Hampi is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Visiting the ancient town will take you back in time to the heart of the Vijayanagara Empire. Hampi is located in the stunning landscape of Karnataka in India. This ancient city is a unique place of architectural wonders, ancient temples and many ruins. Go exploring the carved stone temples, admire the colossal sculptures or go for a walk through the boulder landscape. Hampi has a mix of history, culture and natural beauty. In this article, I‘ll guide you through the must-see attractions and activities that make Hampi a timeless place to visit.

History of Hampi

Hampi has a fascinating history that is rooted in its role as the capital of the Vijayanagara Empire. It was one of the most prosperous and influential empires in Indian history. The city’s origins date back to the 14th century, when it was founded by the brothers Harihara I and Bukka Raya I in 1336. Under the Vijayanagara Empire, Hampi flourished as a centre for trade, culture and religion. Hampi was famous for its prosperity, strategic location and grand architectural achievements.

Hampi’s grandeur is reflected in its extensive ruins, which include temples, palaces, markets and fortifications. Most of them were built between the 14th and 16th centuries. The city was a centre for art, literature and architecture. The rulers welcomed a wide variety of cultures, contributing to its cosmopolitan atmosphere. Hampi was one of the largest cities in the world, with a population of around 500,000 people.

Hampi fell after the Battle of Talikota in 1565. The Vijayanagara Empire was defeated by a coalition of Deccan Sultanates. The city was sacked and largely destroyed and its decline marked the end of the empire. Despite this, Hampi’s ruins remained, preserving a unique sight into the glory of the past.

Hampi Bazaar

Hampi Bazaar is located at the base of the Virupaksha Temple. The bazaar was once a thriving centre for trade. Merchants from across India and beyond would gather to sell goods ranging from spices and textiles to precious stones and exotic items. The bazaar still has much of its old-world charm and remains an important site for visitors exploring the ruins of Hampi.

The bazaar stretches for nearly a kilometer, lined with ancient stone pavilions that were once covered by a roof supported by rows of columns. While many of the buildings are in ruins, their architecture still hints at the grandeur of the past, with large arches and detailed carved stonework. The atmosphere is lively, especially during the early morning and evening hours, when local vendors sell colourful handicrafts, souvenirs, and fresh produce. The area also has many small shops and eateries. Here you can sample traditional South Indian snacks and shop for unique local items like handwoven fabrics, jewellery and artwork.

Virupaksha Temple

The Virupaksha Temple is one of the most iconic structures in Hampi in India. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and one of the oldest functioning temples in India. The history of the temple starts in the 7th century. It was initially constructed by the Chalukya Dynasty but underwent extensive renovations and expansions during the rule of the Vijayanagara Empire in the 14th and 15th centuries.

Pilgrimage

The Virupaksha Temple is located in the heart of Hampi, at the base of the Hemakuta Hill. It is a main pilgrimage sites in the region. It has an immense religious significance for Hindus and is considered an important part of the ancient route for pilgrims travelling to the sacred town of Badami in Karnataka. The temple was also central to the culture of the Vijayanagara Empire. It is believed that the temple was a centre for religious and social life, with processions, festivals and ceremonies held in honour of Lord Shiva.

Dravidian style

The Virupaksha Temple is designed in the Dravidian style of architecture. An important characteristic are the tall carved structures and large courtyards. The most notable highlight of the temple is its Raya Gopuram, the entrance tower. The tower is about 50 meters and is decorated with colourful and detailed sculptures of Hindu deities, mythological creatures and motifs. The gopuram is an impressive visual landmark and is a perfect example of the ornate style that flourished during the Vijayanagara Empire.

The temple complex includes several other notable structures, including a columned hall, prayer chambers, holy shrines and a mantapa (a pillared hall used for religious gatherings). The temple is also home to beautiful carved pillars, frescoes and stone sculptures that depict scenes from Hindu mythology. The narratives focus on Lord Shiva and his consort, Parvati. The inner sanctum has a sacred shrine dedicated to Lord Virupaksha (a form of Shiva), where rituals are still carried out by priests.

One of the most remarkable aspects of the Virupaksha Temple is its permanent significance to local communities, as it is still a living, active place of worship. The temple is a place for numerous festivals, especially during Mahashivaratri, when thousands of devotees gather to celebrate and offer prayers.

Hemakuta Hill

Next to the Virupaksha Temple is Hemakuta Hill. This is a collection of monuments, temples and shrines. The hill’s summit has one of the best vantage points in Hampi with breathtaking views. Especially at sunrise and sunset. Hemakuta Hill is open to visitors year-round and has no entrance fee. The temples here are dedicated to Lord Shiva. One of the local myths surrounding the hill tells the story of Lord Shiva performing penance on top of the hill after marrying a local girl. It is said that during their wedding, gold rained down on the hill, which is why the name “Hemakuta“, meaning “golden hill” in Sanskrit, was given to the site. This myth adds an mystical layer to the already fascinating history and beauty of the hill.

