Places to visit in Hampi Karnataka
Places to visit in Hampi Karnataka
Hampi
The land of temples with a rich history recognized as one of the UNESCO world’s heritage site of India.It is located in the ruins of Vijaynagara. The founders of Vijayanagara were selfless and broad minded.Their aim was to promote culture, increase knowledge and encourage literature.
If you are looking for weekend gateway, Hampi is a beautiful and clean place and there is so much to explore.
How to reach Hampi
There are many buses available of VRL which reach Hospet early in the morning. Hospet is located around 13 kms from Hampi. Once you get down at hospet you can go to Hampi by rickshaws, cabs or buses.
Where to stay in Hampi
As Hampi is situated on the banks of Tungabhadra river, it is divided into two parts. One side has all the heritage temples and the other side is what I call a hippie (happy) side.
There are many decent hotels available in hospet and hampi. But if you are having a shoestring budget and love for adventure, would suggest you to stay in the tent amongst the monolithic rocks. It is safe and many tourist prefer this. People travel via motor boats if they have to go to the other side which makes it even more pleasant.
Places to Visit in Hampi
The main tower – Bistappaya tower
This tower is 165 ft high which has eleven storey’s. Some people also call it Bistappaya tower. The premises are paved with stone and in the middle there is a canal through which the water of Tungabhadra flows. The compound is 210 ft long and the breadth of inner area is 135 ft.
Virupaksha Temple
As soon as you enter the tower gate you will see a temple of Lord Virupaksha. Lord Virupaksha is also called Pampapati. It is one of the oldest temples of Hampi built in Hoysala period. According to mythology, Pampadevi did penance for Shiva who married her so that their son could destroy the demons here. Hence the name Pampapathi. On the way side of the temple, there is a dark chamber. The dark chamber is a place where there is a hole in the eastern wall. The light that comes through this hole forms a shadow. The amazing part of this shadow is that it forms an image of main tower upside down!
Mustered Ganesha
Also known as Kadalekalu Ganpathi. A monolithic sculpture which is 18 ft. tall.
Badavi Linga
This is biggest of all Lingas in Hampi. This gorgeous Linga is made of black stone and is nearly 12 ft in height. The marvelous thing about this temple is there is always water in this temple.
Ugra Narsimha
This is close to Badavi Linga and is one of the biggest idol in Hampi. It was built in the year 1528 during the reign of Krishnadevaraya.
Lotus Mahal
This building is a mixture of Hindu and Muslim architecture. It is a two storey building made of Mortar. This place would be very cool even in the hot summer. Some say, this was the rest house for the queens of that era.
Elephants Stable
This dome shaped building was specially built for the royal elephants. There are around 11 stables each interconnected with small doors so the elephants could shake their trunks and say hello to each other.
Hazara Rama Temple
This temple is adjacent to the palace. Krishnadevaraya built it in 1513 in the memory of his expedition. The structure have engravings of Yoga Postures, Gods goddesses.
Queens Bath
This architectural style is a mixture of Hindu and Muslim style. There is a pond in the middle for swimming.
Vijaya Vithalla Temple
One of the best sculptures in Hampi. The temple is constructed in polyhedron foundation. In front of this temple, there is a world famous Stone Chariot. Made of rough quartz, the sun temple of konark must have inspired this creation. In this chariot the pictures of soldiers, hunters, the Portuguese, Arabs and the Persians have been depicted.
Hanuman Temple
Many people believe Anjaneya hill is the birthplace of Hanuman. So, the temple is of high importance to the worshipers of Hanuman and Ram. There is a 570 step climb to go to this temple. Dont miss the sunset it is breathtaking!
Pampa Sarovar
It is one of the sacred places for hindus and is located to the south of Tungabhadra river. According to the mythology, Rama and Laxman came here to seek help from Hanuman and Sugriva to save Sita from Ravana. Coracle ride is worth experiencing here.
What to eat
You get lot of continental cuisine here as many tourists who visit this place are out of India. You can also try local food like Idli,sambhar, tomato rice and filter coffee.
