Hampi in the southern Indian state of Karnataka is a small heritage town with a magnificent past for it holds the ruins of the fabulous Vijayanagar Empire, one of India’s most powerful Hindu empires. Once a prosperous trading centre, Hampi today is an impressive rock strewn landscape and long-forgotten stables showing the passage of time here.
About Hampi :
Hampi is a village located in the north of Karnataka, amongst the ruins of the former capital of the Vijayanagara Empire, Vijayanagara. The town lies on the banks of the Tungabhadra River, 74 km away from Bellary. It is located atop a rugged terrain, 467 m above sea level.
The place is a significant religious centre of the Vijayanagara Empire due to the presence of the historic Virupaksha Temple along with many other monuments of the old city. UNESCO has listed the Vittal Temple and other ruins of the town of Hampi as a World Heritage Site.
Hampi was the capital city of the powerful South Indian Vijayanagar Empire . Founded by Harihara and Bukka in 1336, it fell to the Muslim rulers of North India in 1565 after the disastrous battle of Talikota and subsequently lapsed into decline and abandonment. The ruins of the historical monuments have stood the ravages of man and time and still evoke memories of the grandeur of a bygone era.
Attractions Hampi In Karnataka :
Hampi, Karnataka stands on the ruins of a long history. In fact, Hampi of Karnataka has a strong bearing on the rich kingdoms and empires that ruled in this region. Most of the sites at Hampi, Karnataka were built during the 16th century under the reign of Krishna Deva Raya.
Talking about the genesis of Hampi at Karnataka, it can be said that Hampi is a site where the mythological Kishkindha was stationed. It is said that Hampi, Karnataka was formed by the Vijaynagar kings between 1336-1565.
Some of the important locations worth seeing in Hampi, Karnataka are:
Virupaksha Temple – The temple forms a major site in Karnataka tourism; the mandapams and the painted ceilings are worth seeing. The temple, which remains opens from 8 am to 6:30 pm everyday, has a 9 storey gopuram and the temple is still in use by the local devotees.
Archaeological Museum – The Museum is situated at the southern part of the ruins of Kamalapuram. The museum remains open from 10 am to 5 pm everyday, except on Fridays.
Besides these major locations, there are other locations in and around Hampi, Karnataka such as:
Achyutaraya Temple
Akka Tangi Gudda
Anjeyanndri Hill
Badava Linga
Bhima’s Gate
Chandrashekara Temple
Ganagitti Temple
Hazra Rama Temple
Hemakuta Hill
Lotus Mahal
Malayavanta Raghunatha Temple
Octagonal Bath
Rishimukh, etc.
Hampi is known as ‘The City of Ruins’ for it houses the ruins of the Vijaynagar kingdom. In fact, it so happens that many a times Hampi in Karnataka is confused for the ruined city. Further, the ruins contained in the realms of Hampi, Karnataka is listed as the World Heritage Site.
History of Hampi :
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.
People and Culture of Hampi :
The place hosts the annual Vijayanagara Festival, organised every January by the Government of Karnataka. Popularly known as Hampi Utsav or Hampi Festival. This cultural affair is a mix of dance, music, drama, processions and a host of other events which take visitors back to the grandeur of the bygone days of the Vijaynagara Empire.
Along with this, the town is also famous for the Purandara Festival, which is held around the end of January to celebrate the birth anniversary of the poet Purandar, in the Vittal Temple.
Things to do in Hampi :
The popular Virupaksha Temple situated near the Hampi Bazaar is one of the oldest monuments of the town. Its top is 50 m from the ground with its main Shrine being dedicated to the Virupaksha form of Lord Shiva.
The Hemakuta Hill located at the south of this temple contains early ruins of the Jain Temples and a colossal idol of Lord Narasimha. The sightseeing areas of Hampi are divided into two regions namely the Hampi Bazaar and the Royal Centre, near Kamalapuram. The World Heritage Site of Hampi, the Vittal Temple, is located 2 km east of the Hampi Bazaar.
Travelling to Hampi :
Located at a distance of 60 km Bellary domestic airport, serves as the closest airport. Bangalore International Airport is the nearest international Airport at a distance of 350 km. Tourists can avail taxis from Bellary to Hampi and from Bangalore to Hampi. Bangalore airport is well connected to all major cities of India. Hospet railway station, at a distance of 13 km from Hampi is the nearest railhead. Hospet is well connected to Bangalore, Hyderabad and other major cities in Karnataka and neighboring states. Hampi is well connected by road through KSRTC bus services.
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