The best places to visit in Hampi are Virupaksha Temple, Vitthal Temple, Lotus Mahal, Hospet, Matanga Hill, Tungabhadra Dam, Urga Narasinha, Anegundi, Hazara Rama, Temple, and Badami Caves. The best time to visit Hampi is from October to February. The nearest airport to Hampi is Bellary at 60 km. Badami is famous for rock-cut caves and structural temples. Hampi is a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for temples, ruins, forts, and other monuments of the Vijayanagar era. It is worth visiting the place. 2 days are required to explore the Hampi.
Virupaksha Temple
Virupaksha Temple is located in Hampi, Vijayanagara district of Karnataka state, India. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple has a shrine or holy place of worship, a hall with a number of pillars, and 3 antechambers. The specialty of the temple is that it is decorated with delicately carved pillars. The temple is surrounded by a pillared cloister, entrance gateway, courtyard, smaller shrine, and other structures. The Virupaksha Temple was built by Queen Lokamahadevi in 740 AD to celebrate the victory of her husband over the Pallavas of Kanchipuram. There is no dress code at Virupaksha Temple. The time of the temple is from 6 am to 7 pm.
Ruins of Hampi
Ruins of Hampi are located in Hampi of Vijayanagar district of Karnataka. It is very near to the modern-era city of Hosapete and the bank of River Tungabhadra. The ruins are spread over 4100 hectares of land. After the defeat of the Vijayanagar empire, the army of the Sultanate destroyed the beautiful city of Hampi and reduced it to ruins. The ruins are still there. The ruins of Hampi were brought to light in 1800 by Scottish Colonel Colin Mackenzie who was the first Surveyor General of India. All the ruins in Hampi are Hindu Monuments. The ruins of Hampi show that it was a well-fortified city in those days.
Shri Vijay Vitthala Temple
Shri Vijay Vitthala Gudi or simply Vitthala Temple is a Hindu Temple located in Nimbapura, Karnataka. Vitthal temple has wonderful architecture. This ancient monument is well known for its extraordinary architecture and craftsmanship. The architecture of the temple is in the most advanced form of any other temple in Hampi. This temple is famous for its stone chariot and musical pillars. The temple was built in the 15th century by King Devaraya II. It was dedicated to Lord Vishnu in the form of Vittala. The time of the temple is from 6.00 am to 6.40 pm.
Lotus Mahal
Lotus Mahal is also called Kamal Mahal or Chitragani Mahal. It is a two-storied structure built in Rubble masonry and finely plastered. It was surrounded by a rectangular wall and four towers. It is an example of architectural supremacy in Hampi. The name is given after its shape like a lotus. It was used as a residential palace by the royal families of the Vijayanagara Empire. It was built by the ruler of Vijayanagara Krishnadevraya for one of the two wives. Lotus Mahal is a virtual air conditioner residence. It is an important monument in Hampi. The timing of the Lotus Mahal is from 8.30 am to 5.30 pm.
Hospet
Hospet also known as Vijayanagara is located in the Karnataka district of India. It is also called Hosapete. The distance between Hospet and Hampi is 13 km. Hospet is famous for the historical ruins of the Vijayanagara Empire. It is also known as the Fort Town of Karnataka. It is located on the bank of the Tungabhadra river. It has a rich heritage, history, and sightseeing. The best places to visit in Hospet are Tungabhadra Dam, Lotus Mahal, Archeological Museum, Sanapur Lake, Hampi bazaar street, Hazara Rama temple, and Virupaksha temple.
Matanga Hill
Matanga Hill is the highest point in Hampi famous for watching the sunset and sunrise. It is the best spot to see the incredible aerial view of the Hampi and its surrounding from the top of the hill. The height of Matanga Hill is maybe 100 to 110 meters from sea level. It is located at a distance of 1 km from Hampi Bazaar. The only way to reach Matanga Hill is by trekking. The trek time is from 30 to 35 min. You have to climb nearly 500-odd stairs. According to Hindu mythology, the place was the hermitage of Sage Matanga in Ramayana. The Veerabhadra temple is situated at the top hill.
Tungabhadra Dam
Tungabhadra Dam is a water reservoir in the city of Hosapete Bellary district of Karnataka. The Tungabhadra Dam was built on the river Tungabhadra. It is the largest dam in the state of Karnataka. It is also known as Pampa Sager. The length of the dam is 2441 meters the and depth is 50 meters. The attraction at the Tungabhadra Dam is a sound and light show at night. Water from each of the 33 crests is given different colors. The time of sound and light show is from 7.15 pm to 8.30 pm each day.
