HAMPI, KARNATAKA– WHERE THE RUINS OF THE PAST MEET THE SPLENDOUR OF THE PRESENT

Hampi is a historic and cultural town located in the state of Karnataka in southern India. It was once the capital of the Vijayanagara Empire, which was one of the most powerful empires in South India during the 14th-16th century. Hampi is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and attracts tourists from all over the world who come to explore its rich history and culture.

Hampi is home to numerous ancient temples, palaces, and other historic sites. One of the most famous landmarks in Hampi is the Virupaksha Temple, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is believed to be one of the oldest functioning temples in India, and is known for its stunning architecture and intricate carvings.
Another popular attraction in Hampi is the Vijaya Vittala Temple, which is known for its impressive stone chariot and musical pillars. The temple was once a center of music and dance, and it is said that the pillars produce musical notes when tapped.
In addition to its historic and cultural sites, Hampi is also known for its stunning natural beauty. The town is situated on the banks of the Tungabhadra River, and is surrounded by rocky hills and boulder-strewn landscapes. Visitors can explore the area by foot, bicycle, or even on elephant-back.
Hampi is also a popular destination for rock climbers, as the area is home to numerous granite boulders and rock formations. Visitors can take guided rock climbing tours or rent equipment to climb on their own.

What makes it Special as a Tourist Destination
Hampi is a special tourist destination for several reasons. First and foremost, it is home to an incredible wealth of historical and cultural sites that are steeped in history and tradition. The town was once the capital of the Vijayanagara Empire, which was one of the most powerful empires in South India, and as a result, Hampi is home to numerous ancient temples, palaces, and other structures that are both beautiful and culturally significant.
One of the most striking things about Hampi is the way that history and nature have intertwined in the area. The town is surrounded by stunning natural landscapes, including rocky hills, boulder-strewn landscapes, and the Tungabhadra River. Visitors can explore these landscapes on foot, by bicycle, or even on elephant-back, which provides a unique and memorable way to experience the natural beauty of the area.
Hampi is also a popular destination for rock climbers, as the area is home to numerous granite boulders and rock formations that offer exciting challenges for climbers of all skill levels. This adds a sense of adventure and excitement to any visit to the area.
Finally, Hampi is known for its friendly and welcoming locals, who are happy to share their culture and traditions with visitors. This makes for a warm and inviting atmosphere that can help visitors feel more comfortable and at home as they explore the town and surrounding area.

Popular Tourist Activities
There are a variety of popular tourist activities in Hampi that cater to a range of interests and preferences. Here are some of the most popular ones:
- Explore the Hampi Bazaar: The Hampi Bazaar is a lively street that is lined with shops selling everything from handmade crafts to souvenirs and clothing. Visitors can take a leisurely stroll through the bazaar, admire the unique architecture and shop for souvenirs.
- Visit the Hampi Temples: Hampi is home to a number of ancient temples, including the famous Virupaksha Temple and the Vittala Temple. Visitors can explore the temples, admire the stunning architecture and learn about the history and culture of the area.
- Go on a heritage walk: A heritage walk is a great way to explore the history and culture of Hampi. Local guides can take visitors on a tour of the town and surrounding area, pointing out important landmarks and sharing stories and insights about the region’s rich history.
- Rock climbing: Hampi is a popular destination for rock climbers, as the area is home to numerous granite boulders and rock formations. Visitors can take on the challenging climbs, with the help of local guides and instructors.
- Explore the Hampi ruins: The Hampi ruins are a UNESCO World Heritage site and are some of the most impressive ruins in India. Visitors can explore the ruins, which include palaces, temples, and other structures that date back to the Vijayanagara Empire.
- Relax by the Tungabhadra River: The Tungabhadra River runs through Hampi and is a great place to relax and unwind. Visitors can take a dip in the river, go for a boat ride, or simply enjoy the stunning scenery.
- Visit the Anegundi Village: Anegundi is a nearby village that is known for its rustic charm and traditional way of life. Visitors can explore the village, interact with locals and learn about the region’s rich history and culture.

Top Attractions and Must Visit Places
Hampi is home to a plethora of attractions that are sure to capture the hearts of tourists from all over the world. Here are some of the top attractions and must-visit places in and around Hampi:
- Virupaksha Temple: The Virupaksha Temple is one of the oldest and most important temples in Hampi. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is a great example of the region’s rich architectural heritage.
- Vittala Temple: The Vittala Temple is a stunning example of the Vijayanagara style of architecture. It is known for its impressive stone chariot and musical pillars, which produce different musical notes when tapped.
- Hampi Bazaar: The Hampi Bazaar is a lively street that is lined with shops selling everything from handmade crafts to souvenirs and clothing. It is a great place to soak up the local atmosphere and shop for souvenirs.
- Lotus Mahal: The Lotus Mahal is a stunning palace that was built during the Vijayanagara Empire. It is known for its unique architecture, which features a lotus-shaped dome.
- Hazara Rama Temple: The Hazara Rama Temple is a small but beautiful temple that is known for its intricate carvings. The temple is dedicated to Lord Rama and is a must-visit for history and architecture enthusiasts.
- Elephant Stables: The Elephant Stables were once used to house the royal elephants of the Vijayanagara Empire. Today, the stables are a popular tourist attraction and are known for their impressive architecture and design.
- Matanga Hill: Matanga Hill is the highest point in Hampi and is a great place to enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding area. It is also home to a number of ancient temples and shrines.
- Tungabhadra River: The Tungabhadra River runs through Hampi and is a great place to relax and unwind. Visitors can take a dip in the river, go for a boat ride, or simply enjoy the stunning scenery.
- Anegundi Village: Anegundi is a nearby village that is known for its rustic charm and traditional way of life. Visitors can explore the village, interact with locals and learn about the region’s rich history and culture.
- Sanapur Lake: Sanapur Lake is a serene and tranquil lake located near Hampi. It is a popular spot for boating and fishing, and is a great place to relax and unwind away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Hampi is from November to February, which is the winter season. During this time, the weather is pleasant and ideal for exploring the monuments and ruins. The temperature ranges from 15 to 30 degrees Celsius, making it a comfortable time to travel.
It is important to note that the summer months of April to June can get quite hot with temperatures rising up to 40 degrees Celsius, making it uncomfortable to explore the ruins and temples during the day. The monsoon season from July to September is also not the best time to visit Hampi as heavy rainfall can disrupt travel plans.
You could also plan a visit during the Hampi Utsav, which is a popular festival held in November every year. The festival celebrates the culture and traditions of Hampi and showcases various art forms, music, dance performances, and food. The festival is a great way to experience the local culture and adds to the charm of the destination.

How to Reach
Hampi is well-connected by road, rail, and air. Here are the different ways to reach Hampi:
- By Air: The nearest airport to Hampi is the Jindal Vijaynagar Airport, which is located around 38 km away. However, the airport is not well-connected and has limited flights. The nearest major airport is the Hubli airport, which is around 144 km away.
- By Rail: The nearest railway station to Hampi is the Hospet railway station, which is around 13 km away. The railway station is well-connected to major cities in India such as Bangalore, Hyderabad, Mumbai, and Chennai.
- By Road: Hampi is well-connected by road and can be reached by bus, car, or bike. There are regular bus services from nearby cities such as Bangalore, Hyderabad, and Goa. If you are driving, Hampi is around 350 km from Bangalore and 380 km from Hyderabad.