headed snake. An idol of Goddess Lakshmi is placed with Narasimha.
Hazara Rama Temple
The Hazara Rama Temple is dedicated to Lord Rama. The intricate carvings of the temple attracts people from all over the world. The entire Hindu epic Ramayana is narrated through carvings on the inner walls of the temple. The temple also features black marble pillars, which are unlike any others in Hampi.
Hemakuta Hill Temple complex
On Hemakuta Hill, you will find many ancient temples and shrines scattered across, including the Virupaksha Temple. Many of the temples are dedicated to Lord Shiva, and are all protected by a fort. The most famous temples here are the Hanuman Temple and the Moola Virupaksha temple, within walking distance from the Virupaksha Temple.
Some other temples you must visit in Hampi are the Lotus Temple, Durga Temple, Varaha Temple dedicated to Vahara (the boar), Chandikesvara Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, and Veerabhadra Temple.
See also: Finding the right tour guide in India
Virupaksha Temple
2. Go Shopping
Hampi Bazaar faces the Virupaksha temple, which is why it is also known as the Virupaksha Bazaar. You can shop for various artifacts here, including antique coins, shawls, bags, etc. At the east end of Hampi Bazaar is the Monolithic Bull or Nandi, a huge piece of architecture from ancient times.
There are quite a few other markets which sell plenty of stuff you can take back home, such as idols of Hindu deities, Lambani and leather crafts, banana fibre crafts, and musical instruments.
Read more: Souvenir shopping in India
Hampi Bazaar
3. Explore Hippie island
A small island located across the Tungabhadra river, Hippie Island, or Virapapur Gadde, is every backpacker’s delight. You can travel to the island via coracle or boat within 5 minutes, or within 40 minutes by road.
The quaint island is full of shacks and lodges facing water bodies or paddy fields. There are many cafes on the island, some of them run by Europeans who stayed back. This island is the perfect place if you want to explore at your own pace.
Read more: Getting from Goa to Hampi
Hippie Island (Picture credits: hospet.online)
4. Taste the local cuisine
Hampi has plenty of cafes to spend some time and try out different cuisines. The region has influences from many different cultures and countries, which reflects in the variety of cuisines it offers.
The Laughing Buddha Cafe offers stunning views of Tungabhadra River while serving a wide menu including Israeli cuisine.
Another popular cafe in Hampi is Mango Tree, with a laid-back atmosphere and amazing food. Gorge on wood-fired pizzas as you take in the view of the Tungabhadra River.
Laughing Buddha Cafe
5. Try some Adventure Activities
Hampi is an adventure lover’s delight. The geographical terrain of the city makes it a great place for adventure sports like rock climbing, bouldering, cliff diving, and cycling.
Rock climbing and bouldering
Hampi is a popular spot for rock climbing. The rocky terrain is ideal for rock climbing and bouldering, favored by travelers all over the world who come to Hampi. However, rock climbing is not recommended during the monsoon season or extreme summers.
Cliff jumping
Cliff jumping, or cliff diving, is a popular activity in Hampi, especially for adventure buffs.
Cycling
If you don’t want to walk, you can rent a bike and cycle across town, discovering the local culture along the green fields of Hampi. Cycles can be rented on a day-to-day basis. Remember to negotiate the cost before hiring a cycle. There are also a few organized cycle trails in Hampi you can try so that you get to explore the best places in Hampi.
Bouldering in Hampi (Picture credits: adventure.com)
6. Experience a Coracle Ride:
When you visit Hampi, you have to take a coracle ride. Hampi is one of the very few places in the country where you can experience this. The coracle has been a mode of transport since the 15th century. It can carry 6 to 8 people at the time. The coracle boat rides are closed during the monsoon season due to the overflow of rivers.
The best time for a coracle boat ride is between October and March. Summers can be a bit harsh.
