The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hampi is a city of ruins. This historical treat for visitors is located in the shadowy depths of hills and valleys in the state of Karnataka. Hampi is a backpacker’s paradise, with 500 historic structures, stunning temples, lively street markets, bastions, treasury buildings, and intriguing ruins of the Vijayanagar Empire. Hampi is a popular method to observe the city from the perspective of its history, with over 100 spots to explore.
Around 1500 AD, Hampi was the capital of the Vijayanagar empire and, according to some estimates, the world’s second-biggest metropolis. Its prominence waned throughout the years, and today you may explore the ruins of several temples and other monuments scattered across a large region. The environment surrounding Hampi is as enigmatic as the ruins themselves: the city is surrounded by rocks of all sizes, which you can climb to the top of with a little effort for a spectacular perspective of the city and surrounding geography. It is situated by the Tungabhadra River. Book your affordable stay at evolve back Hampi and enjoy your holidays.
Is there a good time to visit Hampi?
The winter season, from October to February, is the greatest time to visit Hampi. Except during peak afternoons, the temperature remains reasonably temperate, making it ideal for touring the World Heritage Site. In November, several of the most prominent events, such as the Vijaya Utsav (Hampi Festival), take place.
Throughout the year, Hampi is usually mild and dry. Summers offer scorching hot temperatures, making March to June a poor time to travel. Monsoons provide average but variable rainfall, keeping temperatures cool but humid. Visit Hampi during the monsoon season, which begins in July and lasts till September.
Virupaksha Temple in Hampi
On the banks of the Tungabhadra river in Hampi stands the Virupaksha temple (or Prasanna Virupaksha temple). The temple was built in the 7th century and is now a UNESCO World Heritage site due to its exquisite architecture and history. Lord Virupaksha, one of Lord Shiva’s manifestations, resides in the temple. It was formerly a modest shrine in the center of the historic and grand Vijayanagara kingdom and is now located in Hampi. Beautiful stone inscriptions from the 7th century may be seen on the temple’s walls, demonstrating the temple’s long history. Visitors who enjoy architecture and history should pay a visit to the temple while in Hampi.
Vithala Temple
The Vithala Temple, Hampi’s most beautiful monument, comes from the 16th century and is a genuinely magnificent example of opulent construction. The famed stone chariot, which has become an iconic emblem of Hampi architecture, is housed inside the temple’s grounds.
The temple complex encompasses a large area. The entrance gate enters into a spacious courtyard with the famed stone chariot in the center and features an outstanding arch with sculptures. The main temple, which is immediately beyond the chariot and has magnificent sculptures, is located just behind it. There are numerous additional tiny temples within the courtyard that are all well worth visiting. These temples’ carvings on the walls/pillars show numerous gods in diverse shapes.
Hampi’s Lotus Palace
The Lotus Palace in Hampi is one of the city’s most famous sights. This palace, which is located within the Zenana Enclosure, was the designated place for the royal women of the Vijayanagara Empire and is named from the way the edifice appears like a lotus in bloom. The Lotus Mahal rises towering in its courtyard, widely regarded as one of the few structures in Hampi that have survived both Mughal assaults and the ravages of time.
Monkey temple
The picturesque Yantradharaka Hanuman Temple, popularly known as the Monkey Temple, is located on top of Anjaneya Hill, about 2 kilometers from the Virupaksha Temple. Lord Hanuman is honored in this 500-year-old shrine. Sri Vyasaraja, the Vijayanagara Kingdom’s Rajaguru and a Dwaita philosopher, was the one who installed Lord Hanuman’s idol in the temple. The Monkey Temple, one of the most well-known sites on Anjeyanadri Hill, is revered by Hindus as a sacred site.
The temple is positioned on top of a hill and requires 570 stairs to access it. The spectacular sights and nice air more than compensate for the steepness of the climb. It is quite common to see elderly folks climbing with vigor and determination. Just 5 minutes away from the Yantrodharaka Temple is a modest temple devoted to Lord Srinivasa, a manifestation of Lord Vishnu. Sri Vyasaraja carved his idol out of wood. Some snakestones lay beneath a fig tree in front of the Hanuman Temple, and they are also venerated. It is a must-see destination for all environmental and religious enthusiasts.
Island of Hippies
While most tourists stay at Tungabhadra’s south bank, where most of the ruins are, others prefer the north bank, which has a thriving hippy culture. Virapapur Gadde, also known as Hippie Island, is a tiny island in the Tungabhadra River. Traveling to the island by coracle or boat takes 5 minutes. At 5.30 p.m., the last boat to the island departs. Hippie Island (Virupapur Gadde), a backpacker’s paradise, is the epitome of scenic beauty and is noted for its laid-back atmosphere and lodges.
Queen’s bath
This aquatic enclosure, which was once part of the Royal Enclosure, served as the Royal Bath during the Vijayanagara Empire. It was designed to prevent strangers from entering the spa. The Royal Bath, which is almost 500 years old, continues to attract tourists and is known for its delicately constructed balconies and other features. The Royal Bath is unique in that it has no ceiling and is completely open to the elements. The structure, however, has lost much of its luster since it was attacked during the Mughal assaults that ultimately to Hampi’s demise. A well-kept grass area is located directly in front of the bathing facility, and it is now frequented by many people.
Conclusion
This was a complete guide to help you enjoy your trip to the city of Hampi. Pack your bags and book your affordable stay at evolve back Hampi for a happy vacation.
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