Welcome to Hampi!
Hampi, this small town, is actually home to the architectural wonders of South India. Temples, towers, statues, ruins and the landscape of the place itself is a magic! Hampi, UNESCO recognized World Heritage Site in India and a place you might be calling as the best you have ever visited. Check out our Top 5 Must-See Places in Hampi!
1. Hampi Vijayanagara
This is a place of many temples located on a huge rock bed. Here you will find Sasivekalu Ganesha Temple, which houses a 2.4-meter statue of Ganesha, as well as many other small temples and shrines. Locals come to this place just to sit and relax while taking a glance at the Sri Virupaksha Temple from above. This is quite a large area to explore and great for taking amazing pics.
2. Sri Virupaksha Temple
Sri Virupaksha temple is believed to be the oldest functioning temple in India. This is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Virupaksha, an incarnation of Lord Shiva. After passing by the huge gateway towers you will enter a big courtyard. Most likely you will be surrounded by monkeys who will try to get from you any plastic bag you have. If you are lucky, on the left side of the courtyard you will see en elephant that is being fed or washed while tourists are making photos of it. This temple complex consists of many small rooms with deity statues inside them. Pilgrims from all across India are coming to visit this place. In the evening the candles are lit in the temple territory and the monkeys have calmed down, so this is the time you can enjoy relaxed atmosphere here.
3. Matanga Hill
Matanga Hill will give you some climbing experience as it is the highest peak in Hampi. You can get on top of the hill by two of its sides, but none of the trails are for proper trekking, so be careful! Though it is definitely worth any effort as even on the way up you will probably stop to get that moment of magnificence around you. Matanga Hill offers panoramic views of historical ruins and the area itself. Visit Veerabhadra Temple that is located just on top of the hill. This is not that popular place, so it’s possible you will be able to take a moment just for yourself and the beauty around!
4. Riverside Ruins
Hampi is located on the banks of the River Tungabhadra. Take a walk along the shore and you will be amazed by the beautiful scenery. You will see monkeys taking care of each other and boats offering relaxing rides. And not just that. You will be able to explore many more temples and shrines dedicated to Lord Vishnu and other Hindu Gods. At this point the territory itself seems endless. What a complex!
5. Hanuman Temple
Hanuman Temple, another famous religious site, is located on the top of the Anjaneya Hill, 4km from Hampi. This hill is considered as the birthplace of Lord Hanuman. To reach the temple from Hampi you will need to cross the river, several boats are available on the coast. Stairs are leading up the mountain, revealing picturesque views on the palm trees on the rice fields and rock formations. Remember that monkeys will be there around the temple and they might fight for a snack.
Hampi is not only a village, it is actually a vast territory and there are many more sites to visit, though these are the most stunning. If you are still willing to see as many as possible, take a tour – you will be able to find bicycle tours and auto-rikshas offering a ride around the temples. Rent a bike or bicycle to explore the sites in your own pace.
There is so much to do in Hampi! Take a look at the huge variety of traditional Indian products in local markets as woodcarvings, handmade aroma sticks, natural oil perfumes, clothes and souvenirs. Get up early for yoga class and enjoy movie or concert in the evening. Time flies so fast in this place, and you will probably be missing Hampi just after you leave!