Vittala Temple

The Vittala Temple is a complex and it’s architecture of the temples, halls, pavilions makes it a historical masterpiece. The temple was built in the 15^th century AD and several King’s expanded the temple in the following centuries. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vitthale, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. The temple highlights the creativity and architectural excellence by the sculptors and artisans of the Vijayanagara era.

Inside this complex you find the Stone Chariot and is considered to be the most stunning architecture of the Vijayanagara kingdom. The Stone Chariot is located in the courtyard of the temple and is in fact a shrine built in the form of a chariot. Around the campus you can see ruins of the township Vittalapura.

The Ranga Mantapa is another main attraction at the Vittala Temple. The large mantapa has 56 musical pillars. The musical instruments can be tapped gently to hear the musical notes. Many people were fascinated by the musical stone pillars and it remained a mystery for centuries. The British cut down one of the musical pillars to see what was inside to find them empty inside.

King’s Balance

The 5-meter stone structure is a rare balance scale. It is located to the southwest of the Vittala temple. The King used to weigh himself with precious stones, gold, silver or gems and distributed this amount to the priests.

The Sacred Banyan Tree

On the way to the Vitalla temple you pass the Sacred Banyan tree. You find the tree after the pond. People create stone balance structures and tie a piece of clothing on the branches of the tree. The Sacred Banyan tree is a symbol for devotion in the Hindu religion. The old banyan trees are worshipped because Hindus believe the tree is a messenger of God. While tying the clothing on the branches they make a wish and so sending a message to the Gods.

Royal Enclosure

The Royal Enclosure in Hampi is a well-preserved area in the ancient city. It was once the heart of the empire’s royal court. The Royal Enclosure was a walled complex that housed the palaces, administrative buildings and ceremonial spaces of the Vijayanagara rulers. Dating back to the 15th and 16th centuries, this area reflects the architectural brilliance and prosperity of the empire. It is an amazing collection of ruins that tell the story of Hampi’s once-thriving political and cultural centre. The Royal Enclosure was not only a centre of governance but also a place where the elite of the empire lived. Important highlights are the Mahanavami Dibba (a ceremonial platform) and the Stepwell. This was all set within meticulously planned gardens and courtyards.

Zenana Enclosure

The Zenana Enclosure was a reserved area for the royal women. The most impressive is the Lotus Mahal at the right side corner of the enclosure. In the middle of the complex is the Queen’s Palace but only the basement is what’s left of it. Until today the Queen’s Palace is the largest palace excavated in and around Hampi. At three corners of the complex are three watchtowers. It’s said that the soldiers and guards were eunuchs.

When you follow the path you reach the Elephant Stables, a few temples and the Guard’s Quarters. The complex is now an open garden space. It’s one of the two places where visitors have to pay an entrance fee. With this ticket you can also get into the Elephant Stables and the Vittala Temple but is only valid for 1 day. So you have to visit the Zenana Closure, the Elephant Stables and the Vittala Temple on the same day if you don’t want to pay a double entrance fee.

Mahanavami-dibba

The Mahanavami Dibba is the tallest structure in this area today. King Krishnadevaraya built this platform to watch the army march passing by, war games, aquatic sports, royal animal shows, musical performances and the Nine Day Night State Festival. There are two stairways to reach the top. On the top there is nothing special to see but you have a good view of the surrounding area.

Queen’s Bath

The reason why they called this complex the Queen’s Bath is still a mystery. It was a pleasure complex for the king and his wives. In the middle of the building is a pond and it is surrounded by veranda’s and balconies. Around the building is a water cannel and is probably designed to prevent intruders from walking into the place where royal women took a bath.

Archaeological Museum

Not far from the Queen’s Bath in Kamalapuram is the Archaeological Museum. The house is a quality collection of sculptures from local ruins in Hampi. They also have an interesting collections of lithic tools, coins, 16^th century weapons and a large model of the Vijayanagar ruins. It’s an fascinating display and it gives you an idea about the area and the relative locations of the all the sites in Hampi.

Hampi Island

Hampi Island is a serene and picturesque area located on the banks of the Tungabhadra River. It’s just across from the main archaeological site of Hampi. The area is often referred to as Anegundi, which is the village on the island. The island is known for its natural beauty, with large fields of paddy and banana plantations.

Hampi Island was an important part of the Vijayanagara Empire and was the royal capital’s agricultural and strategic centre. Anegundi is believed to have been a significant settlement even before the rise of Vijayanagara. Some records suggest its association with the ancient kingdom of Kishkindha, famously depicted in the Ramayana as the kingdom of Sugriva, the monkey king.