To sum up I can say, Don’t worry go Hampi!
Hampi
The land of temples with a rich history recognized as one of the UNESCO world’s heritage site of India.It is located in the ruins of Vijaynagara. The founders of Vijayanagara were selfless and broad minded.Their aim was to promote culture, increase knowledge and encourage literature.
If you are looking for weekend gateway, Hampi is a beautiful and clean place and there is so much to explore.
How to reach Hampi
There are many buses available of VRL which reach Hospet early in the morning. Hospet is located around 13 kms from Hampi. Once you get down at hospet you can go to Hampi by rickshaws, cabs or buses.
Where to stay in Hampi
As Hampi is situated on the banks of Tungabhadra river, it is divided into two parts. One side has all the heritage temples and the other side is what I call a hippie (happy) side.
There are many decent hotels available in hospet and hampi. But if you are having a shoestring budget and love for adventure, would suggest you to stay in the tent amongst the monolithic rocks. It is safe and many tourist prefer this. People travel via motor boats if they have to go to the other side which makes it even more pleasant.
Places to Visit in Hampi
The main tower – Bistappaya tower
This tower is 165 ft high which has eleven storey’s. Some people also call it Bistappaya tower. The premises are paved with stone and in the middle there is a canal through which the water of Tungabhadra flows. The compound is 210 ft long and the breadth of inner area is 135 ft.
Virupaksha Temple
As soon as you enter the tower gate you will see a temple of Lord Virupaksha. Lord Virupaksha is also called Pampapati. It is one of the oldest temples of Hampi built in Hoysala period. According to mythology, Pampadevi did penance for Shiva who married her so that their son could destroy the demons here. Hence the name Pampapathi. On the way side of the temple, there is a dark chamber. The dark chamber is a place where there is a hole in the eastern wall. The light that comes through this hole forms a shadow. The amazing part of this shadow is that it forms an image of main tower upside down!
Mustered Ganesha
Also known as Kadalekalu Ganpathi. A monolithic sculpture which is 18 ft. tall.
Badavi Linga
This is biggest of all Lingas in Hampi. This gorgeous Linga is made of black stone and is nearly 12 ft in height. The marvelous thing about this temple is there is always water in this temple.
Ugra Narsimha
This is close to Badavi Linga and is one of the biggest idol in Hampi. It was built in the year 1528 during the reign of Krishnadevaraya.
Lotus Mahal
This building is a mixture of Hindu and Muslim architecture. It is a two storey building made of Mortar. This place would be very cool even in the hot summer. Some say, this was the rest house for the queens of that era.
Elephants Stable
This dome shaped building was specially built for the royal elephants. There are around 11 stables each interconnected with small doors so the elephants could shake their trunks and say hello to each other.
Hazara Rama Temple
This temple is adjacent to the palace. Krishnadevaraya built it in 1513 in the memory of his expedition. The structure have engravings of Yoga Postures, Gods goddesses.
Queens Bath
This architectural style is a mixture of Hindu and Muslim style. There is a pond in the middle for swimming.
Vijaya Vithalla Temple
One of the best sculptures in Hampi. The temple is constructed in polyhedron foundation. In front of this temple, there is a world famous Stone Chariot. Made of rough quartz, the sun temple of konark must have inspired this creation. In this chariot the pictures of soldiers, hunters, the Portuguese, Arabs and the Persians have been depicted.
Hanuman Temple
Many people believe Anjaneya hill is the birthplace of Hanuman. So, the temple is of high importance to the worshipers of Hanuman and Ram. There is a 570 step climb to go to this temple. Dont miss the sunset it is breathtaking!
Pampa Sarovar
It is one of the sacred places for hindus and is located to the south of Tungabhadra river. According to the mythology, Rama and Laxman came here to seek help from Hanuman and Sugriva to save Sita from Ravana. Coracle ride is worth experiencing here.
What to eat
You get lot of continental cuisine here as many tourists who visit this place are out of India. You can also try local food like Idli,sambhar, tomato rice and filter coffee.
To sum up I can say, Don’t worry go Hampi!
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