Hampi: Where Ancient Stones Whisper Tales of a Glorious Past
Hampi, located in the southern state of Karnataka, is renowned for its stunning stone sculptures and ancient ruins. Besides being beautiful, these masterpieces hold immense historical and cultural significance. Among the numerous impressive sculptures, the most notable one is the monolithic statue of Lord Lakshmi Narasimha. Hampi is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and was once the capital of the mighty Vijayanagara Empire in the 14th century. Moreover, it is a treasure trove of ancient temples, palaces, and sculptures, making it a must-visit destination for history and art enthusiasts. So, are you ready to step back in time? Let us view the exquisite stone sculptures and explore the best places to visit in Hampi.
How To Reach Hampi
Hampi can be well-accessed by rail and road.
By Air
Hampi does not have an airport of its own. However, the nearest town Ballari, has an airport 64 km from Hampi. You can avail of flights from Bangalore, Chennai, and Mumbai.
By Rail
Hospet Junction is the nearest railway station (13km) to Hampi. Regular trains run from Bangalore, Hyderabad, and Goa. Also, Hampi Express, Amaravathi Express, and Haripriya Express are a few prominent trains.
By Road
Hampi is well-connected with the cities of Karnataka by bus. Besides Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC), many private and tourist buses ply regularly from neighboring cities and towns.
A treasure trove of Archaeological Wonders: Best Places To Visit In Hampi
Within the ruins of this ancient city, you can admire some of the most beautiful stone sculptures in India.
Lakshmi Narasimha Statue: First on our list of the best places to visit in Hampi is the massive Lakshmi Narasimha Statue. This magnificent monolithic sculpture depicts Lord Narasimha, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, in a half-man, half-lion form. Carved out of a single granite block, the statue stands at approximately 6.7 meters (22 feet). It was built in 1528 A.D. during the reign of the Vijayanagar Empire.
Furthermore, the craftsmanship and artistry of the sculpture are astounding. The deity is seated on the coils of a seven-headed giant serpent called Sesha or Adisesha. Likewise, the intricate carvings- Lord Narasimha’s mane, sharp teeth, and the demon Hiranyakashipu on his lap are striking. This remarkable statue is a testament to the artistic excellence of the sculptors of the Vijayanagar era. However, in 1565 A.D., the Mughals partially vandalized the gigantic statue.
Location: Southern side of the Hemakuta group of temples
Timings: 6 am to 6 pm, every day
Vittala Temple: This temple is a masterpiece of Vijayanagara architecture. The intricately carved stone chariot is a prime example of the sculptural expertise of that era. The temple complex also features musical pillars that emit musical notes when tapped gently. Isn’t that remarkable?
Virupaksha Temple: Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this temple is one of the oldest functioning temples in India. Virupaksha Temple is known for its impressive architecture and a 49-meter-tall gopuram (tower). Likewise, the temple with stunning stone carvings depicts various deities, mythological scenes, and animals.
Badavilinga Temple: Another temple dedicated to Lord Shiva houses a massive 3-meter-tall Shiva Linga, continually bathed in water. It is carved out of a single black stone and is a significant attraction in Hampi.
Achyutaraya Temple: The temple complex features a massive courtyard, grand architecture, and intricate carvings. Dedicated to Lord Tiruvengalanatha, a form of Lord Vishnu, it depicts scenes from the Ramayana and Mahabharata. Moreover, the beautiful surroundings make it a serene place to explore.
Moreover, Hazara Rama Temple and Monkey Temple are other places to visit in Hampi, where you can marvel at this exquisite craftsmanship.
Hampi: Where Spirituality Meets Stunning Landscapes
Hemakuta Hill: Enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding landscape and ancient ruins from the top of Hemakuta Hill. Thus, Hemakuta Hill is one of the best places to visit in Hampi that offers mesmerizing sunrise or sunset views.
Matanga Hill: Another excellent spot for sunrise and sunset views, Matanga Hill also has a small temple at the top. The hike can be steep, but the vistas are well worth it.
Royal Enclosure: Explore the ruins of the once-magnificent royal complex that houses the King’s Palace, the Queen’s Bath, the Durbar Hall, and other administrative structures. Thus, the Indo-Islamic-styled architectural remnants provide insight into the grandeur of the Vijayanagara Empire.
Lotus Palace: Another name added to the top places to visit in Hampi is the Lotus Palace. The beautiful palace, known as Kamal Mahal, served as a royal guesthouse for the queen. The two-storied structure resembles a lotus in bloom and is a striking example of the architectural prowess of the Vijayanagara Empire.
Elephant Stables: These grand domed chambers housed the royal elephants of the Vijayanagara Empire. The Indo-Islamic-styled arched entrances and ornate carvings on the walls make it a fascinating place to explore.
Tungabhadra River: Enjoy a coracle (round boat) ride on the Tungabhadra River to appreciate the scenic beauty of Hampi from a different perspective. You can also enjoy swimming in some areas.
Sanapur Lake: Another serene spot to relax and swim, Sanapur Lake is at a short distance from Hampi. Moreover, it is a great place to cool off after exploring the historical sites.
Archaeological Museum: Learn more about the history of Hampi by visiting the museum, which displays a collection of artifacts from the Hampi ruins.
Hampi Bazaar and Virupaksha Bazaar: These vibrant market streets are one of the best places to visit in Hampi. Visitors can shop for souvenirs, clothing, jewelry, and local handicrafts.
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Conclusion
Hampi offers a wealth of archaeological and architectural wonders, including ancient temples, palaces, and intricate carvings. Exploring the above-mentioned places to visit in Hampi is like stepping back in time to an era of artistic excellence and architectural splendor. Its rich history, stunning architecture, and incredible stone sculptures make it a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts and art lovers. Thus, exploring its ruins and soaking in the atmosphere of this ancient city is an experience that shouldn’t be missed.
FAQ’s
- What is a good time to visit Hampi?
October to February (winter season) is the best time to visit Hampi.
- Who built the Hampi architecture?
Hampi was the capital of the Vijayanagara Empire in the 14 century. King Devaraya II built the city from burnt bricks and local granite inspired by the Indo Islamic Architecture.
- What is Hampi in India famous for?
Hampi steeped in 14,000 years of history, is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is a treasure trove of ancient temples, palaces, and sculptures, making it a must-visit destination for history and art enthusiasts.
