Hampi

By ajaychaudhary2nd

Edit this page

Hampi, in north Karnataka, India is the site of the once-magnificent capital of the Vijayanagar Empire. The ruins are a UNESCO World Heritage site. Ruins still standing with magnificent carved temples are spread throughout a 26 km area. The small village of Hampi is situated on the picturesque Tungabhadra river, surrounded by large granite hills .

Hampi is connected by road to the nearby city of Hospet which has a railway station and major road highways passing through. The nearest airport is at Bellary

Religious Spots

Vithala Temple- The grandest structure created by the Vijayanagara rulers is the Vithala Temple, representing a high point of art and architecture of that period. This striking temple with its elaborate structure is dedicated to Vithala, an incarnation of Vishnu, the preserver and second God in the Hindu Trinity.

Virupaksha Temple- The Sacred Centre, on the southern bank of the river Tungabhadra is dominated by the magnificent Virupaksha Temple, dedicated to Virupaksha also known as Pampapati, an incarnation of Lord Shiva. This temple is functional even today and the road that leads to the temple is used for the annual Chariot festival held during February. A path from here will take you to the Kodandarama temple with its images of Rama, Lakshmana and Sita. The bathing ghats here are believed to be the holiest.

Hazara Rama Temple- The Hazara Rama Temple, dedicated to Lord Rama, Lakshmana and Devi Sita was built by Deva Raya I, a Vijayanagara king in the 15th century. The prefix - Hazara has been added to the name owing to a large number of Ramayana panels on the walls. The intricate carvings on the temple include the narrative episodes from Ramayana, a great Hindu epic. Scenes like Dasaratha performing a sacrifice to beget sons, the birth of Rama, his exile into the forest, the abduction of Sita and the ultimate fight between Rama and Ravana are all carved in a colorful manner.

Temple of Achyuta Raya- The Achyuta Raya temple is one of the major Hindu temple complexes in Hampi and is dedicated to Tiruvengalanatha, the form of Vishnu that is venerated at Tirupati. Its towering gopuras are clearly visible from the summit of the Matanga Hill. The temple complex has Kalyana Mantapa, located at the northwestern corner; it organizes marriage ceremonies.

Krishna Temple- The Krishna temple is an architectural marvel erected in the early 16th century during the reign of Krishnadeva Raya. Situated to the south of Hemakuta Hill, it has partly ruined gopura and carved pillars.

Museums

Archeological Museum- A road proceeds from the Vithala temple to the village of Kamalapuram, where the archaeological museum is located. The museum has four galleries enclosing a model of Hampi valley with a corridor all around.

Opening Hours: 10.00 am to 5.00 pm (Closed on – Friday)
Entrance Fee: Rs 5/- per head (Children up to 15 years free)

Nature
Hemakuta Hill- The road that runs south from Hampi town, through the sacred centre, leads up Hemakuta Hill scattered with early Vijayanagara shrines. A huge image of Lorg Ganesha carved out from a single boulder marks the top of the ridge. The view of the surrounding village from the hilltop is outstanding.

Other places
AnegondiAnegondi - a historic village lies on the opposite bank of the river Tungabhadra. The village is connected by a bridge constructed on the Tungabhadra River. An important settlement before Vijayanagar Empire, Anegondi still preserves its old dilapidated palaces, temples and bathing ghats. One of the magnificent palaces that resembles the Lotus Mahal of Hampi is the Kalyan Mahal standing on the central square. Nearby, you can see temples and massive walls date back to 14th century. The village is also of interest owing to its traditional mud-clad houses and fine river views.


Air: Hampi has no airport of its own; the nearest airport is Bellary about 75 kms away.

Rail: Hospet is the nearest railway station and is 13 km from Hampi. Express and local trains are available from Bangalore, Hyderabad, Hubli and Bijapur. For more information on railways,

Road: Hampi is well connected by buses. Private and state owned buses ply regularly from Hampi to Bangalore and many more destinations within the state and to the neighboring states. Hospet is the nearest town that provides easy accommodation to the tourists visiting Hampi.

Distance Chart
Bangalore 350 kms
Belgaum 190 kms
Bellary 74 kms
Hospet 17 kms

http://www.karnatakaonline.in/TouristPlaces/Places/Hampi.asp




Edit this page