Hello Readers, Welcome to my another blog. This time it is the land of stories, Vijayanagar (Hampi).
There are many ruins in India that have some story to tell but this is Hampi, which has preserved its beauty even after many hundred years.
The month of December, I was still trying to get over from my Spiti trip but Hampi was always in my plan and this time I was all set for this.
In this blog, you will be going through all the details of Hampi, places to visit, food to eat, where to stay, how to roam around the city, etc.
What to expect in Hampi : -
The ruins of the Vijayanagara Empire present in Hampi, which are included in the World Heritage Site, show that in its glorious past, the artists developed a unique style of architecture, painting, and sculpture.
While walking in Hampi, many times it seems, that we are in the middle of medieval history and you start realizing how grand history of ancient India must have been and how foreign invaders must have ruined it.
The artistry you will see in temples of Hampi will be telling you the story of unlimited talent and creativity of Indian artists in ancient times.
All these are on one side of the river Tungabhadra. When you cross the river and go to the other side, you will see a different side of Hampi.
This is more mythological and related to Lord Ram when he came in this part of the country in search of Sita.
The river can be crossed by boat or using a bridge. There are Durga temple, Hanuman temple. Many hippies can be found alongside the river at this part. I decided to go to Hanuman Mandir first and had to climb 600 steps to reach t the top. But all was worth it when I got this panoramic view from the top.
Small Trek towards Achyuturaya Temple :
Achyturaya temple can also be visited by road, but there is a more beautiful option
There is an old Hampi market behind the Virupeksha temple. Once you cross the market, a small hill will be visible. You need to follow the terrain which leaves you exactly at Achyutaraya temple, and this is one of the most beautiful temples of Hampi. It takes around 30 minutes of walk.
There are many ruins in India that have some story to tell but this is Hampi, which has preserved its beauty even after many hundred years.
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| Ruins telling the story |
The month of December, I was still trying to get over from my Spiti trip but Hampi was always in my plan and this time I was all set for this.
In this blog, you will be going through all the details of Hampi, places to visit, food to eat, where to stay, how to roam around the city, etc.
What to expect in Hampi : -
The ruins of the Vijayanagara Empire present in Hampi, which are included in the World Heritage Site, show that in its glorious past, the artists developed a unique style of architecture, painting, and sculpture.
While walking in Hampi, many times it seems, that we are in the middle of medieval history and you start realizing how grand history of ancient India must have been and how foreign invaders must have ruined it.
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| Land of ruins and stories, Vithal temple |
The artistry you will see in temples of Hampi will be telling you the story of unlimited talent and creativity of Indian artists in ancient times.
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| A Glimpse of artistry |
Vitthala Temple :
Vitthala Temple is an outstanding example of exquisite art and architecture. The historians behind the stone chariot tell that King Krishnadeva Ray was so impressed by the chariot stuck on the wheels of Konark temple that he got the same chariot built in Vijayanagar.
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| The most iconic stone chariot |
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| Found this in our currency note too |
Behind the chariot, there is Mahamandap temple. The musical pillars inside this temple can surprise anyone. With these beautifully carved pillars, 60 instruments can be heard.
The British tried to break it down and to find if something is there inside pillars, but they too did not find anything. It was solid inside. These columns are a living example of Indian ancient engineering skills.
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| The glory of Hampi empire |
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| Musical Pillars |
Elephant Stable :
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Lotus Mahal :
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| Design of each door of this building is like Lotus |
Ranga Temple :
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| Another beautiful ruin |
Mahanavami Dibba :
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| Example of artistry and engineering (used for bathing of the queen in that era) |
The island Part
All these are on one side of the river Tungabhadra. When you cross the river and go to the other side, you will see a different side of Hampi.
This is more mythological and related to Lord Ram when he came in this part of the country in search of Sita.
The river can be crossed by boat or using a bridge. There are Durga temple, Hanuman temple. Many hippies can be found alongside the river at this part. I decided to go to Hanuman Mandir first and had to climb 600 steps to reach t the top. But all was worth it when I got this panoramic view from the top.
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| Funny coracle ride to cross the river |
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| View from Hampi Island |
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| Sunset point from Island (It was very cloudy so no sunset on that day ) |
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| Some mysterious caves |
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| Stones, ruins, stories, myths |
Ram temple:
According to beliefs, Lord Ram stayed and worshipped Shiva in this temple for 4 months. There are many pieces of evidence of the Ramayana era can be found. Continuous chanting of Shree Ram takes you to that period and makes you realize the existence of God itself.
Padmanabham Temple:
According to beliefs, Lord Ram stayed and worshipped Shiva in this temple for 4 months. There are many pieces of evidence of the Ramayana era can be found. Continuous chanting of Shree Ram takes you to that period and makes you realize the existence of God itself.
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| A small temple on top of the stone |
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| According to beliefs, Shiva Lingas which was made by Lord Ram |
Padmanabham Temple:
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| Another stunning view |
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| Rudra Narsimha |
Virupakhsa Temple:
This temple is a unique example of artistic mastery and from a scientific point of view. People are still worshiping here for centuries unlike other temple which are ruin now . This was built by King Krishna Dev Rai in 1510 and the oldest temple of Vijayanagar.