A coracle in Hampi
7. Go Sightseeing
When it comes to places to visit in Hampi, there are many places for sightseeing. The beautiful ruins scattered across the city make for some stunning places to visit.
Elephant stables
In the Vijayanagara Empire, the Elephant Stables served as an enclosure for the royal elephants. Built in the Indo-Islamic architectural style, the stables consist of eleven domed chambers. One of the chambers was an enclosure for the musicians during their performances.
The Elephant Stables are one of the last unruined structures in Hampi today.
Lotus Mahal
The Lotus Mahal, also known as Lotus Palace, Kamal Mahal or Chitragani Mahal, is situated inside a space called Zenana Enclosure, which was used by the royal ladies of the royal family. It gets its name from its lotus-like dome. While most of the buildings in the royal enclosure are in ruins, the lotus bud domes of the Lotus Mahal can be seen in all their glory, built in Indo-Islamic style.
Anjaneya Hill
Anjaneya Hill is a pilgrimage site, as this is the place where Lord Hanuman was born. It is a 1-2 hour climb to the top, where there is the Yantrodharaka Hanuman Temple, or Monkey Temple, dedicated to Lord Hanuman. You have to climb 570 steps to reach the temple, but the view in the end is worth the climb. Try to catch the sunset views from this place.
Matanga Hill
The hill was once the location of the hermitage of Saint Matanga during Ramayana. The highest peak in Hampi, it is ideal for trekking. The hill is extremely popular for watching gorgeous views of the sunrises and sunsets.
Queen’s Bath
The aquatic enclosure was the Royal Bath during the Vijayanagara empire. It was built in a way that outsiders could not enter the bath. Over 500 years old, the Royal Bath has no ceiling. With intricate designs, it continues to be a tourist attraction, although it has lost much of its charm after Hampi’s downfall.
Today, it is a good place to unwind and have a picnic.
Archaeological Museum
The Archaeological Museum in Hampi has four different art galleries housing artifacts such as ancient coins, paintings, statues, and sculptures. History buffs should definitely explore this museum.
Read more: Best time to visit Hampi
Lotus Mahal
8. Visit Sanapur lake
On the other side of the river is Sanapur lake. This irrigation reservoir is one of the best places to visit in Hampi. 5 kilometers from Hippie Island, the lake is surrounded by rocks and boulders. It is a great place to relax and enjoy the water and the cool breeze. You can try the watersports activities here, such as cliff jumping and boating. You can also swim here.
Sanapur Lake
9. Attend Hampi Utsav
Hampi Utsav, or Vijaya Utsav, is one of the most vibrant cultural festivals in Karnataka, celebrating the Vijayanagara Empire. With dance, music, folk songs and dances, puppet shows, colorful processions, exhibitions by local artists, sound and light shows, and fireworks, it is a fun-filled extravaganza.
The exact schedule of Hampi Utsav varies every year, so do check the dates for the year, and if you are around while the festival is happening, make sure you check it out!
Hampi Utsav
So, when are you planning a trip to Hampi? Let us know and we will help you plan the perfect personalized trip tailormade for your requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, two days are enough to explore the rich history and culture of Hampi. Marvel at the centuries-old architecture and take in the beautiful landscapes of the region.
Hampi is a UNESCO world heritage site with many famous architectural masterpieces such as the Virupaksha Temple, the Vittala Temple, and Lotus Mahal. Hampi also has some stunning landscapes and is well known as a bouldering and rock climbing destination in India.
Yes, Hampi is one of the safer destinations for solo female travelers in India. However, as with any destination, women need to practise caution and stay aware of their surroundings. Avoid isolated areas, especially at night.
The best time to visit Hampi is from October to March, when the climate is cool and pleasant. It is a great time for sightseeing and exploring the ancient ruins of the city.
About Aishwarya Shete
Aishwarya Shete is a content writer at India Someday. Her passions are writing, photography, and more importantly, food. She hopes to travel the world someday and document it through her pictures and words.
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