In the state of Karnataka, in southern India, lies Hampi, a city full of majestic ruins, which has been declared a UNESCO world heritage site. The city, once the magnificent capital of the Vijayanagara Empire, hosts ruins dating back to 2500 BC.
Coming into the city, one can only do so via bus or rickshaw from the nearest town, Hospet, which connects to every major city via bus or train. A city so soaked in history, there was once a time, centuries ago, when the main markets had diamonds being sold in shops like apples.
Though the city has an arid landscape and the weather is always a dry, dry heat, Hampi is a great place to spend a few days wandering around and discovering the vibrant history. It takes at least three days to understand the historical context of the city, and it takes up to a few months to properly digest architecturally and historically each and every ruin in the city.
For your convenience, we’ve narrowed down the three must-see ruins in the city and a few recommended restaurants to make your time in Hampi easier to digest.
Best ways to get around Hampi
Hampi is simply stunning. Most are always in awe of the millions of boulders that surround the area. Amongst the boulders, spread out through the region are the sights that one must see. The real pleasure in exploring Hampi is walking around or by being on a bicycle, but unless you’re in the right season, winter, this can be hard to do. Almost every boulder and rock has something majestic to it.
Bicycles cost around 120 INR (1.80 USD) a day to rent, but a little bit of walking is required for exploring the sites inside and out. Though the bicycle may be the cheapest way to explore Hampi, the best option is by rickshaw as most drivers are so well versed in the history of the town that they’ll double as a guide, saving you money in the process. Though it costs a bit more with full-day service around 500 INR (7.50 USD) to 700 INR (10.50 USD), the cost depends on your bargaining skills. It costs a little bit, but the explanations help you to see more than just stones and temples.
Vittala Temple is Hampi's main attraction
One of the top sights in Hampi is the Vittala Temple, a temple complex devoted to Vittala, a form of the Hindu god Vishnu. It contains many halls and shrines and one can easily find themselves spending an entire day here.
A set of pillars, known as ‘musical pillars’, are the highlight as they produce a beautiful melody when tapped. A huge stone chariot complete with wheels carved out of stone stands in front of the main temple. The interior of this temple is packed with numerous smaller but ornate temples.
Visit Virupaksha Temple, one of India’s oldest temples
Virupaksha Temple is believed to be one of the oldest active temples in India. According to historians, it has been active since the 7th century AD. A place sought out by tourists and local pilgrims alike, it is a massive complex that consists of the God’s sanctum, pillared halls and a series of giant entrance towers. For tourists, this temple is one of the best places to witness Hindu religious acts.
Revel in the greenery of the Zenana Enclosure
A sight rarely seen is the ladies’ quarter Zenana Enclosure. Peaceful gardens and lush lawns give off the sense of an oasis within the arid landscape of Hampi. The Lotus Mahal, a delicately designed pavilion which was supposedly the Queen of the Vijayanagara Empire’s recreational mansion, sits here along with the 11 grand elephant stables - each with its own arched entrances and domed chambers.
Be adequately prepared for the journey that is Hampi
These sights alone will take the average tourist close to two days to cover, especially with the heat and distances between each sight. So, ensure that you have adequate time prepared to visit the beautiful, unique city of Hampi, which is undoubtedly one of the most historically significant places today.
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