“If dreams were made out of stone, it would be Hampi”

Hampi the erstwhile capital of Vijayanagara kingdom (14th century empire) in India is full of delightful surprises. It is Situated on the banks of the river tungabhadra in karnataka.

Hampi is known for its architecture and art wonders. It is a world famous heritage tourism destination and one of the 16 UNESCO recognised World Heritage Sites in India.
The genesis of the place known today as Hampi dates back to the age of the Hindu epic Ramayana when it was the site of Kishkinda, a monkey kingdom. It was the kingdom of Bali, Sugriva’s brother.
Hampi is time travel. It offers to the tourist a reminder of the greatest land in the whole world. Every rock, every path and every monument at Hampi speak the same language; a language of glory and beauty.
Vijaynagar
Vijaynagar empire was the capital of the largest empire in the post-mogul India and covered many states. It stretched over at least 3 states – Maharashtra, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. It also became renowned for re-establishment of Indian culture, its support for music, art and literature. With the prime purpose of caring for the people and their welfare, this empire stretched physically covering Karnataka, Andhra and Maharashtra and became a by-word for golden rule.
“A Forgotten Empire” by Robert Sewell is an interesting book which describes the rise and fall of Vijayanagar empire. It seems at one point of time, diamonds were sold on the streets of this empire.
The Moghul Invaders destroyed a large part of Vijaynagar in 1565. It is in ruins today, but this capital city once boasted riches that were known far beyond the shores of India.

Hampi overview

Set amidst an awesome boulder-strewn landscape along the banks of the Tungabhadra river 12km away from the sleepy town of Hospet in Bellary district, Hampi was the magnificent capital of the mighty Vijayanagar kingdom. Hampi is situated at 74 kms from the city Bellary and 13 km from Hospet city in Karnataka.

Hampi formed one of the cores of the capital of the Vijayanagara empire from 1336 to 1565. Hampi was chosen because of its strategic location, bounded by the torrential Tungabhadra river on one side and surrounded by defensible hills on the other three sides.
The ruins of Hampi lie scattered in about 26 sq. km area. The area is simply stunning and you will be in awe of the millions of boulders surrounding the area. However, within this arid landscape lies a little oasis with lush palm, banana and mango trees nestled near the river.
The site is of great importance in terms of architecture and historical significance. The demography is abundant with large stones which have been utilized to make larger than life statues of Hindu deities. One can see a structure of historic importance every quarter of a mile.
The name is derived from Pampa, which is the old name of the Riverton whose banks the city is built. The name “Hampi” is an anglicized version of the Kannada Hampe (derived from Pampa). Over the years, it has also been referred to as Vijayanagara and Virupakshapura

Sites of Interest

Hampi is a visual delight, especially due to its stark contrast from most other places. Rocks are all you see whichever direction you look at. Vegetation is visible in the wet months; but again it never dominates the landscape. It is an ideal spot for people who are interested in history and/or nature.
There are many sites of interest in and around Hampi. The must-visits are Virupaksha Temple, Hampi Bazaar, Monolith Bull, Lakshmi Narasimha temple, Hemakuta Hill temples, Big Shivlinga, Vithala Temple (the famous Stone Chariot is located here), Hazara Rama Temple, Royal Enclosures, Queen’s Bath, Zanana Enclosure (which also houses the Lotus Mahal), Elephant Stables, Achyut Raya temple, Statue of Ugra Narsimha, Virupaksha Temple, Mahanavmi Dibba, the Stepped Bath and the Matanga Hill (from where one can see the most beautiful sun set ever).
The splendid remains of palaces and gateways of the broken city tell a tale of men infinite talent and power of creativity together with his capacity for senseless destruction.

Virupaksha Temple

The Virupaksha Temple rises majestically at the western end of the famous Hampi Bazaar. The temple has a 120 feet tall tower on its eastern entrance.
It is also known as the Pampapathi temple, it is a Shiva temple situated in the Hampi Bazaar. It predates the founding of the Vijayanagar empire. The temple has a 160-foot (49 m) high tower at its entrance. The temple contains the shrines of Shiva, Pampa and Bhuvaneswari.
The Hampi Bazaar,

35 yards wide and nearly 800 yards long was known to be a “very beautiful street with very beautiful houses”.
Vithala Temple Complex
 The most splendid monument of Hampi is undoubtedly the Vithala Temple Complex with its 56 musical pillars. To the east of the hall is the famous Stone Chariot with stone wheels that actually revolve.
House of Victory
It was built when Krishnadeva Raya came back from his victorious expedition against the King of Orissa. The kings of Vijayanagar used to sit on a grand throne in the House of Victory and witness the nine-day Dushara festival.
King’s Balance

Hampi is also full of surprises: like the King’s Balance where kings were weighed against grain, gold or money which was then distributed to the poor, the Queen’s Bath, a swimming pool, 50 ft. long and 6 ft. deep, with its arched corridors, projecting balconies and lotus-shaped fountains that once sprouted perfumed water.

Local Festivals:
The Vijayanagar Festival organized by the Government of Karnataka in November-December recreates the grandeur of the bygone era.
Best time to visit:

 October to March. You could use Hospet as your base to visit Hampi. The nearest railway station is Hospet Junction (IR station code : HPT), 13 km away. The nearest airport is at Bellary.