Urga Narasimha
Urga Narasimha is the largest statue in Hampi and depicts Lord Narasimha in a terrifying or angry form. Narasimha means half man and the half lion and is one of the ten incarnations of Lord Shiva. This grand single-stone statue is known for its unique architecture. This statue is the top tourist attraction in Hampi. In this statue, Lord Narasimha is seated in a cross-legged Yogic posture on the coil of a magnanimous snake. The height of the statue is 6.7 meters and is a masterpiece of architecture. It is located 800 meters from the Hampi bus stand. This statue was built by krishnadevraya the ruler of the Tuluva Dynasty of Vijayanagara.
Sanapur Lake
Sanapur lake is a tourist attraction in Karnataka. This reservoir is fed by the Tungabhadra Dam canal. It is located in Sanapur village in Gangavathi taluka, Koppal district of Karnataka. Its blue water, placid atmosphere, and serene water soothe the soul. The natural lake is surrounded by hills and is the perfect place to relax. The distance between Hampi and Sanapur lake is 25 km. Sanapur lake is something different from Hampi. The things to do in Sanapur lake are coracle rides, cliff jumping, and boating. Another attraction at Sonapur Lake is a small beautiful waterfall just 5 minutes away from Sonapur Lake. Do not miss the lake and the waterfall.
Anegundi
Anegundi is a village in Karnataka. Anegundi previously called Kishkindha is located in Gangavathi taluk, Koppal district of Karnataka. It is older than Hampi. The village is renowned for its Ramayana significance, pre-historic rock art, and Vijayanagara-era monuments in ruins. The top places to visit in Anegundi are Anegundi Fort, Gagan Palace, and Kishkindha Water park. In addition to these, there are Some famous temples in Anegundi. The famous temples in Anegundi are Pampa Sarovar Laxmi Temple, Sri Chintamani Devalaya, Sri Anjaneya Temple, Sri Ranganathaswami Temple, and Jain Temple. The distance between Anegundi and Hampi is 19 km.
Hippie Island
Virupapur Village in Hampi is popularly known as Hippie Village or “Goa without beaches”. Hippie Island in Hampi is a river island tucked between boulders, hills, and a river stream flowing around it. The sunset point in Hippie island is a beautiful and serene place to enjoy the sunset. Hippie Island is located near Anegundi Village. Hippie Island is famous among backpackers for the reason of the illicit world of alcohol and drugs that happens there. The Hippie Island was destroyed/ demolished because some of the owners who lived and worked there for 20 years lost a legal battle with the state of Karnataka over the legality of their business.
Hazara Rama Temple
Hazara Rama Temple is a Hindu temple in Karnataka. The Hazara Rama Temple is located in Hampi. The temple is dedicated to Lord Rama. The meaning of Hazara means thousands of Rama. The 15th-century temple has intricate carvings depicting animals, people, and deities. This is the best example of art in those days. The temple was built by the king of that time Devraya II of Vijayanagara. The simple structure of the temple comprised the sanctum, pillared hall, and Ardha mandapa. The architecture of the temple is Vijayanagara style.
Elephant Stables
Elephant Stables is a historical landmark in Hampi, Karnataka. It has Indo Islamic structure. It was used as the shelter for the elephant of the royal families of the Vijayanagara Empire. The elephant stable was built by the artisan of the time of Deva Raya II in the 15th century AD. It is one of the least destroyed structures in Hampi and a major tourist attraction. The timing of the elephant stable is from 9.00 am to 5.30 pm.
Queen’s Bath
Queen’s Bath is a historical bathing chamber used by the king and his wives. It is believed to be constructed by Achyut Raya for the women of the royal families of Vijayanagara. It is a historical landmark in Hampi of Karnataka. Now this area is closed from October 2022 due to the hazardous condition of the ocean. It has a square structure, with a sunken pool in the middle surrounded by a pillared corridor, and window. The time of the Queen’s Bath is from 6 am to 6 pm.
Badami Cave Temples
Badami cave temples were carved out of red sandstone hills in the 6th and 7th centuries in a stunning natural setting. Badami is located in the Bagalkot district of Karnataka, India. Badami is famous for rock-cut caves, and structural temples. The famous temples in Badami are Bhutanatha Temple, Badami Shivalaya, Banashankari Temple, Mallikajuna Temple, and Jambulingesvera. Badami Fort is a renowned archeological hilltop ruin in Badami. In addition to these, Agastya Theertha Lake is one of the attractions in Badami. Really it is worth visiting the place. The architecture of the temples is Badami Chalukya architecture. The distance between Badami and Hampi is 145 km.
Best Time To Visit Hampi
Winter season from October to February is the best time to visit Hampi. The most enjoyable Hampi Festival is comes in the November. During these months the weather is cool and pleasant for outdoor sightseeing. The weather during summer is very hot and stifling.
How To Reach Hampi
The nearest airport to Hampi is Bellary located at a distance of 60 km. The nearest railway station to Hampi is Hospet at 13 km. The nearest international airport to Hampi is Bengaluru. From Bangalore to Hampi by road is an amazing experience.
I hope this information will be useful to you for planning a trip to Hampi and Badami located in the Karnataka state of India.
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