Hampi is hamlet in the Southern State of Karnataka, which is a historical place situated on the banks of River Tungabhadra. This hamlet has gained fame for the ruins and the temples built during the reign of Vijayanagara Empire. Hampi has been listed as the World Heritage site by UNESCO for its ruins. The history of Hampi is related with the historical Kishkindha, which is known for the ‘Vanara’ or Monkey Kingdom, whose reference is also there in the epic Ramayana.
Hampi was the settlement of main areas of the Vijayanagara Empire since 1336 to 1565. After this, these areas were persecuted by the Deccan Muslim Confederacy due to the decisive location of Hampi with the Tungabhadra River on one side and hills on the other three sides. The Archaeological Survey of India and other researchers also take deep interest in the place due to its historical and architectural significance. The region of Hampi is full of large stones, out of which the statues of Hindu gods and goddesses have been crafted. The town is also an important mining site due to the presence of several mineral deposits in this region. Some of the important India Travel places of India Travellers' interest are :
Vittala Temple
Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, Vittala temple is one of the most popular attractions of Hampi. This temple has as well been declared as World Heritage site by UNESCO for its architecture. The temple premises comprise several halls and shrines. The halls are famous for its astonishing pillars with the vibrant carvings on it and a set of pillars, known as ‘musical pillars,’ reverberates when tapped. A huge stone chariot complete with wheels carved out of stone stands in front of the main temple. The environment of this temple is packed with numerous smaller but metaphorical temples and a wide chariot street of the temple.
Royal Enclosure
The seat of the one-time kings, this is a fortified campus. Royal enclosure has an extensive area with the ruins of many stately structures that include Mahanavami Platform from where the king used to watch the annual parade of imperial majesty and military might. It also features numerous palace bases, underground temple, aquatic structures and the likes.
Riverside Ruins
Riverside ruins are a path that connects the ancient Hampi Bazaar to the Vittala temple. Numerous shrines, carved artifacts, ruins of ancient structures are scattered all around along this path. This path comprises 1 1008 Siva lings carved in a matrix like pattern on a sheet of boulder at the river shore.
Virupaksha Temple
This temple dedicated to the Hindu god of destruction, Lord Shiva, which is located at a riverbank. Virupaksha temple is believed to be one of the oldest active temples in India, built during the 7th century AD. This is as well one of the most sought-after place by the tourists and the pilgrims. The temple complex has the god’s sanctum, pillared halls and a series of giant entrance towers. This is one of the fine places to witness the Hindu religious functions in close proximity.
Matanga Hill
Matanga Hill, located in Hampi is well known for its connection with the epic Ramayana. It is a prominent tourist destination because of its temples and trekking tracks. Standing on the roof of Veerabhadra Temple on top of the Hill one gets a magnificent view of the city. People come here to view sunrise and sunset. River Tungabhadra, Achyuta Raya Temple and the Kodanda Rama temple are some other nearby religious attractions. Hill peak is on the southern side. Cart trail and Turthu canal can be seen from here. For trekking enthusiasts there are many tracks around Matanga Hill. Most popular track is one in the north starting from Humpi bazaar to Achyuta Raya Temple. Another trekking path in the west leads to the top from the bottom of the Hill and is in the form of a stepped ramp. There are no roads to the top. The Matanga Hill tour is free for all. There are no entrance fees or camera charges. However, the lighting being poor in the neighborhoods, a torch light will be handy for the tourists, if they plan to stay longer after sunset.
Hampi was the settlement of main areas of the Vijayanagara Empire since 1336 to 1565. After this, these areas were persecuted by the Deccan Muslim Confederacy due to the decisive location of Hampi with the Tungabhadra River on one side and hills on the other three sides. The Archaeological Survey of India and other researchers also take deep interest in the place due to its historical and architectural significance. The region of Hampi is full of large stones, out of which the statues of Hindu gods and goddesses have been crafted. The town is also an important mining site due to the presence of several mineral deposits in this region. Some of the important India Travel places of India Travellers' interest are :
Vittala Temple
Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, Vittala temple is one of the most popular attractions of Hampi. This temple has as well been declared as World Heritage site by UNESCO for its architecture. The temple premises comprise several halls and shrines. The halls are famous for its astonishing pillars with the vibrant carvings on it and a set of pillars, known as ‘musical pillars,’ reverberates when tapped. A huge stone chariot complete with wheels carved out of stone stands in front of the main temple. The environment of this temple is packed with numerous smaller but metaphorical temples and a wide chariot street of the temple.
Royal Enclosure
The seat of the one-time kings, this is a fortified campus. Royal enclosure has an extensive area with the ruins of many stately structures that include Mahanavami Platform from where the king used to watch the annual parade of imperial majesty and military might. It also features numerous palace bases, underground temple, aquatic structures and the likes.
Riverside Ruins
Riverside ruins are a path that connects the ancient Hampi Bazaar to the Vittala temple. Numerous shrines, carved artifacts, ruins of ancient structures are scattered all around along this path. This path comprises 1 1008 Siva lings carved in a matrix like pattern on a sheet of boulder at the river shore.
Virupaksha Temple
This temple dedicated to the Hindu god of destruction, Lord Shiva, which is located at a riverbank. Virupaksha temple is believed to be one of the oldest active temples in India, built during the 7th century AD. This is as well one of the most sought-after place by the tourists and the pilgrims. The temple complex has the god’s sanctum, pillared halls and a series of giant entrance towers. This is one of the fine places to witness the Hindu religious functions in close proximity.
Matanga Hill
Matanga Hill, located in Hampi is well known for its connection with the epic Ramayana. It is a prominent tourist destination because of its temples and trekking tracks. Standing on the roof of Veerabhadra Temple on top of the Hill one gets a magnificent view of the city. People come here to view sunrise and sunset. River Tungabhadra, Achyuta Raya Temple and the Kodanda Rama temple are some other nearby religious attractions. Hill peak is on the southern side. Cart trail and Turthu canal can be seen from here. For trekking enthusiasts there are many tracks around Matanga Hill. Most popular track is one in the north starting from Humpi bazaar to Achyuta Raya Temple. Another trekking path in the west leads to the top from the bottom of the Hill and is in the form of a stepped ramp. There are no roads to the top. The Matanga Hill tour is free for all. There are no entrance fees or camera charges. However, the lighting being poor in the neighborhoods, a torch light will be handy for the tourists, if they plan to stay longer after sunset.
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