On Hampi Island, visitors can explore ancient temples like the Durga Temple. There are also numerous caves and rock formations to explore, many of which are associated with ancient legends and myths. The peaceful atmosphere of the island, combined with its historical significance, makes it a perfect destination if you are interested to learn more about the history of the area.

Durga Temple

The Durga Temple on Hampi Island is an ancient and unique temple dedicated to the Hindu goddess Durga. The temple is famous for its distinctive architecture, including a square structure and a central shrine. The temple is primarily dedicated to Durga, the goddess is often associated with power and protection. She embodies the spirit of the region’s ancient religious practices. The temple is noted for its carvings and the serene atmosphere. The Durga Temple is a beautiful example of the religious heritage of the Vijayanagara Empire.

The Durga Temple is located on a small hill. People tie pieces of clothing onto the tree for their wish to God. If you walk passed the kitchen and make a right turn you see an old Islamic fort structure. Keep walking along the path and you reach the Ganesh cave temple. The view is amazing but there is a higher hill with an even more breath-taking view further down the road called Anjanadri Hill.

Anjanadri Hill

According to Indian Hindu mythology the Anjanadri Hill is the birthplace of Lord Hanuman. For devotees of Hanuman this hill is sacred place of the monkey god. The temple on top of the hill is a white coloured structure and from here you have a spectacular view. You have to walk up 550 stairs to get there but trust me when I say it’s definitely worth it. You overlook the rice fields, the river and an unique landscape full of boulders.

Sanapur Lake

Sanapur Lake is not a natural lake but basically an irrigation reservoir. You don’t find many tourists here and some local folks are offering you a boat ride on the lake. Strictly it’s not a boat but more a big floating basket. Like the one in Jungle Book! The drive to the lake takes you through rice fields, banana plantations and small local villages.

Onake Kindi Cave Paintings

The Onake Kindi Cave is not well known by tourists. I asked locals and no one knew what I was talking about. On Google Maps you find the Onake Kindi Cave north west of Anegundi. The location is pretty much exact but there are no signs here. If you see a tree on the left side on the road and a trail between the rice fields towards a small boulder hill you found the right spot. If you reach the boulder formation you have to climb up a bit and you reach a door. You have to knock on that door and just hope that someone is there to open it for you because it is private property. I was not lucky because no one opened the door. I have read the Google reviews and some find it worth a shot to visit the cave, so I challenge you to find out what’s up there. Send me picture if you do get in!…

Tungabhadra Bukka Aqueduct

If you stay at Hampi Island or Virupapur Gadde, you can walk down the one road they have there. At the end before you reach the main road you can see the ancient aqueduct. Only a small part of the structure is left today. The unusual height suggest an ambitious plan to lift a huge amount water to a suburb located at an elevated section.

Boulder and rock climbing

If you love boulder and rock climbing than this is the place to be when you are in India. There are several tour agencies with rock climbing tours in Hampi. After doing some research myself I found three good and reliable options: Thimma Climb, Tom and Jerry or Reaching Out.

Get even more inspired to visit Hampi and check out the photogallery of Hampi. I have selected my best photos I’ve taken during my trip in Hampi.

Hire a scooter to get around

Hiring a scooter in Hampi is a convenient and popular way to explore the large archaeological site and its surrounding natural beauty at your own pace. Since Hampi is spread out over a large area, with many temples, ruins and scenic spots. Renting a scooter will give you the flexibility to visit various sites without being dependent on taxis or rickshaws.

There are several rental shops in Hampi Bazaar, Anegundi, and nearby areas that have scooters, motorcycles and bicycles for hire. The rental process is typically very easy. You need an ID and give a cash deposit. Rental rates for a scooter can vary, but they generally range from ₹300 to ₹500 per day depending on the type of scooter and the season. Some shops also give helmets for safety. If they do not give you one please ask for one.

Scooters are an ideal mode of transport for going around Hampi’s often bumpy roads and dusty trails. The quiet and peaceful nature of Hampi makes it enjoyable to cruise around the area, taking in the stunning landscapes and ancient ruins.

Please note: it’s important to be cautious when driving a scooter in Hampi, as the roads can sometimes be narrow, uneven, or crowded with tourists, livestock and local traffic. Especially livestock that wanders around will get in your way!

How to get to Hampi

Getting to Hampi requires a bit of planning as the town is located in a more rural area of Karnataka. Hampi does not have its own airport or train station, but it is well connected by road and is accessible from nearby cities like Hospet, Hubli and Bagalkot. Below you will find the main ways to get to Hampi.

Train

The nearest railway station to Hampi is Hospet Junction. Hospet is located around 13 kilometers from Hampi and is well connected to major cities like Bangalore, Mumbai, Hyderabad and Goa. Trains from these cities run regularly, making it a convenient option for travellers. From Hospet you can take a bus, taxi or rickshaw to reach Hampi. The short ride is a scenic view of the countryside.