There are underground rooms for meditation. In one of the room, there is a small hole which produces the inverse image of the top of the building inside the room. Today this technique is called "Pinned camera technique".
This temple is a unique example of artistic mastery and from a scientific point of view. People are still worshiping here for centuries unlike other temple which are ruin now . This was built by King Krishna Dev Rai in 1510 and the oldest temple of Vijayanagar.
There are underground rooms for meditation. In one of the room, there is a small hole which produces the inverse image of the top of the building inside the room. Today this technique is called "Pinned camera technique".
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| View of the temple from Othe side. |
Achyturaya temple can also be visited by road, but there is a more beautiful option
There is an old Hampi market behind the Virupeksha temple. Once you cross the market, a small hill will be visible. You need to follow the terrain which leaves you exactly at Achyutaraya temple, and this is one of the most beautiful temples of Hampi. It takes around 30 minutes of walk.
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| Glory Of Achyutaraya temple |
If you walk more about 20 minutes and cross this temple you can reach up to Vithal temple also. So, all these places can be covered by road or by just walking.
Where To Stay:
Hospet is the nearest town near Hampi where you can find many stay options with different budgets. If looking for homestays, they are available in Hampi near the Verupaksha temple. I stayed in Clark Inn hotel which is closest to Hampi (Kamlanagar) and with great facilities.
Food:
Be ready for typical south Indian cuisine. In the Hampi market (near Virupeksha ) you can find many food stalls on the streets with delicious Dosas, Idlis, Appe, etc.
But there are many good restaurants also in Kamla Nagar where you can chill and enjoy different varieties of food.
It is recommended to carry some packed food also if you are planning for a whole day visit to Hampi as you may not find many food stalls at these places.
But must try:
Mango Tree restaurant
Tibetian Kitchen
All tribes coffee shop
How to roam around the Hampi and plan your day:
There are many options for this. You can rent a cycle, motorcycle, auto-rickshaw or cab. If you are staying in a hotel, they will provide you Hampi map with all those places. Based on the number and convenience get the taxi or auto or bike. There are signboards for each spot that can be followed easily and if you are in taxi/auto, they know almost all spots.
Hampi is divided in three zones,
Spend a day in the Vitthala temple and nearby places. Reserve another day for the Virupaksha temple.
One day for the island should be enough so that Anjani temple and other parts of the island can be visited.
In my opinion, get a cycle on rent and explore everything by yourself. That will be much more fun. Auto, taxis driver will say all these places are very far and will ask for 700 or 800 Rs. but actually, they are not. Get taxis, autos if you are with senior citizens.
Should you take a guide or not?
Outside every temple, you can find many guides. I would suggest taking a guide for the Vithal temple and Virupeksha temple only and negotiate well. But explore the other temples on your own. If you want to dig more then buy a book in Hampi and read there. It will be more informative.
Hope this blog was helpful to you. If you have any queries please comment below.
Happy traveling.
Keep traveling, Keep sharing.
Where To Stay:
Hospet is the nearest town near Hampi where you can find many stay options with different budgets. If looking for homestays, they are available in Hampi near the Verupaksha temple. I stayed in Clark Inn hotel which is closest to Hampi (Kamlanagar) and with great facilities.
Food:
Be ready for typical south Indian cuisine. In the Hampi market (near Virupeksha ) you can find many food stalls on the streets with delicious Dosas, Idlis, Appe, etc.
But there are many good restaurants also in Kamla Nagar where you can chill and enjoy different varieties of food.
It is recommended to carry some packed food also if you are planning for a whole day visit to Hampi as you may not find many food stalls at these places.
But must try:
Mango Tree restaurant
Tibetian Kitchen
All tribes coffee shop
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| My love for south Indian food 😉 |
How to roam around the Hampi and plan your day:
There are many options for this. You can rent a cycle, motorcycle, auto-rickshaw or cab. If you are staying in a hotel, they will provide you Hampi map with all those places. Based on the number and convenience get the taxi or auto or bike. There are signboards for each spot that can be followed easily and if you are in taxi/auto, they know almost all spots.
Hampi is divided in three zones,
- Vitthala Temple
- Virupaksha temple
- Island side
Spend a day in the Vitthala temple and nearby places. Reserve another day for the Virupaksha temple.
One day for the island should be enough so that Anjani temple and other parts of the island can be visited.
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| A map which is always useful when exploring new places. |
Should you take a guide or not?
Outside every temple, you can find many guides. I would suggest taking a guide for the Vithal temple and Virupeksha temple only and negotiate well. But explore the other temples on your own. If you want to dig more then buy a book in Hampi and read there. It will be more informative.
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| People work hard for living (Coracle ride) |
Hope this blog was helpful to you. If you have any queries please comment below.
Happy traveling.
Keep traveling, Keep sharing.