Reading tip: Planning to take the train in India? Read these two articles: How to create an IRCTC account as a foreigner? And How to book train tickets as foreigner in India?

Booking tip: The most convenient way to book train tickets in India is via 12Go.

Bus

Hampi is well connected by road to several nearby cities, and buses are a common way to reach the town. KSRTC (Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation) operates buses from cities like Bangalore, Hospet and Hubli to Hampi. You can also find private buses, which might be more comfortable for long-distance travel. The bus ride to Hampi can range from 5 to 8 hours depending on your departure point. Once you reach Hampi, buses usually drop passengers at the bus station in Hampi Bazaar or Hospet.

Booking tip: The most convenient way to book bus tickets in India is via 12Go.

Car

If you prefer more flexibility, hiring a private car or taxi from nearby cities like Bangalore (about 350 km), Hubli (about 160 km) or Goa (about 330 km) is another great option. The journey takes around 6 to 8 hours, depending on traffic and the road conditions. The drive to Hampi gives you picturesque views of rural Karnataka, making it a scenic trip. Renting a car or hiring a taxi can also give you the convenience of exploring at your own pace and visiting nearby attractions on the way.

Air

The nearest airport to Hampi is Hubli Airport (about 160 km away). From here there are domestic flights connecting to major cities like Bangalore and Mumbai. Another option is Goa’s Dabolim Airport, which is around 330 km from Hampi. After reaching either of these airports, you can take a taxi or a bus to get to Hampi. Bangalore International Airport is also an option. This airport is located about 350 km from Hampi, with multiple flight connections across India and internationally. Once you arrive in these cities, you can continue your journey by road.

While Hampi’s rural location may require some extra travel time, the town’s charm and rich history make the journey well worth it. Whether you’re arriving by train, bus, car, or plane, you’ll be rewarded with one of India’s most awe-inspiring and peaceful historical destinations.

Best time to visit Hampi

The best time to visit Hampi is during the winter months, from October to February. During this period, the weather in Hampi is cooler and more comfortable for sightseeing, with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 30°C (59°F to 86°F). The pleasant climate allows you to explore the archaeological site, climb the boulder hills and visit temples without the intense heat that can make outdoor activities uncomfortable during the summer.

Winter (October to February)

This is the peak tourist season in Hampi, and for good reason. The cooler temperatures, clear skies, and gentle breeze make it ideal for outdoor exploration. The landscape is also the most colourful, especially in the months of December and January. This is the best time for great photography. Since it’s the high season, Hampi can get a bit more crowded during these months. Even more around major holidays like New Year’s and Pongal, but the festive atmosphere adds to the charm.

Monsoon (June to September)

The monsoon season in Hampi brings heavy rains, which can make the terrain slippery and difficult to go around. While the landscape becomes green and colourful during this period, it’s not the best time for sightseeing or outdoor activities. Many areas become inaccessible, and the humidity can be overwhelming. If you enjoy a quieter experience with fewer tourists and the beauty of the surroundings, you may still choose to visit during this time, but be prepared for potential rain.

Summer (March to May)

The summer months in Hampi can get quite hot, with temperatures going above 35°C (95°F) and sometimes reaching over 40°C (104°F). This intense heat can make outdoor exploration exhausting. If you’re planning to visit during the summer, it’s best to start your day early in the morning or visit in the evening to avoid the midday heat.

In conclusion, the best time to visit Hampi is during the cooler months of October to February. Around this time the weather is most enjoyable for sightseeing, photography and experiencing the ancient charm of this UNESCO World Heritage site.

Monumental highlights to visit in India

Explore the culture and history of India with my comprehensive travel guide! Discover valuable tips, top destinations and useful links to other India-related articles. Immerse yourself in the Indian culture and Hinduism with our beginner’s guide, which covers customs, etiquette and key Hindu gods. Or learn more about the lesser-known religion, Jainism.

Are you looking for travel inspiration? Consider a visit to the enchanting City of Lakes, Udaipur, or indulge in a shopping spree in Jaipur. Discover the majestic palaces of Rajasthan. Marvel at the colonial architecture of Kochi in Kerala or explore historical temples, palaces and ruins in Hampi. Let India’s wonders captivate you!

One of my latest articles is about The most fascinating festivals and celebrations in India. Or read more about sustainable travel India: How to get around in India as an eco-conscious tourist.

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Are you familiar with Ayurveda? This ancient Indian healing system has gained global popularity for its natural and holistic approach to health and wellness. Ayurveda encompasses more than just a practice. It’s a way of life that emphasizes the importance of balance and harmony for optimal health. Allow me to delve deeper into what Ayurveda entails, its origins and the reasons behind its growing popularity in recent years. Read the article Unlocking the secrets of Ayurveda: A healing tradition from India to learn more.